Area Manager, Hydra Health Coffee + Gift at HHP

About Hydra Health

Hydra Health is a rapidly growing retail and hospitality company operating coffee shops, gift stores, and markets inside major hospital systems nationwide. We focus on creating welcoming, modern retail experiences that serve healthcare employees, patients, and visitors.

Position Summary

Hydra Health is hiring an Area Manager to lead day-to-day operations of our new coffee shop and gift shop within the HCA Methodist Hospital Metropolitan – San Antonio. This role combines hospitality leadership, retail merchandising, team development, operational execution, and financial accountability.

You will lead site operations, support launches and growth initiatives, build strong hospital partnerships, and ensure an exceptional guest experience across both café and retail environments.

Preferred qualifications include experience in both coffee operations and retail environments, with a strong background in customer-facing roles. The ideal candidate understands espresso production, workflow efficiency, and menu execution, while also being comfortable overseeing retail merchandising, inventory management, vendor relationships, and in-store presentation.

Experience leading teams in a fast-paced, service-oriented setting across both food and retail categories is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations & Guest Experience

• Oversee daily operations of coffee, gift, and market concepts while maintaining brand and service standards.
• Ensure consistent product quality, cleanliness, merchandising execution, and welcoming guest experience.
• Resolve customer concerns quickly and professionally.
• Maintain compliance with hospital policies and operational requirements.

Team Leadership

• Hire, train, coach, and schedule café and retail teams.
• Foster a high-accountability, service-focused culture.
• Provide ongoing performance feedback and professional development.
• Ensure proper staffing aligned with business volume.

Financial & Business Performance

• Own site-level P&L performance including sales, labor, inventory, and expenses.
• Monitor KPIs such as labor as a % of revenue, conversion, average ticket, and shrink.
• Drive revenue through merchandising, promotions, product mix, and operational execution.

Retail & Inventory Management

• Align with Hydra Health’s buying strategy to buy core categories of food, beverage, convenience within established budget guidelines.
• Oversee ordering, receiving, inventory counts, shrink mitigation, and product lifecycle management to maintain optimal in-stock levels while minimizing waste and obsolescence.
• Ensure retail presentation aligns with established planograms, merchandising standards, and brand guidelines while allowing for site-specific optimization.
• Maintain strong visual merchandising execution including product placement, signage, cross-merchandising, impulse opportunities, and promotional displays.
• Monitor product performance and sales trends to inform assortment decisions, promotional strategy, and seasonal rotations.
• Collaborate with leadership on category expansion, new product introductions, and evolving retail strategy across coffee, food, and gift environments.
• Maintain accurate product data, pricing integrity, and POS alignment across all categories.

Coffee Operations & Food Safety

• Hands-on experience operating commercial coffee equipment, including espresso machines, grinders, brewers, and related equipment.
• Ability to advise on beverage execution, menu development, and coffee preparation techniques.
• Ensure full compliance with Texas health department regulations and hospital-specific requirements.
• Maintain proper food handling, storage, sanitation, and labeling standards at all times.
• Maintain own up-to-date ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain before start date). This role serves as the Person-in-Charge for health inspections and must meet Texas Retail Food Code requirements. GM must maintain an active food protection manager certification and ensure all café staff obtain and maintain valid Texas Food Handler Cards per state law.

Collaboration & Growth

• Work closely with Hydra Health’s operations, marketing, and development teams.
• Support new initiatives, menu enhancements, and local partnerships.
• Participate in Area Manager leadership meetings and contribute operational insights.

What We Offer:

• $70,000 - $80,000 annual base salary, performance-based bonuses
• Performance-based incentives
• Full medical, dental, and vision benefits
• PTO
• Employee discounts

Equal Opportunity Employer

Hydra Health is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.

Reasonable Accommodation

Hydra Health provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience as a café, coffee shop, or quick-service restaurant manager (or equivalent leadership role).
• Experience in both coffee/QSR and retail environments strongly preferred. Strong understanding of Texas food safety laws, local health codes, and food handling guidelines.
• ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain before start date).
• Experience managing teams of 5–15+ employees in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to recruit, train, mentor, and retain high-performing staff.
• Strong operational discipline and comfort with technology (POS, scheduling, inventory systems).
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and be on your feet for extended periods.
• Professional, reliable, and able to build trust with hospital partners.