Lead Barista & Café Team Leader

Barnes & Noble, Inc.; North Canton (OH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Discount

EAP

Sick Pay

Paid Time Off

Company Holidays

401(k) with Company Match

Health Benefits

Job summary

A Barnes & Noble bookstore is a gathering place for readers and the community. As Lead Barista, you are an integral member of the café team.

You play a leadership role in guiding the team to maintain compelling product presentations and overseeing the efficient running of the Café. You are both a trusted expert and hands‑on leader, creating a welcoming environment where baristas feel supported, comfortable bringing forward questions or concerns, and they trust that you will address them promptly

Qualifications

• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance.
• Fill scheduling gaps when possible; flexible for store hours.
• Lead by example with energy and reliability.
• Support colleagues and provide help when needed.
• Be cheerful with customers and helpful.
• Willingness to learn new skills in store.
• Curiosity and initiative for bookselling/café career.
• Address concerns and escalate to leadership.
• Prioritize resources and barista support to keep shifts on track.
• Enjoy being a barista.

Responsibilities

• Model best practices in drink making and food prep and coach others.
• Coach in visual merchandising to keep bake case and displays clean.
• Guide baristas in effective register conversations and speed.
• Coordinate deliveries and FIFO stocking.
• Maintain cleanliness and presentation of Café.
• Support bookfloor presentation standards.
• Follow loss prevention procedures and de-escalate situations.

Skills

Punctuality

Flexibility

Positive attitude

Customer service

Leadership

Willingness to learn

Ambition/initiative

Helpful demeanor

Team player

Resourceful

Job description

A Barnes & Noble bookstore is a gathering place for readers and the community. As Lead Barista, you are an integral member of the café team.

You play a leadership role in guiding the team to maintain compelling product presentations and overseeing the efficient running of the Café. You are both a trusted expert and hands‑on leader, creating a welcoming environment where baristas feel supported, comfortable bringing forward questions or concerns, and they trust that you will address them promptly