Cafe Team Expert

Barnes & Noble is a renowned bookstore chain known for being a vibrant gathering place for readers and communities. Each store offers not only a vast selection of books but also a welcoming cafe environment where customers can enjoy quality beverages and food. Barnes & Noble has cultivated a unique atmosphere that blends knowledge, relaxation, and community engagement, making it a preferred destination for book lovers and cafe enthusiasts alike. The company values teamwork, leadership, and a passion for customer service, which are evident in its commitment to maintaining high operational standards both on the bookselling floor and in the cafe. Employees are encouraged to demonstrate behaviors like reliability, positivity, and proactive engagement to ensure both customer satisfaction and operational success.

The role of Cafe Team Expert (CTE) at Barnes & Noble is a pivotal leadership position within the cafe team. As a CTE, you will be responsible for guiding and developing the cafe team’s knowledge and skills to create a welcoming environment that prioritizes customer experience. This role requires an individual who is not only a skilled barista but also a strategic thinker capable of analyzing sales data, trends, inventory, and waste to optimize cafe profitability. You will collaborate closely with the Store Manager to design and implement effective cafe business strategies and action plans. This includes regular review of cafe sales performance, inventory management, and staff training to ensure the highest standards are consistently met.

Being a Cafe Team Expert means serving as a role model in operational competencies such as drink making, food and beverage presentation, visual merchandising, and efficient customer service at the register. You will coach and mentor team members to maintain these standards, encourage a positive team dynamic, and ensure adherence to loss prevention and safety procedures. Your leadership will be demonstrated through setting a reliable and consistent presence on the floor, filling scheduling gaps, and fostering a supportive and respectful workplace. Physical stamina is important, as the role involves prolonged standing, bending, lifting, and moving throughout the store.

As you gain experience, your responsibilities will expand to include making expert recommendations to customers, analyzing category sales and waste reports, and collaborating with the store management team to enhance cafe results. The position emphasizes continuous learning and development, encouraging you to take initiative in your growth and support both your team and the wider store cluster. Compliance with company policies and commitment to delivering excellent customer experiences are fundamental expectations.

In terms of employment, benefits vary depending on hours worked. Employees scheduled for less than 20 hours weekly receive employee discounts, employee assistance programs (EAP), and sick pay. Those working between 20 to 29.99 hours also gain paid time off, maternity and parental leave, company-paid holidays, transit benefits, and 401(k) with company matching. Employees scheduled for 30 hours or more have access to comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, healthcare spending accounts, disability benefits, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and more, subject to location regulations. This role is ideal for someone passionate about hospitality and bookselling, seeking leadership opportunities within a well-established retail environment.