Senior Barista - FT

Barnes & Noble is a leading bookseller and cultural hub, renowned for its expansive selection of books, magazines, and related products. The company operates as a specialty retailer and aims to foster a love of reading and community engagement within every location. Each Barnes & Noble bookstore is designed not only as a retail space but also as a welcoming environment where customers can explore literary works while enjoying a comfortable and leisurely atmosphere. In line with this vision, the Barnes & Noble Cafe complements the bookstore by offering a curated selection of beverages, bakery items, and snacks, providing a perfect setting for customers to relax, socialize, or work. The Barnes & Noble brand remains committed to providing exceptional customer service, cultivating a sense of community, and supporting the career development of its employees.

The role of Senior Barista at Barnes & Noble is integral to the success of the Cafe and the overall store experience. As a Senior Barista, you become a vital member of the team who leads by example and helps shape the daily operations within the Cafe. This position requires mastery of barista skills and customer service behaviors that create a welcoming environment, encouraging customers to enjoy the atmosphere and enhance their visits. A key responsibility is mentoring and supporting new baristas, imparting your knowledge and skills to ensure the entire team provides knowledgeable and excellent service. Senior Baristas play an important role in maintaining the Cafe’s operational efficiency by managing the use of varied technology such as registers and tablets, merchandising baked goods and retail items effectively, and upholding store standards for cleanliness and safety.

In addition to technical expertise, you are expected to demonstrate behaviors that embody the core values of Barnes & Noble, including cheerfulness, support for colleagues, positivity, willingness to learn, reliability, and flexibility. The position demands flexibility in scheduling as the store operates from early mornings to late evenings every day, including weekends and most holidays. Senior Baristas must be proactive in filling scheduling gaps and responding to the store’s needs. The role requires physical stamina, including prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and extensive walking within the store.

As you gain experience and develop your barista skills, the Senior Barista role offers opportunities for career growth within Barnes & Noble. You will have the chance to deepen your knowledge of Cafe products such as beverages, bakery items, and retail goods like Harney Tea and Starbucks Coffee. Using this expertise, you will contribute to creating memorable customer experiences through product recommendations and presentations. You will also support ongoing training and coaching efforts, helping baristas perfect beverage preparations and adhere to prescribed recipes and safety guidelines. Additionally, you will participate in company initiatives and promotions, confidently sharing information with both customers and colleagues.

Overall, the Senior Barista position at Barnes & Noble represents a blend of skilled craftsmanship, customer interaction, mentorship, and operational responsibility. The company values enthusiasm and a genuine enjoyment of being a barista, coupled with continuous learning and personal development. Great Senior Baristas help maintain the inviting atmosphere that makes Barnes & Noble a preferred destination for community members and readers alike. If you want to grow your career in a lively retail and cafe setting while contributing to a compelling customer experience, this role offers meaningful opportunities and rewards.