Lead Barista - FT

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc.; Overland Park (KS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the retail cafe industry seeks a Lead Barista in Overland Park, Kansas. This role emphasizes exceptional customer service and team leadership. You will mentor baristas, ensure high operational standards, and support the Cafe's financial performance through strategic actions. The position requires strong leadership skills, excellent customer service, and a commitment to fostering an enjoyable cafe environment.

Qualifications

• Previous exemplary experience as a senior barista or barista.
• Solid knowledge of cafe operations and standards.
• Experience in training staff.

Responsibilities

• Model the cafe customer experience by ensuring consistent, friendly service.
• Coach and give feedback to baristas.
• Ensure operational standards and health codes are met.

Skills

Customer Service

Leadership

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Multitasking

Job description

KS - Overland Park - Overland Park - 3491

Classification

Full-Time

Job Summary

As a lead barista, you create an exceptional customer experience by sharing your passion and enthusiasm for the Cafe with every interaction. You serve as a deputy to the cafe manager (CM), coaching, inspiring, and supporting the team to grow and develop. Your leadership helps ensure the team delivers high standards of service, supports sales goals, and maintains operational efficiency. You work closely with the CM to strategize and analyze team efforts to provide high-quality beverages and food, fostering memorable customer experiences. Your role emphasizes putting the customer first in all aspects.

What You Do

• Model the cafe customer experience by ensuring consistent, friendly, and personalized service, setting an example and training baristas to deliver first-class service.
• Create a welcoming cafe environment with a well-stocked bake case, neat merchandise displays, and friendly greetings from the team.
• Understand customer needs and provide operational recommendations to enhance service quality.
• Support positive sales results through efficient ordering and understanding the connection to operations and the P&L.
• Coach and give feedback to baristas in partnership with the CM to identify growth areas and connect results to service quality.
• Solve problems efficiently, supporting others by removing obstacles.
• Engage customers through sales initiatives like sampling, promotions, and the Cafe Mobile App.
• Assist in maintaining visual merchandising standards with the CM.
• Ensure operational standards, safety, and health codes are met promptly and correctly.
• Protect company assets by executing loss prevention procedures accurately.
• Communicate effectively with the team, providing fair, consistent feedback and respectful accountability.
• Perform physical activities related to cafe operations, including standing, bending, lifting, and operating equipment, as well as working on the sales floor when needed.

Knowledge & Experience

• Understand the cafe business and profitability factors.
• Possess solid knowledge of cafe operations and standards.
• Deliver excellent customer service.
• Make sound decisions quickly.
• Adapt swiftly, prioritize, and multitask effectively.
• Show confidence and lead with productive results.
• Have experience in training staff.
• Organize, plan, and prioritize workload efficiently.
• Delegate tasks and work through others.
• Communicate effectively and collaboratively within the team.
• Provide honest and respectful feedback.
• Have previous exemplary experience as a senior barista or barista.

Expected Behaviors

• Prioritize customer experience above all.
• Develop deep knowledge of the Cafe and market.
• Support results and understand financial aspects.
• Enjoy working with people and value team members.
• Manage time well and stay organized.
• Thrive in a dynamic, changing environment.
• Persevere confidently through setbacks.
• Exercise good judgment and decision-making.
• Remain calm and focused during busy or unusual times.
• Motivate and recognize team members.
• Take responsibility for actions.
• Be patient and a good listener, making others feel heard and respected.
• Set and achieve goals while motivating the team.
• Maintain a positive attitude and leadership presence.
• Be open to feedback for personal growth.