Bakery Front of House (FOH) Assistant Manager - Accepting Applications at Tandem Coffee

Our Story

At Tandem Coffee, we believe in the power of great coffee, exceptional baked goods, and fostering a community vibe that keeps people coming back. Since opening in 2012 in Portland, Maine, we’ve grown into a community hub for locals and visitors alike. We roast our own coffee and have two cafe locations in Portland - our first is on Anderson St in Portland's popular East Bayside which operates as a tasting room to our roastery there with elevated coffee service and selections. The second is a James Beard-nominated bakery on Congress St in Portland's West End that has been featured in Bon Appétit.
 

Tandem as a whole is a team of passionate, creative folks who care about quality, kindness, and a lot of humor. Join us in shaping what’s next at either of our cafe locations or in our roastery!
 

Who You Are

The Bakery Front of House (FOH) Assistant Manager plays a vital role in ensuring smooth daily operations and fostering a warm, welcoming environment for both customers and staff. As a leader on the floor, this role provides real-time support to the front-of-house team, guiding service, problem-solving, and maintaining high standards of hospitality. Working closely with the General Manager, the Assistant Manager also assists with operational tasks such as inventory management, special ordering, and online store oversight. They are responsible for all elements of the FOH in the General Manager’s absence.

What You'll Do

• Team Leadership & Management: Lead and guide the FOH team during shifts, setting the tone for service and teamwork. Provide warm, attentive service to customers while supporting and uplifting colleagues. Work with a sense of urgency and adaptability, making quick decisions to keep operations running smoothly. Act as a resource for baristas and FOH staff, answering questions and providing hands-on support.
• Coffee & Menu Development: Using Tandem’s barista training to maintain our standards and communicate any training needs to the General Manager, Coffee Trainer and Quality Control Manager. Ensuring continuity between locations
• Inventory & Ordering: Oversee ingredient and supply ordering to ensure inventory meets production needs. Maintain an organized system for tracking inventory and minimizing waste.
• FOH Operations: Ensure the FOH and bar meets all cleanliness and maintenance standards, including compliance with health and safety regulations. Monitor and maintain kitchen equipment to ensure proper functioning, coordinating with the General Manager and QC/Tech to schedule repairs as needed. Develop and update systems of operation to enhance efficiency and workflow.
• Barista responsibilities include:
  • Provide friendly, engaging, and attentive customer service.
  • Support and respect coworkers, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
  • Maintain a thorough knowledge of our coffee and food offerings, serving each with care and consideration.
  • Prioritize tasks that contribute to the café’s welcoming atmosphere and smooth operation.
  • Keep the café clean and well-maintained, both inside and outside, throughout the day.
  • Restock supplies proactively to ensure efficient service.
  • Prepare and serve iced coffee, tea, and other café beverages to company standards.
  • Handle cash register transactions responsibly, including end-of-day cash deposits.
  • Take initiative on cleaning and organizational projects to maintain a tidy and functional workspace.
  • Attend regular company meetings and training sessions.
  • Once trained, consistently prepare espresso drinks that meet our high standards, with ongoing development through education and hands-on practice.

Qualifications:

• Passion for hospitality and teamwork, with a commitment to creating a positive work environment.
• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make quick decisions during service.
• Experience in a café, bakery, or customer-facing food service role.
• Excellent communication and listening skills when working with customers, coworkers, and managers.
• Attention to detail, cleanliness, and organization to maintain a high-quality customer experience.
• Self-motivated with the ability to stay productive during slower periods.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality to support daily operations effectively.

What You'll Get

As a part of our team, we’re excited to offer…

• $50,000 annually + annual bonus 
• Full healthcare and dental coverage
• Accrued Paid time off 
• 401(k) retirement plan after one year of employment
• Discount on Tandem products and free coffee beans and drinks
• Fun team gatherings, including our annual retreat!

Job Details 
 This role is full-time, 5 days a week (35-40 hours per week), including weekends and holidays as needed. This role reports into the Tandem Coffee & Bakery General Manager.