Senior Barista - FT

Barnes & Noble is a renowned bookstore chain known for being a vibrant gathering place for readers and communities across the country. With its extensive range of books, magazines, and other literary products, Barnes & Noble has established itself as more than just a retailer; it is a cultural hub where people come to relax, learn, and connect. Each store features a dedicated café space designed to complement the bookshopping experience with welcoming atmospheres and quality beverages and snacks. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc., the parent company, is committed to creating warm, inviting, and knowledge-rich environments for customers while fostering a team-oriented workplace for its employees.

The Senior Barista role at Barnes & Noble is a critical position that serves as the heart of the café within these bookstores. This role demands a person who not only possesses exceptional barista skills but also exhibits strong interpersonal and leadership qualities. The Senior Barista is more than just a coffee maker; they are an ambassador of the Barnes & Noble café experience, responsible for creating a hospitable and community-oriented environment where customers feel welcome to relax and enjoy their time. The ideal candidate has mastered the key behaviors that enhance customer satisfaction — from genuine cheerfulness and supportiveness to team collaboration and a positive, energetic approach to work. They are dependable, flexible, and willing to go above and beyond to support their colleagues and the store's operational needs.

As part of their daily duties, Senior Baristas are proficient in using various technologies including registers and tablets, ensuring a smooth and efficient customer service process. They maintain a visually appealing and clean café space, supporting merchandising efforts and managing inventory with an expert eye. Senior Baristas provide guidance and mentorship to new baristas, helping them develop their skills and knowledge while promoting a culture of learning and continuous improvement. This position also involves preparing high-quality beverages and food items according to approved recipes, suggesting product pairings to customers to enhance their experience, and implementing health and safety standards to maintain a clean and safe environment.

Senior Baristas are expected to exhibit strong communication skills by sharing sales objectives and promotions confidently with customers and colleagues. They play a vital role in loss prevention and de-escalation, addressing and reporting any issues to store leadership promptly. This role requires physical stamina due to prolonged standing, repetitive bending, and lifting, along with a willingness to be flexible with scheduling, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays.

As Senior Baristas gain experience, they deepen their expertise in café operations, learn advanced beverage customization, maintain stock efficiently, and contribute to the overall success of the store. Barnes & Noble values ambition and initiative in this role, offering opportunities for career advancement within the company's bookselling and café team. The company embraces diversity and equal employment opportunities, ensuring a supportive workplace environment for all employees. Barns & Noble is dedicated to hiring skilled individuals who enjoy being baristas and who align with the company’s high standards and expectations for professionalism and customer care.