Assistant Shop Manager

ABOUT THE COMPANY 

Birley Bakery is the newest opening from the club owner and entrepreneur Robin Birley; owner of prestigious private members’ clubs 5 Hertford Street and Oswald’s in London.  

Opening summer 2025, Birley Bakery will be located on the Upper East Side’s Madison Avenue, and aims to create a warm and welcoming environment, inspired by the classic concept of Boulangerie-Patisserie. We will fulfil the need of every household craving exceptional quality, by delivering simple yet elegantly crafted bread, pastries and desserts.   

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Assistant Manager is a key member of the leadership team, supporting the General Manager in the smooth, elegant execution of day-to-day operations while embodying the highest standards of hospitality. This role requires a balance of floor leadership, operational precision, and team mentorship to ensure every guest interaction is warm, professional, and memorable. 

With a deep understanding of service, product knowledge, and brand values, the Assistant Manager ensures the team operates cohesively and the café reflects the refined ambiance and care associated with our identity. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Guest Experience & Floor Presence.

• Lead service with a gracious, guest-first mindset, maintaining a composed and polished presence on the floor. 

• Ensure that each guest receives personalized, attentive service aligned with our brand’s tone and hospitality standards. 

• Proactively handle and resolve guest concerns with discretion and elegance, maintaining loyalty and trust. 

• Team Leadership & Culture. 

• Supervise and support baristas and front-of-house staff throughout shifts, ensuring consistency in performance and professionalism. 

• Assist in onboarding, training, and mentoring new hires; cultivate a culture of attentiveness, accountability, and pride in service. 

• Provide real-time coaching and encouragement to staff, reinforcing a collaborative and high-performing team dynamic. 

• Operational Oversight.

• Ensure the café opens and closes smoothly, with daily checklists completed to the highest standard. 

• Oversee cleanliness, organization, and ambiance throughout the space, including music, lighting, and display areas. 

• Assist with scheduling, break management, and shift coverage to maintain efficient and balanced service flow. 

• Administrative Support.

• Collaborate with the General Manager on inventory control, vendor communications, and order placement. 

• Support cash handling procedures, daily reconciliations, and the completion of End-of-Day reports. 

• Maintain clear internal communication and ensure protocols, updates, and initiatives are conveyed to the team effectively. 

• Brand Representation & Product Knowledge. 

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of the menu, including coffee, specialty drinks, pastries, and seasonal offerings. 

• Train team members to communicate product knowledge with confidence and warmth. 

• Ensure the café aligns visually and experientially with brand guidelines and seasonal activations. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS) 

• 2+ years of hospitality or café experience, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or team lead role. 

• Proven ability to lead and inspire a team while delivering exceptional guest service. 

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail. 

• Calm and solutions-oriented under pressure, especially during high-volume service. 

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. 

• Professional appearance and demeanor that aligns with a premium brand environment. 

• Food Handler Certification (or willingness to obtain one promptly).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Ability to be flexible with job demands and open-minded when being asked to complete tasks. 

• Ability to operate and use all equipment necessary to run the restaurant. 

• Ability to operate with grace under pressure. 

• Ability to move or handle equipment throughout the restaurant generally weighing up to 50 pounds. 

• Ability to work varied hours/days as business dictates. 

• Ability to stand for up to 8-10 hours a day. 

EEO STATEMENT  

Birley Bakery is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We do not discriminate on the basis race, color, creed, religion, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related condition, sexual and reproductive health decisions, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking, or any other legally protected status.