Lead Barista - FT

Barnes & Noble is a well-established and beloved bookstore chain that serves as a vibrant gathering place for readers and the community at large. Known for its vast selection of books and inviting atmosphere, each Barnes & Noble store also houses a café where patrons can relax, sip coffee, and enjoy snacks while engaging with literature. The bookstore is dedicated not only to promoting a love of reading but also to creating a welcoming environment for customers and employees alike. This community-centered approach makes Barnes & Noble a unique retail destination where book lovers can connect over great reads and quality café experiences.

As a Lead Barista at Barnes & Noble, you will play a crucial leadership role within the café team. This position requires you to be both a hands-on expert in café operations and a supportive team leader who ensures the café runs seamlessly. Your responsibilities will include overseeing product presentation, maintaining high customer service standards, and providing guidance and coaching to other baristas. You will be instrumental in creating an environment where team members feel supported, encouraged to raise concerns, and inspired to achieve excellence in their roles.

The role demands a dependable and positive leader who maintains reliable attendance and is flexible to fill scheduling gaps when necessary. Working hours cover early mornings to late evenings, including weekends and most holidays, so adaptability and a proactive mindset are critical. As a Lead Barista, you will lead by example, demonstrating energy, enthusiasm, and a commitment to operational excellence. You will foster a collaborative team culture where baristas feel comfortable, valued, and motivated to grow their skills.

Mastery of operational skills is essential in this role. You will be trained to excel at drink making, food preparation, merchandising, and maintaining cleanliness and presentation standards. Part of your leadership will be coaching your fellow baristas in visual merchandising, customer conversations, register efficiency, stock management following FIFO practices, and loss prevention procedures. The position involves physical activity, including prolonged standing, bending, lifting, and walking, reflecting the dynamic nature of café work.

As you gain experience, you will take on greater responsibilities, such as placing food and beverage orders accurately, managing inventory and waste logs, and leading café sales initiatives including promotions and customer membership engagement. Your ability to use café training tools will help develop the team’s skills and ensure safety and hygiene protocols are rigorously applied.

Barnes & Noble values those who are curious, ambitious, and committed to continuous learning within the bookselling and café environment. The company encourages career advancement through skill mastery and dedication to the barista craft. Working as a Lead Barista offers opportunities to grow within the organization through demonstrated leadership and operational expertise.

Benefits vary depending on scheduled hours. Part-time employees working fewer than 20 hours weekly receive employee discounts, employee assistance programs, and sick pay. Those working 20 to 29.99 hours enjoy additional benefits such as paid time off including maternity and parental leave, company-paid holidays, transit assistance, and 401(k) with company match. Employees scheduled for 30 hours or more receive the most comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, healthcare and dependent care spending accounts, disability and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and the aforementioned benefits. Each location may offer variations depending on state regulations.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a busy, customer-facing environment, possesses strong leadership qualities, and delights in bringing warmth and expertise to the café experience at Barnes & Noble.