Coffee Team Lead

Core Spaces; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Core Spaces seeks a Coffee Team Lead to manage daily café operations at New Here Coffee within our student housing communities in Knoxville. You will foster a welcoming, team-oriented environment while balancing hands-on duties with leadership responsibilities to drive performance and service quality.

Ideal candidates have 1–2 years of coffee/F&B leadership, strong organizational skills, and experience in scheduling and inventory management.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in coffee, food & beverage, or hospitality leadership.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Experience in scheduling, training, and inventory management.
• Ability to lift 25+ lbs and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily café operations with a focus on efficiency and guest experience.
• Train, coach, and develop team members for consistent service.
• Provide on-floor guidance and uphold standards.
• Plan staffing with leadership to match business flow and seasonal trends.
• Monitor beverage quality, cleanliness, and hospitality.

Skills

Leadership in coffee/F&B

Scheduling

Inventory management

Customer service

Job description

Who We Are

Core Spaces (Core) is more than a real estate company, it’s a people company. Where building relationships is just as important as building properties. From researchers and architects to designers and operators, Core is made up of risk takers and dreamers who are on a mission to invent the future of living. Our six cultural values guide us every day and we strive to live them in everything we do: PUSH (Invent Better Places to Live), GRIT (We Got This), LIFT (Help Each Other Win), SHINE (Bring Your Full Self), UPHOLD (Never Break Trust), GROW (Always Get Better). Everything Core does stems from this culture of collaboration and innovation, and the drive to constantly improve the resident experience. This unique approach has led to creating spaces and services that are redefining the way people live.

What We Do

At New Here Coffee, we fuel campus energy, connection, and culture—one cup at a time. Located inside Core Spaces’ student housing communities, New Here Coffee is a favorite stop for residents, classmates, and caffeine seekers alike. We pride ourselves on quality drinks, a welcoming atmosphere, and a vibrant community feel that enhances the student living experience. Whether students are rushing between classes, looking for a quiet study break, or hanging out with friends, New Here Coffee is their on-campus destination for great coffee and great vibes.

Benefits That Matter

• A culture that provides you with a sense of belonging

• Competitive pay that values your contributions

• Generous PTO to disconnect or celebrate life milestones

• An environment that provides you a voice to share your perspectives

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for access to confidential support services

Position Overview

The Coffee Team Lead supports daily café operations while fostering a welcoming, team-oriented environment. This hands-on role requires strong multitasking, adaptability, and the ability to balance team support with operational needs, while partnering with leadership to drive performance, team development, and efficient café operations.

What You Will Do

• Help ensure smooth, efficient daily café operations by anticipating needs and solving challenges in real time
• Help train, coach, and develop team members to build confidence, consistency, and strong service habits
• Provide ongoing guidance and support on the floor to reinforce standards and encourage growth
• Partner with leadership to align staffing with business flow and seasonal trends
• Lead from the floor as needed to ensure smooth operations and a strong guest experience
• Maintain high standards for beverage quality, service, cleanliness, and hospitality
• Assist with inventory and ordering to promote efficiency and minimize waste
• Monitor sales, labor, and operational performance and communicate insights to leadership
• Foster a positive, inclusive team culture that supports collaboration and work-life balance
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and company policies
• Support community engagement efforts, resident events, and seasonal promotions
• Communicate equipment or maintenance needs proactively
• Step into evolving responsibilities as business needs shift throughout the year
• Occasional travel may be necessary as needed
• Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned by management
• Must be able to complete all physical requirements of this role with or without a reasonable accommodation

Ideally, You'll Have

• 1–2 years of experience in coffee, food & beverage, or hospitality leadership
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Experience in scheduling, training, and inventory management
• Ability to lift 25+ lbs and stand for extended periods

You’ll crush it if you have experience with

• College cafés, student housing, or startup-style coffee shops
• Leading high-energy teams in customer-facing environments
• Event planning or engagement in a community-driven setting

Organizational Structure

Reports to: National Beverage Director

Direct Reports: Baristas

Disclaimer

Please note that job responsibilities, reporting lines, and duties outlined in this job description are subject to change to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Core Spaces celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, which creates a sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are and the community they represent.