Coffee Truck Manager

Location: Silver Lake, CA 90026
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: 5 shifts per week weighted to mornings; one weekend day expected
Pay: $60k $63k, plus tips and quarterly performance bonus

About the Role

We are opening a mobile specialty coffee operation in Silver Lake and are seeking a hands-on Specialty Coffee Truck Manager to help lead daily operations.

This is not a roaming event truck. The coffee truck operates from a fixed location on Sunset Blvd, serving the same neighborhood regulars every morning. This role is ideal for someone who loves specialty coffee, enjoys being behind the bar, and is ready to take ownership of daily operations in a small, high-quality coffee environment.

The Manager will be the senior person on site and will report directly to ownership. You will spend much of your shift behind the espresso machine while also managing scheduling, ordering, cash handling, compliance, and a small team of baristas.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Operations

• Open and close the coffee truck, including equipment startup, water system checks, calibration, cleaning, and sanitation.
• Run the bar during peak service hours.
• Handle cash, reconcile the drawer, and coordinate deposits.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace throughout each shift.
• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations in a compact mobile coffee environment.

Beverage Quality

• Dial in espresso daily and adjust based on humidity, bean age, and service needs.
• Maintain consistent shot quality, milk texture, drink builds, and overall beverage standards.
• Train and coach baristas on drink preparation, speed, hospitality, and quality.
• Cup and evaluate new coffees with the roasting partner and provide feedback on menu offerings.
• Help create a strong neighborhood coffee experience focused on consistency and hospitality.

Team Leadership

• Interview, hire, train, and support baristas.
• Build the weekly schedule and manage time-off requests.
• Coach staff on bar flow, technique, customer service, and efficiency.
• Ensure employees receive required meal and rest breaks.
• Help build a reliable, professional, and positive team culture.

Health & Safety Compliance

• Maintain compliance with LA County Department of Public Health requirements.
• Serve as the point of contact for inspections.
• Log temperatures and maintain required records.
• Manage potable water and wastewater systems.
• Keep commissary agreements, logs, and required documentation current.
• Ensure all staff hold valid food handler cards.

Inventory & Vendor Management

• Forecast and place orders for coffee, dairy, syrups, cups, lids, and other supplies.
• Maintain par levels and minimize waste.
• Track deliveries and resolve vendor issues as needed.
• Identify equipment issues early and coordinate service calls when necessary.

Financial & Performance Tracking

• Help meet daily and weekly sales targets.
• Manage cost of goods sold and labor as a percentage of sales against budget.
• Report sales, variances, staffing updates, and operational issues to ownership on a weekly basis.
• Support continued growth and improvement of the coffee operation.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of specialty coffee experience.
• At least 1 year of experience as a lead barista, shift lead, supervisor, or manager.
• Strong espresso skills, including dialing in, milk texturing, and maintaining quality through a rush.
• Experience with opening and closing procedures.
• Cash handling and POS system experience.
• California Food Handler Card, or willingness to obtain one before the first shift.
• Comfortable working independently and solving problems without constant oversight.
• Valid California driver's license and clean driving record.
• Ability to work early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification.
• Experience opening a new location or running a mobile, kiosk, or small-format coffee unit.
• Familiarity with LA County Department of Public Health mobile food facility requirements.
• Basic espresso machine troubleshooting and maintenance knowledge.
• Conversational Spanish.
• Latte art skills and/or interest in ongoing coffee education or competition.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Pay: $60k $63k (depending on experience)
• Tips: Pooled and distributed based on hours worked.
• Bonus: Quarterly performance bonus tied to sales, cost of goods, and labor targets.
• Paid Sick Leave: Provided in accordance with the LA Minimum Wage Ordinance and California law.
• Additional Perks: Free shift drinks, one monthly bag of coffee, and paid food handler certification.