Lead Barista - FT

Barnes & Noble is a leading bookseller renowned for its inviting bookstores that serve as vibrant gathering places for readers and community members alike. Each Barnes & Noble bookstore is not only a retail destination but also a cultural hub where book lovers can explore a vast selection of titles, enjoy relaxing café experiences, and engage with knowledgeable staff. At its core, Barnes & Noble is committed to fostering a welcoming atmosphere through passionate employees who share a love of books and great customer service. The organization's dedication to providing excellent experiences extends into its café environment, offering a menu of quality beverages and fresh food items that complement the bookshopping experience.

As a Lead Barista at Barnes & Noble, you play a crucial leadership role within the café team. This position is integral to maintaining compelling product presentations and overseeing the smooth and efficient operations of the café. Your responsibilities extend beyond just making drinks—you are also a hands-on leader who supports and mentors your team, fostering a positive workplace culture where baristas feel comfortable and valued. Being a trusted expert, you ensure that the café team consistently upholds high standards in customer service, product quality, and cleanliness.

The Lead Barista role requires someone who exemplifies key professional behaviors: reliability through punctual and consistent attendance; flexibility to accommodate scheduling needs across varied store hours including weekends and holidays; positivity and work ethic to inspire and lead by example; and a supportive attitude toward colleagues to cultivate teamwork and cooperation. The ideal candidate is cheerful and customer-oriented, eager to learn and grow within the company, and demonstrates ambition for career growth both in bookselling and café operations.

Operationally, you will master a variety of skills such as advanced drink making, food preparation, merchandising, and maintaining cleanliness. You'll serve as a coach to other baristas, helping them sharpen their skills in areas like customer interactions, speed and accuracy at the register, visual merchandising, and inventory management. Your expertise will also support loss prevention efforts and maintaining a safe, secure environment in the bookstore. This role involves physical activity including standing for long periods, bending, lifting, and walking throughout the café and store.

As you gain experience, your responsibilities will grow to include ordering and stock management, inventory and waste logging, coaching the team on sales initiatives like limited-time offers, promotions, and membership programs, and ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation guidelines. The career path offers opportunities for advancement where you can take on greater challenges and develop your potential further.

Barnes & Noble provides a comprehensive benefits package tailored to different work schedules. Employees working less than 20 hours per week receive employee discounts, employee assistance programs, and sick pay. Those scheduled between 20 and 30 hours receive additional benefits including paid time off, maternity and parental leave, company-paid holidays, transit benefits, and 401(k) with company match. Full-time employees scheduled for over 30 hours benefit from a full spectrum of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, various spending accounts, disability and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and more.

This role is essential to delivering the warm, welcoming café experience that enhances the overall Barnes & Noble customer journey. If you’re enthusiastic about coffee, customer service, and leadership in a dynamic bookstore café setting, this opportunity is ideal for you. Barnes & Noble values employees who are not only skilled but passionate about fostering community and delivering exceptional service in a beloved retail environment.