Opening Café Manager - Canmore

Location: Canmore, Alberta

Employment Type: Full-Time

Target Start: Ideally by November 1, 2026

Opening: December 2026

The Opportunity

We are partnering with an established hospitality group to find an Opening Café Manager for a new premium café opening in Canmore this December.

This is an opportunity to help build a location from the ground up, including supporting pre-opening setup, hiring and developing the team, and establishing strong day-to-day operations.

The successful candidate will have meaningful autonomy while being supported by an experienced operations, culinary, coffee, HR, and finance team.

The Café Manager is responsible for the overall operation, profitability, and guest experience of the café. This role provides leadership to the café team, ensuring exceptional customer service, operational excellence, food safety compliance, staff development, and achievement of financial

goals. The Café Manager fosters a positive team culture while maintaining high standards of quality, cleanliness, and efficiency.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operations Management

• Oversee daily café operations inclusive of culinary to ensure smooth and efficient service
• Ensure exceptional guest experiences and promptly resolve customer concerns
• Monitor product quality, presentation, and consistency
• Maintain café cleanliness, organization, and compliance with health and safety standards
• Ensure all opening, closing, and cash-handling procedures are followed

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, onboard, train, coach, and develop café team members
• Create employee schedules that support operational needs and labour targets
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback and coaching
• Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture
• Support employee engagement and retention initiatives

Financial Management

• Manage labour costs, food costs, and operating expenses
• Monitor daily sales and key performance indicators KPIs
• Analyze financial reports and implement strategies to improve profitability
• Perform inventory count and data input
• Manage inventory levels and oversee ordering to minimize waste and shortages
• Participate in budget planning and forecasting

Food Production, Safety & Compliance

• Oversee and assist as required the production of food items of the café consistent with established quality standards
• Ensure compliance with Alberta Health Services regulations and food safety standards
• Maintain accurate records related to food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety
• Conduct regular inspections and corrective actions as required
• Ensure compliance with company policies and employment standards

Guest Experience & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with guests and the local community
• Promote café offerings, seasonal features, and special events
• Support marketing initiatives and local partnerships
• Represent the café professionally within the Canmore community

Qualifications Required

• 3–5 years of management experience in a café, restaurant, bakery, or hospitality environment
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills
• Proven experience managing labour, inventory, and operational budgets
• Excellent customer service and conflict-resolution abilities
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Proficiency with POS systems and Microsoft Office applications
• Valid Alberta Food Safety Certification (or ability to obtain)

Preferred

• Experience in a bakery-café environment
• Knowledge of specialty coffee and café operations
• Experience in a high-volume hospitality setting
• First Aid Certification

Working Conditions

• Flexible work schedule, including the ability to work evening and weekends
• Works with company employees and general public on continual basis
• Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computers and peripherals
• Lifting or moving up to 50lbs may be required
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time

Candidates must already be legally authorized to work in Canada. Employer sponsorship and LMIA support are not available for this position.