Job Description
Job Description
Cafe & Retail Market Manager
San Diego, California
Compensation: $5,858 to $5,988 per month
BENEFITS
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
University Retirement Contribution
Paid Time Off
Ten Paid Holidays
Professional Development & Tuition Opportunities
Access to On-Campus Fitness Centers
Advancement Opportunities
Employee Discounts
Complimentary Shift Meals
Uniform Provided
Minimal Late Night Hours
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking an energetic and guest-focused Cafe & Retail Market Manager to oversee the daily operations of Tu Mercado, a vibrant campus marketplace located at the University of San Diego.
Tu Mercado is much more than a convenience store. It combines a neighborhood café, grab-and-go market, deli, coffee destination, and campus retail shop into one welcoming environment serving students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors throughout the day.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hospitality or retail leader who enjoys working with people, leading teams, creating exceptional guest experiences, and managing a business that blends café service with retail operations.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Cafe & Retail Market Manager is responsible for overseeing all daily operations of Tu Mercado, including its café, fresh grab-and-go offerings, deli items, coffee program, snacks, beverages, convenience merchandise, school essentials, and retail displays.
This leader will oversee staffing, merchandising, inventory management, financial performance, food safety, and guest satisfaction while creating a clean, welcoming, and engaging shopping experience for every guest.
The ideal candidate enjoys leading from the floor, coaching employees, improving operations, and delivering outstanding customer service in a fast-paced environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Operations Leadership
Oversee all daily café and retail market operations
Lead front-of-house service while maintaining exceptional hospitality standards
Ensure fresh food, grab-and-go products, beverages, and retail merchandise are consistently stocked, organized, and presented
Monitor product quality, freshness, cleanliness, and visual merchandising
Coordinate daily opening, closing, and operational procedures
Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting environment throughout the market
Retail & Merchandising
Manage retail merchandising, seasonal displays, and promotional initiatives
Ensure shelves, coolers, and displays remain fully stocked and visually appealing
Monitor inventory levels and coordinate product ordering
Partner with vendors and suppliers to maximize product selection and availability
Identify opportunities to improve product assortment and guest satisfaction
Café & Guest Experience
Deliver an outstanding café and retail experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors
Support coffee, deli, and fresh food operations while maintaining speed and quality
Resolve guest concerns professionally and create positive customer interactions
Promote a welcoming environment that encourages repeat business and community engagement
Financial & Inventory Management
Manage inventory, purchasing, labor scheduling, and operating expenses
Monitor sales performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability
Maintain accurate inventory controls while minimizing waste and product loss
Review operational reports and implement action plans to improve performance
Team Leadership
Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop team members
Create employee schedules that support operational needs
Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching
Build a positive culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and exceptional guest service
Develop future supervisors and leaders
Food Safety & Compliance
Maintain the highest standards of food safety and sanitation
Ensure compliance with university policies and health department regulations
Monitor temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and food handling procedures
Maintain a safe environment for both guests and employees
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business, Food Service Management, Retail Management, or a related field preferred
Equivalent leadership experience will be considered
Minimum four years of retail, café, coffee shop, grocery, hospitality, or food service management experience
Minimum three years of leadership experience
Experience managing café operations, grab-and-go food service, convenience retail, specialty grocery, or similar environments preferred
Strong financial acumen with experience managing labor, inventory, purchasing, and operating costs
Knowledge of merchandising, inventory management, and customer service best practices
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Food Service Manager Certification required
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and campus special events
IDEAL BACKGROUNDS
Coffee Shops
Campus Dining
University Retail
Grab-and-Go Markets
Specialty Grocery
Whole Foods
Trader Joe's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Starbucks
Peet's Coffee
Airport Retail
Hotel Marketplace Operations
Fresh Food Markets
Fast Casual Restaurant Management
Retail Food Service
WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY STANDS OUT
This is an outstanding opportunity to lead one of the University of San Diego's most popular campus destinations. Tu Mercado combines the energy of a neighborhood café with the convenience of a retail market, offering fresh food, coffee, grab-and-go meals, snacks, beverages, and campus essentials in a welcoming environment.
You'll have the opportunity to lead a close-knit team, make a meaningful impact on the campus community, enjoy exceptional university benefits, and build a long-term career with one of the nation's premier higher education dining programs.