Job title: Area Manager
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reports to: Director of Retail
FLSA Status: Exempt
Wage: $90,000 - $100,000 + bonus incentives
The Area Manager is a strategic, hands-on leader responsible for the operational performance, financial success, and overall guest experience across multiple Alfred locations. Serving as a key partner to Cafe Managers, the Area Manager drives operational consistency, strengthens team performance, and ensures every cafe delivers the quality, hospitality, and experience that define the Alfred brand.
This role requires a strong balance of business acumen, people leadership, and operational expertise. The Area Manager is responsible for developing high-performing Cafe Managers, identifying opportunities for growth and improvement, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous development.
What You'll Do
Operational & Financial Excellence
- Drive operational and financial performance across assigned cafes, optimizing sales, profitability, and efficiency.
- Uphold Alfred’s standards for hospitality, food and beverage quality, cleanliness, and brand consistency.
- Monitor key performance indicators, including sales, labor, inventory, waste, and Cafe Quality Assurance (CQA) scores.
- Conduct regular cafe visits to assess performance, identify opportunities, and strengthen accountability.
- Lead the execution of company initiatives, menu launches, operational procedures, and training programs.
- Ensure regulatory compliance and promptly escalate workplace incidents, employee relations concerns, and operational risks.
Team Leadership & Development
- Coach and develop Cafe Managers, setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and driving accountability.
- Identify and cultivate emerging leaders through succession planning and internal growth opportunities.
- Partner with Recruiting and People Teams on hiring, staffing, employee relations, and retention.
- Foster a positive, inclusive culture that promotes engagement, collaboration, and accountability.
- Maintain an active field presence, providing hands-on support and resolving operational challenges.
Guest Experience & Brand Standards
- Champion Alfred's hospitality standards, ensuring a consistent and exceptional guest experience across all locations.
- Partner with Cafe Managers to resolve escalated guest concerns and identify opportunities to improve service.
- Leverage guest feedback, CQA results, and operational observations to continuously elevate the cafe experience.
Financial Performance & Business Operations
- Support sales growth and profitability by managing labor, inventory, supplies, and operational expenses.
- Execute promotions, seasonal launches, and business initiatives effectively within the cafe.
- Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, customer experience, and store profitability.
Community & Cross-Functional Engagement
- Collaborate with Marketing and Cafe Managers on community outreach, local partnerships, and promotional initiatives.
- Communicate cafe performance, staffing updates, operational challenges, and opportunities to leadership.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support business needs and company goals..
What You’ll Bring
- 5+ years of management experience in retail, hospitality, or food and beverage; multi-unit leadership experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success driving operational excellence, financial performance, and team development.
- Strong business acumen with experience managing sales, labor, inventory, and profitability.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coach, influence, and hold teams accountable.
- Passion for hospitality, coffee culture, and delivering a consistent, high-quality guest experience aligned with Alfred's brand standards.
- Highly organized, proactive, and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing priorities, follow through on commitments, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, with the ability to travel regularly between assigned cafe locations.
Benefits & Perks
- Base salary: $90,000 - $100,000 + bonus incentives
- Medical, Dental, & Vision insurance packages
- 401(k) plan (after 12 months of employment)
- Vacation PTO & Sick time accrual
- Employee discounts
- Free coffee & pastry during work hours
- Monthly coffee/tea bag take home
- Open Path Collective Therapy reimbursement
About Alfred
Alfred first opened in 2013 on Melrose Place with a singular vision: to become the neighborhood coffee shop of LA. Fueled by consistent innovation, everyday excellence, and creative partnerships, Alfred delivers a whole experience – all part of our ongoing mission to invite everyone into our world and give them every reason to stay. With more than 20 locations across Los Angeles and beyond, Alfred continues to set the bar for coffee culture worldwide.