This is a full-time, year-round position. Applicants must be available to work early mornings, weekends, and holidays. This position works as early as 5:00 am, though schedules may vary based on business needs. Candidates must be available to work both Saturdays and Sundays. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Barista Team Lead supports the Deli/Bakery/Coffee House Manager and Assistant Manager by leading the day-to-day work of the Barista team. This role focuses on training, product consistency, and customer service – ensuring every drink and food item meets quality standards and every customer receives excellent service. The Barista Team Lead does not have hiring, firing, or disciplinary authority; those responsibilities remain with the Manager and Assistant Manager. Instead, this position acts as the on-the-floor resource for the team, modeling best practices, coaching new and current baristas, and communicating issues or opportunities to management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Leads and guides the Barista team during shifts, serving as the go-to resource for questions on drink preparation, procedures, and customer service.

• Trains new baristas and provides ongoing coaching to current team members on beverage preparation, food handling, and customer service standards, including demonstrating proper techniques and store procedures during onboarding.

• Monitors and enforces product consistency, including recipes, portioning, presentation, and brewing/espresso standards, so every drink and food item meets company specifications.

• Performs and oversees grind/machine checks on espresso equipment throughout the day to maintain quality.

• Models excellent customer service and steps in to resolve customer concerns, escalating to the Manager or Assistant Manager as needed.

• Communicates regularly with the Manager and Assistant Manager regarding team performance, training needs, product quality, and customer feedback.

• Helps organize workflow during shifts to ensure the Barista station runs efficiently and customer service stations remain properly stocked.

• Prepares and serves hot and cold beverages, such as brewed coffee, espresso, cold brew, blended beverages, and tea, correctly customizing orders as requested.

• Serves prepared foods and baked goods, including sandwiches, biscotti, muffins, or donuts.

• Cleans and sanitizes equipment, utensils, dishes, work areas, and service/seating areas throughout the shift.

• Ensures proper functioning of freezers, refrigerators, and heating equipment by routinely checking temperatures.

• Assists with stocking, inventory, ordering, and receiving products as directed by the Manager or Assistant Manager.

• Reports equipment issues, safety concerns, or supply shortages to management promptly.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIRED SKILLS/KEY COMPETENCIES

• 2-years prior barista experience required

• Experience leading or mentoring others in a similar environment preferred.

• Strong knowledge of brewing methods, espresso preparation, and specialty drinks.

• Ability to train and coach others clearly and patiently.

• Ability to calculate discounts and percentages.

• Good memory to manage multiple orders simultaneously and recall faces, names, and preferences of frequent patrons.

• Ability to serve customers quickly, efficiently, and kindly, and to lead others in doing the same.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and manage time wisely.

• Good analytical and organizational skills.

• Must obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Food Worker Card.

• Excellent English communication skills (verbal and written).

• Ability to follow all safe food handling procedures and sanitation practices.

• Ability to give and receive feedback constructively.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Regularly stands and walks for up to 8 hours per shift.

• Frequently required to bend, reach, twist, stoop, kneel, and perform repetitive hand and wrist movements.

• Frequently lifts and carries up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

• Regularly exposed to food odors, cleaning chemicals, moisture, grease, and moderate noise levels.

• Frequently performs repetitive grasping, gripping, pinching, cutting, slicing, and fine motor tasks using hands and fingers.

• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced environment while maintaining food safety and sanitation standards.

This position is eligible for Prime Time Pay. Prime Time Pay provides an additional $3/hour above the base rate for all hours worked Saturdays and Sundays and hours worked Monday through Friday between 6:00 pm and 3:00 am.