Lead Barista & Café Operations Lead (Growth Path)

Très LA Group; West Hollywood (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Très LA Bistro & Café is seeking a seasoned Lead Barista to own daily café operations from opening through closing. You will lead the team, ensure beverage quality, manage inventory and ordering, and train staff to deliver exceptional guest service.

You will collaborate with the General Manager to maintain standards, oversee service flow, and coach teammates toward growth within Très LA Group. This role rewards initiative and strong leadership in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years barista experience in a specialty coffee or high‑volume café environment.
• Previous lead barista, shift lead, or comparable café leadership experience preferred.
• Strong espresso extraction, milk steaming, coffee preparation, and specialty beverages.
• Experience with opening and closing procedures, inventory, and ordering.
• Comfortable using POS systems; Toast experience is a plus.
• Ability to train others clearly, patiently, and consistently.
• Strong organization, communication, problem‑solving, and follow‑through.
• Reliable attendance and willingness to work early opening/closing shifts.
• Valid California Food Handler Card or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of daily café operations, ensuring an organized, efficient, and welcoming environment.
• Complete and coordinate opening and closing procedures, ensuring the café is ready for service and properly cleaned, restocked, and secured afterward.
• Prepare espresso machines, grinders, drip coffee, cold brew, blenders, beverage stations, and grab‑and‑go displays before opening.
• Confirm Toast POS, KDS, and printers are functioning and promptly communicate technical issues.
• Coordinate daily priorities and station assignments to maintain smooth service.
• Monitor café presentation, product availability, equipment performance, and service flow throughout the day.
• Communicate staffing needs, maintenance issues, guest concerns, and operational challenges to the General Manager.
• Maintain clear shift handoffs and follow through on outstanding tasks.
• Prepare consistent, high‑quality espresso drinks, coffee, tea, smoothies, and specialty beverages.
• Take orders, process payments accurately, and help guests select beverages and food items.
• Serve pastries, sandwiches, salads, and other café offerings.
• Maintain Très LA’s beverage and service standards through attention to quality, presentation, and hospitality.
• Address guest concerns professionally and involve management when additional support is needed.
• Stay actively involved in service, particularly during busy periods.
• Set the example for professionalism, hospitality, cleanliness, and teamwork.
• Provide hands‑on training and coaching on beverage preparation, equipment use, POS procedures, and guest service.
• Help team members build confidence and consistency in espresso extraction, milk steaming, and café service.
• Coordinate with management to support daily coverage and team breaks.
• Identify training needs and share performance or staffing concerns with the General Manager.
• Recommend practical improvements to café procedures and the guest experience.
• Monitor inventory and maintain appropriate par levels for coffee, tea, dairy, milk alternatives, syrups, paper goods, and cleaning supplies.
• Complete inventory checks and submit accurate weekly orders through the established ordering process.
• Receive and organize deliveries, rotate products using FIFO, and monitor expiration dates.
• Coordinate with kitchen leadership on pastries and grab‑and‑go availability.
• Communicate shortages and unavailable items promptly.
• Track waste and help control costs without compromising quality.
• Maintain clean, sanitized, and organized workstations, equipment, and guest‑service areas.
• Ensure labeling, dating, temperature logs, and sanitizer checks are completed.
• Keep condiment stations, beverage supplies, and displays stocked and presentable.
• Follow food safety procedures, cleaning schedules, and equipment‑care standards.
• Report safety concerns and equipment problems promptly.

Skills

Barista leadership

Espresso extraction

Inventory & ordering

POS experience (Toast)

Training others

Organization & communication

Attendance & early shifts

Food safety awareness

Ownership mindset

Tools

Toast POS

Job description

Très LA Bistro & Café is seeking a seasoned Lead Barista to own daily café operations from opening through closing. You will lead the team, ensure beverage quality, manage inventory and ordering, and train staff to deliver exceptional guest service.

You will collaborate with the General Manager to maintain standards, oversee service flow, and coach teammates toward growth within Très LA Group. This role rewards initiative and strong leadership in a fast-paced setting.