Lead Barista - FT

Barnes & Noble; Saginaw (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the cafe industry seeks a passionate lead barista to enhance customer experiences and support team development. The role emphasizes operational efficiency, excellent customer service, and strong leadership skills. Join us to inspire others and drive sales goals in a vibrant cafe environment.

Qualifications

• Solid knowledge of cafe operations and service standards.
• Experience in training and developing employees.
• Previous experience as a senior barista or barista.

Responsibilities

• Model customer experience through friendly service and lead by example.
• Support sales results and operational efficiency.
• Coach and provide feedback to fellow baristas.

Skills

Customer Service

Team Leadership

Training and Development

Multitasking

Job description

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

What You Do

1. Model the cafe customer experience through consistent, friendly, personal service and thoughtful recommendations, leading by example and training baristas to deliver first-class service.
2. Maintain a vibrant, welcoming cafe environment with neat merchandise displays, a well-stocked bake case, and a team that greets all customers warmly.
3. Understand customer needs and provide operational recommendations to enhance service quality.
4. Support positive sales results through efficient ordering and understanding of the cafe's operations and P&L.
5. Coach fellow baristas, providing feedback and helping them understand the link between results and service quality, in partnership with the CM.
6. Resolve problems efficiently and support team members by removing obstacles.
7. Engage customers through sales initiatives such as sampling, promotions, and the Cafe Mobile App.
8. Assist with visual merchandising standards in collaboration with the CM.
9. Ensure operational standards, safety, and health codes are met and maintained.
10. Protect company assets by adhering to loss prevention procedures.
11. Communicate effectively with the team, providing fair, consistent feedback and accountability.
12. Perform physical activities associated with the role, including standing, bending, lifting, and operating equipment, and work on the sales floor as needed.

Knowledge & Experience

• Understand the cafe business and what it takes to be profitable.
• Possess solid knowledge of cafe operations and standards of service.
• Demonstrate good decision-making, confidence, and the ability to prioritize and multitask.
• Experience in training and developing employees.
• Ability to organize, plan, delegate, and work collaboratively with others.
• Exemplary previous experience as a senior barista or barista.

Expected Behaviors

• Prioritize customer experience above all else.
• Continuously develop deep knowledge of the cafe and market.
• Support business results and understand financial aspects.
• Enjoy working with people, valuing and motivating them.
• Be well-organized, adaptable, and resilient in a dynamic environment.
• Maintain composure during high volume or unusual events, setting a positive example.
• Motivate, recognize team members, and take responsibility for actions.
• Practice patience, active listening, and respect.
• Set and achieve goals, foster a positive attitude, and be open to feedback for growth.

Barnes & Noble, Inc., is an American bookseller.

Notice

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