Lead Barista - FT

Barnes & Noble, Inc.; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a Lead Barista for their Tallahassee location. In this full-time role, you will enhance customer experiences by leading the cafe team, ensuring high standards of service, and driving sales. Ideal candidates possess strong leadership qualities and a deep understanding of cafe operations.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a senior barista or barista role is required.
• Understanding of cafe operations and profitability factors.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to give feedback.

Responsibilities

• Model the cafe customer experience and train baristas.
• Maintain a welcoming environment and operational standards.
• Engage customers with sales initiatives and promotions.

Skills

Customer service

Leadership

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Join to apply for the Lead Barista - FT role at Barnes & Noble, Inc.

Location:
FL - Tallahassee - Tallahassee Mall - 2849

Classification:
Full-Time

Job Summary

As a lead barista, you make the customer experience exceptional by sharing your passion and enthusiasm for the Cafe with every customer interaction. You act as a deputy to the cafe manager (CM), coaching, inspiring, and supporting an environment for baristas to grow and develop. Your leadership helps achieve sales goals and efficiencies, working closely with the CM to strategize and analyze team efforts to ensure high-quality beverages and food for memorable customer experiences. You emphasize the importance of putting the customer first in all aspects of your work.

What You Do

• Model the cafe customer experience through consistent, friendly, and personalized service, setting an example and training baristas on delivering first-class service.
• Maintain a welcoming cafe environment with a well-stocked bake case, neat merchandise displays, and a team that greets all customers with a smile.
• 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 fellow baristas, partnering with the CM to identify growth areas and explain the link between results and service.
• Solve problems efficiently and support others by removing obstacles.
• Engage customers with sales initiatives such as sampling, promotions, and the Cafe Mobile App.
• Assist in maintaining visual merchandising standards in partnership with the CM.
• Ensure operational standards, safety, and health codes are followed promptly and correctly.
• Protect company assets by executing loss prevention procedures accurately.
• Communicate effectively with the team, upholding company values through fair feedback and respectful accountability.
• Work in the cafe, which involves physical activity, and on the sales floor as needed.

Knowledge & Experience

• Understanding of the cafe business and profitability factors.
• Solid knowledge of cafe operations and standards of service.
• Decision-making skills and the ability to adapt quickly, prioritize, and multitask.
• Confidence and leadership in directing work with productive results.
• Experience in training employees and organizing workload.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to give honest, respectful feedback.
• Previous experience in a senior barista or barista role.

Expected Behaviors

• Prioritize customer experience above all else.
• Develop deep knowledge of the cafe and market.
• Support results and understand financial factors.
• Enjoy working with people and value teamwork.
• Be well-organized, efficient, and adaptable to change.
• Persevere with confidence and use good judgment.
• Maintain focus and professionalism during high-volume periods.
• Motivate and recognize team members.
• Take responsibility and be patient and a good listener.
• Set and achieve goals, motivate the team, and lead positively.
• Be open to feedback and committed to growth.

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Management and Manufacturing
• Industries: Retail