Lead Barista - FT

Barnes & Noble is a renowned bookstore brand that serves as a vibrant community hub for book lovers and readers across the United States. Each Barnes & Noble location offers a welcoming atmosphere where individuals can explore a vast collection of books, enjoy engaging in literary events, and connect with fellow book enthusiasts. Alongside its expansive book collection, Barnes & Noble features an inviting café area that provides customers with high-quality beverages and food, enhancing the overall experience of every visit. The company values its community-driven approach and strives to create an inclusive space that caters to readers of all ages and interests.

The role of Lead Barista at Barnes & Noble is pivotal within the café team, acting as a cornerstone for quality customer service and operational excellence. This position demands a balance of leadership and hands-on involvement, where the Lead Barista guides the team in presenting compelling product displays and ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of the café. As a trusted leader, the Lead Barista fosters an environment where fellow baristas feel supported and confident in raising any questions or concerns, knowing that such matters will be addressed efficiently and with care.

The ideal candidate exemplifies positive behaviors that include reliability, punctuality, and an upbeat attitude, setting a strong example for others. The Lead Barista is expected to maintain consistent attendance and often adapt their schedule to meet the store's operational needs, which may include working early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. They inspire their colleagues through proactive and purposeful work, showing support and consideration for team members, and consistently providing cheerful and helpful customer service.

Mastery of barista skills is a critical component of this role. The Lead Barista must demonstrate expertise in beverage preparation, food handling, and café tool usage, while also coaching team members to improve and maintain high standards. Operational competencies extend to effective merchandising, inventory management, cleaning protocols, and loss prevention practices, all contributing to a safe, efficient, and inviting café environment. This role also involves hands-on physical duties such as standing for prolonged periods, bending, lifting, and moving throughout the store.

As experience grows, individuals in this position will take on additional responsibilities such as placing café orders, managing inventory and waste logs, providing informed sales recommendations, and leading promotional efforts. Continued professional development is encouraged, with opportunities to hone skills related to hygiene, safety, customer engagement, and team coaching. The company supports career advancement for those who demonstrate mastery and a passion for the barista role within Barnes & Noble, offering a pathway for growth and new challenges.

Employment at Barnes & Noble, specifically as a Lead Barista, is rewarded with a comprehensive benefits package that varies with scheduled hours worked. Employees working fewer than 20 hours per week receive benefits including an employee discount, an employee assistance program (EAP), and sick pay. Those scheduled between 20 and 29.99 hours gain additional paid time off with maternity and parental leave, company-paid holidays, transit benefits, and a 401(k) plan with company match. At 30 hours or more, employees enjoy comprehensive health benefits covering medical, dental, and vision, healthcare and dependent care spending accounts, disability and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, as well as the previously mentioned perks. This benefits offering reflects Barnes & Noble's commitment to supporting its employees' well-being and professional development.