Cafe Team Expert

Barnes & Noble is an established and beloved bookstore chain known for being a gathering place for readers and a vibrant hub for the community. Each store combines an extensive selection of books with a welcoming café experience, creating an engaging atmosphere where customers can delight in both literature and refreshments. The company prides itself on its commitment to customer satisfaction, quality products, and an inviting environment that inspires a love of reading while fostering community connections. A Barnes & Noble bookstore is more than just a retail outlet; it is a cultural landmark where customers return time and again due to the thoughtful customer service and enriching ambiance.

As a Café Team Expert (CTE) at Barnes & Noble, you will play an integral leadership role within the café team. This position is designed for individuals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and who are passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences through both leadership and hands-on participation. The Café Team Expert is responsible for cultivating their team’s knowledge and skills, ensuring that the café operates smoothly and profitably, and that customers feel welcome and valued.

In this role, you will directly influence the profitability of the café by using data to track sales trends, inventory, waste levels, and other vital business metrics. You will collaborate closely with the Store Manager to develop, implement, and adapt action plans that deliver results aligned with company targets. Whether balancing staff schedules, coaching baristas on drink preparation standards, or maintaining high visual merchandising standards, you will serve as a role model demonstrating enthusiasm, positivity, and professionalism.

The ideal candidate embodies a set of core "behaviors" that include reliable attendance, flexibility, a positive approach to work, kindness, respect, initiative, communication skills, and a genuine enjoyment of barista duties. Your leadership will inspire the team to uphold these standards, making the café a welcoming and efficient environment for customers and colleagues alike.

You will be trained and expected to master the operational competencies of a Barnes & Noble Barista: drink-making skills, food and beverage presentation, register operation, loss prevention, and inventory management. The physical requirements of the role include prolonged standing, bending, lifting, and walking. There may also be opportunities to support other stores within the local cluster, enhancing your collaborative skills and professional development.

As you gain experience, your growing expertise will deepen your contributions to café sales strategy, customer recommendations, and maintaining high standards of safety, hygiene, and sanitation. Regular meetings with the Store Manager will help you analyze sales reports, inventory, and waste data to optimize performance and profitability. Ultimately, this role is designed for those who find joy in working as a barista and who want to advance their career by supporting their team and contributing to the broader Barnes & Noble community.