associate manager, Chicago Reserve Roastery

Starbucks Coffee Company is a globally recognized leader in the coffeehouse industry, renowned not just for its exceptional coffee but also for its commitment to fostering human connections and community. Since its inception, Starbucks has set itself apart by celebrating the art and craft of coffee while creating welcoming environments where people can gather, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. Starbucks Reserve and Roastery locations represent the pinnacle of the Starbucks brand, offering unique flagship venues that blend sophisticated coffee craftsmanship with the warmth and vibrancy of local culture. These locations are crafted to provide extraordinary experiences and celebrate the artistry behind every cup of coffee. Starbucks is committed to developing leaders who are passionate about coffee and dedicated to service excellence, and they embody this mission through a culture centered on integrity, innovation, and community engagement.

The Associate Manager position at the Chicago Reserve Roastery is a hands-on management-in-training role designed to cultivate future retail store leaders. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to work closely with store leadership teams and learn the operational and leadership skills necessary to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment. The successful candidate will gain comprehensive exposure to various store operations and will primarily focus on leading a team within a specific zone of the store. The role demands a balance of strategic planning, operational execution, and exceptional leadership to drive customer satisfaction and business success.

As an Associate Manager, you will be instrumental in shaping the customer experience by developing and coaching a high-performing team that embodies the Starbucks Reserve experience. You will act as a role model by demonstrating passion for service, operational excellence, coffee curiosity, and innovation. Your leadership will help ensure smooth store operations, even during periods of high volume or unexpected events, by maintaining a calm demeanor and managing transitions effectively. Through your responsibilities, you will develop skills in directing and supervising store partners, communicating operational plans, evaluating performance, and fostering a culture where partners feel valued and respected.

In addition to leadership, the role requires strong engagement in planning and execution. You will collaborate with operations managers to develop and implement strategic and operational plans, oversee business operations within assigned zones, and contribute to staffing decisions to optimize both partner development and customer service. Clear, concise communication within the store leadership team and store partners is critical for success in this position.

The Associate Manager will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with operational standards and fostering positive relationships across store leadership. Utilizing established operational tools and approaches, you will identify areas for improvement, propose solutions, and support the implementation of company programs aimed at achieving store objectives. Your ability to assess the store environment, engage with customers to gain insights, and respond promptly to business needs will be vital in maintaining the high standards associated with the Starbucks Reserve experience.

Starbucks offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, paid parental leave, vacation accrual from day one, paid holidays and personal days, 401(k) retirement plans with company matching, and several educational opportunities, including 100% tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program. Additionally, partners have access to financial well-being tools, backup care, student loan management resources, and other voluntary insurance benefits.

The salary for the Associate Manager role will be determined based on factors such as experience, location, and internal equity. This position is overtime eligible, though overtime hours are not guaranteed. Starbucks is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion, offering reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. Join Starbucks to inspire and lead with every cup, contributing to an iconic brand that transforms lives and communities worldwide.