Assistant Manager (BOH-Focused), Ula Cafe
Jamaica Plain, MA
Do you thrive in the kitchen, but also love supporting a front-of-house team that creates warm, memorable experiences for guests? Are you excited to work in a place where great food, community, and culture come together?
Ula Cafe is hiring a BOH-focused Assistant Manager to join our leadership team! As a Black-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned cafe in the heart of Jamaica Plain, Ula is rooted in community, inclusivity, and sustainability. We're looking for someone who not only shares these values, but also brings culinary and operational expertise to help lead our team forward.
In this hybrid leadership role, you’ll work closely with both BOH and FOH teams — with a special emphasis on BOH operations, recipe development, and catering coordination. You’ll report directly to Ula’s owner, Beth Santos, and play a key role in upholding food quality, kitchen efficiency, and team development, while also stepping into FOH leadership as needed. Spanish proficiency is essential for supporting our bilingual kitchen team and fostering strong internal communication.
If you’re a natural leader who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen, loves great food, and wants to be part of a dynamic community cafe, we want to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
BOH Leadership & Culinary Operations
Oversee BOH workflow, prep schedules, and kitchen systems in collaboration with the kitchen team.
Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation.
Lead recipe testing and support new menu item rollouts in partnership with the kitchen and ownership.
Act as a point person for catering orders — from kitchen prep to execution — ensuring timely and high-quality delivery.
Maintain clear, bilingual communication with kitchen staff to ensure a cohesive team environment.
Team Leadership & Training
Support hiring, onboarding, and continuous training of both BOH and FOH team members.
Coach staff in Ula Cafe's customer service, hospitality, and kitchen values.
Provide shift leadership and problem-solving support during peak hours or manager absence.
Foster an inclusive, respectful work environment where team members feel valued and supported.
Operations & Inventory
Oversee BOH and FOH stock levels, communicate ordering needs, and ensure waste reduction systems are followed.
Assist with scheduling, payroll audits, and employee communication.
Support espresso bar upkeep and FOH stock management when needed.
Customer Experience & Community Engagement
Occasionally support FOH team during busy service hours and when GM is not on site.
Interact with guests and support a welcoming environment.
Help plan and execute special events and seasonal promotions, including prep coordination and event support.
Qualifications
4+ years of kitchen or quick service experience (strong BOH background preferred)
2+ years of supervisory or management experience in food service
Recipe development or catering experience strongly preferred
Proficient in Spanish (required)
ServSafe Manager Certification and Allergen Awareness Training
Barista experience and FOH leadership skills a plus
Comfortable using Toast POS and Google Workspace (especially Sheets)
Creative thinker with a passion for food and people
High School diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree or equivalent preferred
Details
Full-time (40 hrs/week), mornings preferred
Willingness to work weekends is required
8- or 10-hour shifts
Salary: $55K–$58K annually
Paid vacation, medical/dental/vision, 401(k), paid training
Free meals while working
Significant growth potential
To Apply:
Please email your resume and a cover letter to Beth Santos at beth@ulacafe.com
Ula Cafe is committed to building a team that reflects the diverse community we serve. We strongly encourage people of marginalized identities — including but not limited to people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, and people with disabilities — to apply.