General Manager – Cafe Operations & Growth

About the Opportunity NovelTea is an established independent café in Truro, Nova Scotia, with a strong community presence and a commitment to quality, customer experience and continued growth. We're seeking an exceptional General Manager who can take ownership of café operations, develop a high-performing team and drive business success. This is not simply a shift management position. We're looking for a proactive, experienced leader who understands business performance, takes initiative, holds high standards and is passionate about building a workplace where both employees and customers thrive. While coffee industry experience is an asset, strong management experience, financial awareness and proven leadership ability are essential. Key Responsibilities Business Leadership & Financial Performance Take ownership of daily café operations, ensuring efficiency, consistency and profitability. Manage labour budgets, employee scheduling and staffing efficiency. Monitor sales performance and work toward established revenue and profitability targets. Oversee inventory, purchasing, ordering and supplier relationships. Identify opportunities to increase sales, control costs and improve business performance. Team Leadership & Development Lead recruitment, onboarding, training and ongoing employee development. Build a motivated, engaged and accountable team. Establish and maintain consistent operating procedures and service standards. Provide regular coaching, feedback and performance management. Create a positive workplace culture where employees take pride in their work. Coffee, Food & Operational Excellence Develop a thorough understanding of specialty coffee, including equipment, preparation methods, extraction and roasting fundamentals. Work hands-on alongside the team, particularly during busy service periods. Ensure exceptional consistency in drink preparation, food presentation and customer service. Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organization and attention to detail. Lead seasonal drink development, menu planning and new product initiatives. Oversee merchandising and encourage effective sales of retail coffee equipment and products. Customer Experience & Growth Deliver an exceptional customer experience and continually improve service standards. Build customer loyalty and encourage positive customer reviews. Identify new opportunities for revenue growth, promotions and operational improvements. Take initiative, solve problems independently and follow through on results. Qualifications Required Proven management experience with responsibility for leading employees and overseeing daily operations. Experience managing budgets, controlling labour costs and working toward sales targets. Strong organizational, problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to consistent quality standards. Demonstrated ability to train, motivate and hold teams accountable. A proactive, solutions-focused approach with strong business judgment. Willingness to learn café operations from the ground up and work alongside employees. Considered Assets Management experience in hospitality, restaurants, cafés or retail. Knowledge of specialty coffee, food service or retail merchandising. Experience with purchasing, inventory management and product development. We welcome applications from experienced managers in other industries who can demonstrate strong leadership, operational success and a genuine interest in learning the coffee business. What We Offer Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications. Meaningful responsibility and the opportunity to influence business decisions. An established independent business with opportunities for continued growth. A collaborative workplace where initiative and new ideas are valued. A long-term leadership opportunity for someone who wants to make a measurable impact. How to Apply Please submit your résumé alo…

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