Lead Barista

Company Description The Hidden House Charleston is a neighborhood-focused coffee destination located in Charleston, SC, known for its welcoming atmosphere and dedication to high-quality beverages. The team is committed to crafting thoughtfully prepared coffee and espresso drinks, as well as providing warm, attentive hospitality to every guest. The café emphasizes collaboration, professionalism, and continuous learning, encouraging team members to develop their skills and grow with the business. Working at The Hidden House Charleston offers the opportunity to be part of a tight-knit team that values reliability, creativity, and a genuine passion for coffee culture.

Role Description The Lead Barista is responsible for overseeing daily coffee bar operations, ensuring consistent beverage quality, and delivering an exceptional guest experience. This full-time, on-site role in Charleston, SC includes preparing espresso and coffee drinks, managing inventory and supplies, maintaining equipment, and keeping the café clean and organized. The Lead Barista trains and mentors baristas, supports scheduling and shift coverage, and models strong customer service standards. This role also involves handling cash and POS transactions accurately, assisting with menu development and seasonal offerings, and collaborating with management to improve service, workflows, and team communication.

Qualifications

• Strong barista skills, including espresso extraction, milk steaming, and coffee brewing techniques, with attention to consistency and quality.
• Customer service abilities focused on hospitality, clear communication, and creating a welcoming environment for a diverse range of guests.
• Leadership and supervisory skills, such as coaching team members, supporting scheduling needs, and guiding the work during busy shifts.
• Organizational and operational skills, including inventory monitoring, basic cash handling, POS operation, and maintaining a clean work area.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, work in a fast-paced environment, and lift moderate weights (such as bags of coffee or milk crates).
• Previous experience as a barista or in specialty coffee; prior lead or shift supervisor experience in food and beverage is preferred.
• Reliable, punctual, and comfortable working a mix of mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed for café operations.
• Interest in learning more about coffee, including sourcing, roasting, and preparation methods, and sharing that knowledge with guests and team members.