Lead Barista - FT

Barnes & Noble is a well-established bookstore chain that serves as a vibrant gathering place for readers and the local community. Known for its vast selection of books, magazines, gifts, and cafe offerings, Barnes & Noble combines the enjoyment of reading with the comfort of a welcoming retail environment. Each Barnes & Noble location features a cafe, which is integral to the store experience, providing a cozy spot for customers to enjoy coffee, snacks, and socialize. The company values its team members, fostering a workplace culture that emphasizes teamwork, learning, and customer service excellence.

As a Lead Barista at Barnes & Noble, you will play a pivotal role in the success and smooth operation of the cafe within the bookstore. This position is more than just preparing coffee; it involves leadership, mentorship, and operational oversight to ensure an exceptional experience for cafe guests and a positive work environment for the barista team. Your responsibilities will include guiding the barista team to maintain visually appealing product presentations and enforcing cafe standards on cleanliness, safety, and customer service. You will be a trusted expert in cafe operations and an approachable leader who supports and motivates the team to meet high standards consistently.

In this role, you will demonstrate behaviors that set the tone for excellent attendance, flexibility with scheduling, and a positive, proactive approach to work. Your leadership style will emphasize support and consideration for your colleagues, fostering a culture of mutual respect and cooperation. As Lead Barista, you will be the go-to resource for resolving team concerns and ensuring resources are allocated effectively to keep shifts on track. You are expected to inspire enthusiasm and a genuine love for the barista role among your team.

Operationally, you will be expected to master all aspects of cafe work including drink preparation, food handling, merchandising, and using point-of-sale systems efficiently. Teaching and coaching the team in these critical areas will be key to your success. You will ensure that the cafe environment is attractive, well-stocked, and hygienic by managing bakery displays, retail fixtures, inventory stocking, and cleanliness protocols with a focus on safety and loss prevention.

Physical activity is a crucial part of this job involving prolonged standing, bending, lifting, and walking within the store. You will also have opportunities to support other nearby stores within the company cluster, working collaboratively to strengthen the overall customer experience across locations.

With growing experience, your responsibilities will expand to include order management, inventory control, and leading the team in achieving sales goals. You will help implement cafe promotions, educate your team about new products and initiatives, and foster customer engagement with enthusiasm and product knowledge. Your ongoing development will also involve deeper involvement with training resources, safety standards, and sanitation procedures to uphold the highest operational quality.

Importantly, Barnes & Noble encourages a career path for Lead Baristas who demonstrate mastery in their role and a passion for both bookselling and cafe services. Growth opportunities exist for those who are eager to take on new challenges and develop professionally within the company. Full compliance with company policies and procedures is essential, and you will be supported by a comprehensive benefits package tailored to your scheduled work hours and location regulations.