Charlotte's Coffee House

Dubuque, Iowa  |  Three Locations

JOB DESCRIPTION

Assistant Manager

Reports To:  Location Manager / General Manager

Employment Type:  Full -Time Management Role

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Assistant Manager is a working leadership role at Charlotte's Coffee House — meaning this person leads from the floor, not from the sidelines. This is not a title; it's a commitment. The right candidate is someone who shows up ready to work alongside their team, pull shots, run the floor, take inventory, and step into any position the operation needs. They are cross-trained in every role and are expected to be proficient across all of them.

We are looking for dedicated, dependable individuals who take genuine pride in what they do and are invested in Charlotte's mission: to be the living room of the community. If you are looking for a role where your effort, ownership, and growth are recognized and rewarded — we want to hear from you.

Core Responsibilities

Working Floor Management (2 Days Per Week)

• Serve as the manager on duty while actively working alongside the team on the floor
• Step into any position needed — bar, register, drive-thru, food prep, or support — to keep operations running smoothly
• Ensure all team members are on task and delivering the level of service and warmth Charlotte's is known for
• Address customer concerns, process refunds without hesitation, and resolve issues with professionalism and care
• Monitor cleanliness, ambiance, music, and overall atmosphere to uphold Charlotte's welcoming environment
• Enforce handbook policies including dress code, punctuality, and conduct standards — by example first
• Open or close the location as needed, including securing the building and arming the alarm system
• Debrief with the Location Manager after each managed shift, communicating any incidents or noteworthy updates

Cross-Training & Operational Proficiency

The Assistant Manager is expected to be fully cross-trained and able to confidently perform in all positions, including:

• Barista & espresso bar — crafting drinks to Charlotte's quality standards with consistent presentation
• Register & customer-facing service — handling transactions, phone inquiries, and in-person interactions
• Drive-thru operations (Hartig & Cedar Cross locations)
• Food preparation and kitchen support (Cedar Cross & White Street locations)
• Opening and closing procedures for all applicable locations
• Training support — modeling correct techniques and standards for newer team members
• Willingness to cross-train at multiple locations as operational needs require

Inventory Management

• Conduct regular inventory counts for supplies, coffee products, food items, and merchandise
• Track inventory levels and flag low-stock items to prevent shortages during service
• Communicate inventory needs to the Location Manager or ownership in a timely manner
• Assist with receiving orders — verifying accuracy against purchase orders and logging new stock
• Identify patterns of waste or discrepancy and recommend corrective measures
• Maintain organized and properly labeled storage areas in accordance with health and safety standards

Management Meetings

• Attend scheduled management meetings — location-specific and all-staff
• Come prepared with updates on floor operations, team dynamics, and inventory status
• Actively contribute ideas and feedback to improve operations, team experience, and customer service
• Help communicate meeting outcomes and policy updates back to team members at your location
• Support and follow through on all decisions made during management meetings

Qualifications

• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and a track record of showing up — especially when it counts
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining composure and quality
• Strong communication skills with customers, coworkers, and management at all levels
• Genuine commitment to Charlotte's mission and core values — not just familiarity with them
• Ability and willingness to be cross-trained in and perform all team member positions
• Organizational skills and comfort with counting, tracking, and managing inventory
• Prior coffee shop or food & beverage experience preferred; Charlotte's experience a plus
• Food Handler card (required upon hire if not already obtained)

Who We're Looking For

This role is for someone who is serious about their work and serious about this team. We are not just filling a position — we are looking for a person who will invest in Charlotte's the way Charlotte's will invest in them. The ideal candidate:

• Willing to work weekends
• Shows up fully — mentally present, engaged, and ready to lead by doing
• Is humble and trainable — welcomes feedback, applies it, and doesn't repeat the same mistakes
• Practices extreme ownership — takes responsibility without deflecting or making excuses
• Sacrifices for the team — pitches in on the hard stuff and lifts others up in the process
• Communicates clearly and directly — addresses issues head-on and keeps gossip out of the workplace
• Is genuinely passionate about coffee, hospitality, and being part of something meaningful in this community
• Understands that dedication is not occasional — it shows up in the small moments, every single shift

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage; reviewed at annual performance review (typically December)
• Raises based on performance across all management and team member categories
• One free drink per four hours worked
• 30% employee discount on food, drinks, and apparel
• Gym membership reimbursement (after 90-day introductory period)
• Paid time for attendance at required management meetings
• PTO Bonuses 

Scheduling

This is a part-time management role. The Assistant Manager is scheduled as active manager for a minimum of 2 shifts per week and is expected to meet Charlotte's standard full-time scheduling requirements, including a minimum of 6 weekend shifts per month. Availability forms are due by the 15th of each month for the following month's schedule.