Lead Barista - OC

City of Hope is a renowned national healthcare system specializing in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. With its flagship campus in Los Angeles and a growing network of clinical care locations across Southern California, including a new cancer center in Orange County, City of Hope also extends its life-saving treatments to cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix. The organization is driven by a compassionate and dedicated team focused on delivering tomorrow’s cures to people who need them today. City of Hope prides itself on fostering an innovative and supportive environment aimed at transforming patient care and improving outcomes through groundbreaking research and comprehensive clinical services.

The role of Lead Barista at City of Hope is integral to its commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for both patients and staff. This position offers an exciting opportunity for coffee and tea enthusiasts to deliver exceptional customer service while crafting high-quality, hand-made beverages. The Lead Barista is responsible for taking orders, creating beverages like coffee, espresso, cappuccino, café latte, tea, chai, and fruit blend drinks according to customer specifications, and operating cash registers. Beyond beverage preparation, this role demands the ability to handle customer complaints or questions professionally while maintaining positive customer relationships and ensuring speedy delivery of all orders.

Additionally, the Lead Barista oversees the opening and closing procedures for their retail food service area, ensuring that the workspace is clean, organized, and compliant with city and health regulations. They play a key role in visually arranging coffee bar supplies to create an attractive and inviting display, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience. This position also involves performing routine maintenance such as cleaning coffee machines and preparation areas to maintain sanitary conditions.

The role is not only about beverage service but also about safety and compliance. The Lead Barista participates in allergy and foodborne illness training, attends safety meetings, and abides by all company policies related to safety, risk management, infection control, and environmental guidelines. Adherence to City of Hope's Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan is essential. The position may also involve physical tasks such as receiving inventory and moving supplies.

Ideal candidates for this role will have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, with a preference for candidates possessing two years of barista experience, ideally from Starbucks or a comparable foodservice environment. Starbucks baristas will be required to obtain the Starbucks Lead Barista Certification within 90 days of employment. City of Hope offers competitive pay based on experience, qualifications, and work location, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

By joining City of Hope as a Lead Barista, you become part of a transformative healthcare mission that extends far beyond your daily duties. You contribute to a supportive atmosphere for patients, families, and staff while refining your skills in a dynamic, customer-focused role. This position represents a unique blend of hospitality, operational leadership, and commitment to health and safety standards in one of the nation's foremost medical institutions.