Lead Barista: Outside-In Cafe

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, hospitality-focused Lead Barista to help lead daily café operations while delivering an elevated guest experience rooted in warmth, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. This role is ideal for someone passionate about specialty coffee, refined hospitality, and creating meaningful customer connections within a luxury café environment. The Lead Barista serves as both a key cultural leader and operational partner, supporting the Café Manager in maintaining exceptional beverage quality, team performance, and service standards.

Core Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Hospitality

• Deliver thoughtful, personalized service that reflects the brand’s luxury hospitality standards
• Create a welcoming and polished café atmosphere for guests and team members alike
• Build relationships with regular clientele and foster a strong sense of community
• Resolve guest concerns professionally and proactively

Coffee & Beverage Excellence

• Prepare espresso beverages, coffee service, tea, and specialty drinks with precision and consistency
• Maintain exceptional standards for beverage presentation and product quality
• Ensure proper calibration, dialing-in, and daily maintenance of espresso equipment
• Support seasonal menu launches and beverage innovation initiatives
• Educate guests and team members on coffee origins, brewing methods, and product offerings

Team Leadership

• Support onboarding and training of baristas and café staff
• Lead by example during service while maintaining composure in high-volume periods
• Help uphold service standards, workflow efficiency, and team accountability
• Provide coaching and operational support throughout shifts
• Assist with shift leadership responsibilities in partnership with management

Operations & Café Standards

• Manage opening and closing procedures
• Monitor café cleanliness, organization, and presentation standards
• Support inventory management, restocking, and supply organization
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards
• Maintain a strong understanding of POS systems and cash-handling procedures

Qualifications

• 2+ years of specialty coffee or premium café experience
• Prior leadership or key-holder experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of espresso preparation and café operations
• Passion for hospitality, craftsmanship, and guest engagement
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment
• Flexible availability, including weekends and holidays

Preferred Experience

• Experience within luxury hospitality, boutique cafés, or premium lifestyle brands
• Knowledge of manual brewing methods and coffee sourcing
• Experience working with ModBar Espresso systems 
• Experience training or mentoring baristas
• Familiarity with elevated guest service environments

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced hospitality setting

About Us

Outside-In is a café dedicated to creating elevated daily rituals through exceptional coffee, thoughtful hospitality, and beautifully curated spaces. We believe in craftsmanship, community, and creating memorable experiences for every guest who walks through our doors.