Lead Barista

Job Summary

The Lead Barista serves as a role model for customer engagement by delivering exceptional service, addressing customer concerns professionally, and fostering a welcoming and positive café environment. This role plays a critical part in setting the tone for daily operations, upholding company standards, and promoting a collaborative and productive team atmosphere.

In addition to preparing and serving a variety of food and beverage items in accordance with established recipes and standards, the Lead Barista monitors collective workflow, delegates tasks when needed, and supports staff to ensure consistency and timely service.

This position is responsible for upholding cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards throughout all service and preparation areas.

The Lead Barista is responsible for overseeing café readiness and ensuring seamless daily operations, particularly during the morning shift. This role maintains a high standard of product quality, customer service, and operational efficiency while providing leadership and direction to team members.

Responsibilities

Responsible for opening the store in a timely and organized manner, including activating and calibrating all required equipment such as espresso machines, grinders, and brewing systems to ensure operational readiness.

Perform daily espresso dial-in procedures by adjusting grind size and dosage to maintain optimal product quality and consistency.

Prepare initial batches of brewed coffee in accordance with company standards.

Oversee point-of-sale (POS) system setup, including accurate cash drawer preparation and verification. Ensure adherence to established cash-handling procedures and execute cash drawer audits when appropriate.

Maintain appropriate inventory levels by monitoring stock usage, identifying supply needs, and coordinating restocking efforts.

Assist with inventory tracking and communicate ordering requirements to management to support uninterrupted operations.

Ensure compliance with cleanliness, sanitation, and safety standards across all service, preparation, and customer areas.

Execute ongoing cleaning and maintenance of equipment and facilities to uphold company and health regulation requirements.

Deliver and model exceptional customer service by professionally greeting guests, accurately processing transactions, providing product knowledge, and resolving customer concerns in a timely and effective manner.

Prepare coffee, espresso, and tea beverages in accordance with established recipes and quality standards.

Conduct routine quality checks, including taste evaluations and presentation review, to ensure consistency and excellence in product delivery.

Redirect daily workflow when necessary, sharing responsibilities, and ensuring efficient service during peak business periods.

Serve as a resource for fellow employees with questions regarding daily tasks, conflict resolution, or operating procedures.

Train, mentor, and support team members in operational responsibilities as directed by the Food and Beverage Managers.

Maintain clear and professional communication with management and staff regarding operational updates, staffing needs, and performance notes to ensure alignment and continuity of service.

Any additional tasks requested by the management team members.

Qualifications

Experience: Prior experience as a barista or in a customer-facing role is preferred, but not always required. A willingness to learn on the job is essential.

Customer-focused: A friendly, positive, and patient personality is required to provide exceptional service, even during high-pressure moments.

Communication skills: Excellent verbal communication and listening skills to effectively interact with customers and team members.

Technical skills: The ability to learn and operate brewing equipment and the POS system quickly. Knowledge of various coffee and tea types is a plus.

Efficiency and multitasking: Strong time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks and handle multiple customer orders simultaneously.

Physical stamina: The ability to stand for long periods and lift heavy items, such as milk crates or boxes of supplies.

Availability: Must be able to work early mornings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Disability insurance

Employee discount

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Work Location: In person