Careers

Since the beginning, Highwire has created spaces that exhibit what we call “Approachable Excellence”.

We serve some of the best coffee in the world while centering our communities in a welcoming way.

Highwire is a place where people come to connect around enthusiasm for coffee, community, and music. We deliver delightful, hospitality-focused experiences to create community around excellent coffee.

Highwire's success is due to our people. Outgoing people who are warm authentic, and welcoming to all in our communities make this work. People who are dedicated to the craft of hospitality. People who can bridge barriers to make all feel respected.

We hire aspiring coffee professionals committed to authenticity and professional growth who are excited to be part of a workplace where they can make a positive difference in people's day. 

Current Opportunities

Store manager

Now Hiring

As Store Manager, you are the primary leader and culture-setter for your specific cafe.You own the results of your shop. You are a "player-coach" who spends the majority of your time on the floor, but you also hold the keys to the shop’s financial health, staff development, and community reputation. You are responsible for transforming high-level company goals into daily excellence.

What You'll Do:

Operational Leadership & Authority

  • Complete Shop Ownership: Ensure your location meets all standards for coffee quality, cleanliness, and service. You are the final point of accountability for these standards.
  • Effective Scheduling: Manage the shop’s labor budget by creating and adjusting schedules that balance customer flow with financial targets.
  • Systems Management: Oversee inventory control, ordering, and equipment maintenance. You don't just "support" these tasks; you ensure they are executed accurately to protect the shop's P&L.
  • Safety & Compliance: Maintain 100% compliance with health department standards and company safety policies.

People & Culture Development

  • Hiring & Onboarding: Lead the recruitment process for your shop. You interview, select, and onboard your team, collaborating with HR on final decisions for key roles.
  • Performance Management: You go beyond "sharing observations"—you conduct formal performance reviews, deliver clear performance feedback, and manage the full lifecycle of your team members.
  • Mentorship: You are the primary mentor for your team, preparing them for future leadership while ensuring they have clear paths for growth.
  • Accountability: You bridge the gap between "supportive culture" and "high standards," ensuring the team stays motivated while hitting their marks.

Financial & Strategic Growth

  • P&L Management: Analyze your shop’s financial statements monthly with the CEO. You identify trends in COGS and labor and implement local strategies to improve profitability.
  • Local Marketing: Act as the face of the shop in your neighborhood, driving community engagement and supporting local marketing initiatives to grow your customer base.

Who We’re Looking For

The Experience Bridge

  • Proven Impact: 3+ years of supervisory experience in specialty coffee or high-volume food service (or industry with comparable skills). We prefer a track record of managing teams and hitting operational targets.
  • Business Literacy: You should have a foundational understanding of P&Ls, labor percentages, and margin management (or a high aptitude to master these within your first 90 days).
  • Emotional Intelligence: You are skilled at navigating the "gray areas" of management—knowing when to coach, when to discipline, and how to inspire.

Essential Qualities

  • High Energy & Presence: You are visible, vocal, and active in the shop. You lead the "vibe" of the room.
  • Systems Thinker: You see the connection between a clean back-bar, a fast ticket time, and a healthy bottom line.
  • Collaborative Mindset: You work seamlessly with the CEO to implement company-wide changes while advocating for the specific needs of your shop and team.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Annual salary range is $72,000 - $88,000 based on experience 
  • Opportunities for professional growth and promotions
  • Comprehensive training in the "Highwire way."
  • Company-subsidized health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • 401k with company matching
  • Free coffee to drink and a complimentary bag of coffee or tube of tea each week

We're keeping our eyes open for our next leader. Let us know if we should meet you!  

Highwire Locations

Great coffee in great spots across Oakland.

Storefront of Highwire's coffee shop in Alameda
Location

Alameda

1234 Park Street Alameda, CA 94501

Mon-Fri, 7am — 3pm // Sat-Sun, 7am — 4pm

A cozy and beloved locals spot near the high school and the beach.

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Doors open to Highwire's coffee shop in Broadway
Location

Broadway

1111 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607

Mon-Fri, 7am — 4pm // Closed Sat and Sun

City Center Oakland's spot to grab great coffee and pastries.

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Highwire's coffee shop trailer in Flowerland. A customer enjoy's a drink at a nearby table.
Location

Flowerland

1330 Solano Avenue, Albany, CA 94706

Open daily // 7am — 3pm

Albany, California's favorite coffee in a magical setting.

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The curved storefront of Highwire's coffee shop in Montclair
Location

Montclair Village

2059 Mountain Blvd, Oakland CA 94611

Closed.

Terrific coffee and pastries in the center of Montclair.

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A busy interior scene at Highwire's coffee shop in Prescott Market Hall. Many of the customers are sporting Oakland A's merchandise. The owners chat beneath a Highwire sign.
Location

Prescott Market Food Hall

1620E 18th Street, Oakland, CA 94607

Mon-Wed, 7am — 3pm // Thu-Sun, 7am — 5pm

Across the street from Raimondi Field, home of the Oakland Ballers.

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Repeated circles in a modernist inspired pattern
Location

Rockridge Market Hall

Rockridge Market Hall, 5615 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618 *NEW ADDRESS* Come see our newly built shop!

Open daily // 6am — 6pm

Find your favorite coffee in the Rockridge Market Hall on College Avenue, Oakland.

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Location

VESPR Highwire *NOW OPEN!*

320 24th street Suite 102 B Oakland, CA 94612

Mon-Fri, 6:30am — 3pm // Sat-Sun, 7am — 4pm

Located in the VESPR building in Oakland's newly happening North Lake neighborhood

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Highwire's storefront in Walnut Creek with outdoor seating area
Location

Walnut Creek at The Waymark

200 Station Way, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Mon-Fri, 6:30am — 3pm // Sat-Sun, 7:30am — 3pm

Conveniently situated just outside the Walnut Creek BART station.

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