Cafe Leadership Trainee: Hospitality & Growth

Blue Bottle Coffee; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Barista training

Product discounts

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Free drinks

Flexible Spending Account

Employee assistance

Volunteer hours

Job summary

Blue Bottle Coffee in Palo Alto is seeking a Leader in Training who will guide the team to deliver exceptional hospitality and coffee experiences, while upholding cafe standards and business goals.

You will work with the Cafe Leader on ordering, inventory, staffing, and training, and you must be willing to relocate within 50 miles of our market area. This role blends coaching, operations, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced cafe environment.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years in a leadership role or leading a team, with a strong preference for coffee, food, and beverage.
• Completed Blue Bottle Academy’s Barista training and validation program or will complete it within 90 days post-hire.
• Existing Food Safety Certification required for the state you will be working in and for your specific role, or will obtain it within 30 days post-hire.
• Familiarity with online collaboration and organization tools, including Google Docs.
• A flexible schedule and are available to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to smell and taste; you’re tasting and smelling coffee and food, helping ensure quality control for each cup and plate.
• Ability to listen and speak; you’re listening and speaking with our guests to take and fill orders, and guide and create experiences.
• The role is performed in an environment that may involve exposure to environmental conditions, including elevated temperatures from food and beverage preparation equipment, and cooler temperatures in refrigerated spaces.

Responsibilities

• Own cafe operations in the absence of the Cafe Leader.
• Foster a culture of respect, inclusivity, and continuous learning within the team, celebrating diversity and promoting development through feedback, coaching, and mentoring.
• Communicate and uphold Blue Bottle's sustainability values, motivating team members to contribute to organizational goals.
• Assist in recruiting a diverse team and manage performance through feedback, recognition, and addressing concerns promptly.
• Optimize staffing and shift management to deliver exemplary hospitality, adhering to quality standards for beverage and food preparation.
• Enhance guest experience through engagement, technical product education, and handling feedback and escalations professionally.
• Collaborate with the Cafe Leader on business analysis, strategic planning, and action plans for sales, restocking, merchandising, inventory, and scheduling.
• Ensure accurate accounting of transactions, maintain inventory levels, and contribute to scheduling activities.
• Adhere to safety policies and procedures, report concerns, and promote a safe and respectful workplace.
• Manage controllable budget and labor hours efficiently, ensuring accountability and reporting any issues promptly.

Skills

Leadership

Barista training

Food Safety Certification

Google Docs

Flexible schedule

Customer service

Coffee quality

Team coaching

Job description

Blue Bottle Coffee in Palo Alto is seeking a Leader in Training who will guide the team to deliver exceptional hospitality and coffee experiences, while upholding cafe standards and business goals.

You will work with the Cafe Leader on ordering, inventory, staffing, and training, and you must be willing to relocate within 50 miles of our market area. This role blends coaching, operations, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced cafe environment.