This isn't just about running shifts – it's about developing people, maintaining excellence, and building something meaningful alongside a team that genuinely cares about what they do. Since 2006, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has been serving San Diego the best possible coffee while supporting farms socially, economically, and environmentally.

Assistant General Manager – Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Location: 947 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA, 92024
Employment Type: Full-Time (32–40 hours/week), tipped; weekends and select holidays required
Reports To: General Manager and Regional Operations Manager


About Bird Rock Coffee Roasters


Since 2006, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has been serving San Diego the best possible coffee while supporting farms socially, economically, and environmentally. We're more than a coffee company – we're a community of people committed to quality, genuine hospitality, integrity, and continuous improvement.


The Opportunity


We're looking for an Assistant General Manager who's ready to step into cafe leadership and grow with us. This isn't just about running shifts – it's about developing people, maintaining excellence, and building something meaningful alongside a team that genuinely cares about what they do. You'll get hands-on experience in business operations and cafe management while driving the team to meet customer service and product standards that build loyalty and deliver measurable results.


What You'll Do


Management-Focused Responsibilities:

• Exemplify above-and-beyond customer service as a role model for other staff members
• Display continued curiosity in coffee and serve an exceptional product
• Initiate inclusive coffee conversations with team members
• Accurately take inventory and place orders while being mindful of the cost of goods
• Coach and train team members, and provide feedback that helps them grow
• Help the General Manager manage the schedule, monitoring daily labor and sales results to stay within targets
• Assist the General Manager in finding coverage for any uncovered shifts
• Split cash tips accurately among the team
• Troubleshoot problems swiftly using the correct channels
• Communicate clearly, positively and proactively with the General Manager, team members and guests
• Participate in disciplinary discussions
• Work with the General Manager to build a working knowledge of cafe financials, including COGs, profitability and performance metrics
• Communicate with the maintenance team when equipment is not functioning properly
• Display enthusiasm and a desire to meet and exceed objectives

What We're Looking For


Required skills

• Multi-tasking skills
• Ability to maintain composure in a fast-paced environment
• Problem-solving skills
• Punctual and dependable
• Drive for results
• Ability to think about the bigger picture
• Cash handling skills
• Supervisor experience (1–2 years)

Preferred qualifications

• Retail/customer service experience (3 years)
• Cafe/food service experience (2–3 years)
• Specialty coffee knowledge (1–2 years)

You'll Thrive Here If You

• Care deeply about coffee quality and attention to detail
• Communicate directly, kindly, and authentically
• Want to understand the business, not just run shifts
• Lead with curiosity and a growth mindset
• Value building real relationships with your team and guests
• Take pride in creating excellent experiences

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.


Compensation: This is a tipped position with an Hourly range of $19.00 – $21.00 per hour


What We Offer

• Competitive compensation, plus tips
• Health benefits (for eligible positions) and 401(k) with matching
• Free coffee (obviously) while on shift, a weekly coffee bean allowance, and 35% off cafe purchases
• Access to professionally led cuppings and one-on-one barista training
• Ongoing training and professional development