Barista Lead - Modern Love at Fairlane Hotel

Job Summary

The Lead Barista serves as a role model for customer engagement by delivering exceptional service, addressing customer concerns professionally, and fostering a welcoming and positive café environment. This role plays a critical part in setting the tone for daily operations, upholding company standards, and promoting a collaborative and productive team atmosphere.

Responsibilities

• Open the store in a timely and organized manner, including activating and calibrating all required equipment such as espresso machines, grinders, and brewing systems to ensure operational readiness.
• Perform daily espresso dial-in procedures by adjusting grind size and dosage to maintain optimal product quality and consistency.
• Prepare initial batches of brewed coffee in accordance with company standards.
• Oversee point-of-sale (POS) system setup, including accurate cash drawer preparation and verification.
• Ensure adherence to established cash-handling procedures and execute cash drawer audits when appropriate.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels by monitoring stock usage, identifying supply needs, and coordinating restocking efforts.
• Aid in inventory tracking and communicate ordering requirements to management to support uninterrupted operations.
• Ensure compliance with cleanliness, sanitation, and safety standards across all service, preparation, and customer areas.
• Execute ongoing cleaning and maintenance of equipment and facilities to uphold company and health regulation requirements.
• Deliver and model exceptional customer service by professionally greeting guests, accurately processing transactions, providing product knowledge, and resolving customer concerns in a timely and effective manner.
• Prepare coffee, espresso, and tea beverages in accordance with established recipes and quality standards.
• Conduct routine quality checks, including taste evaluations and presentation review, to ensure consistency and excellence in product delivery.
• Redirect daily workflow when necessary, sharing responsibilities, and ensuring efficient service during peak business periods.
• Serve as a resource for fellow employees with questions regarding daily tasks, conflict resolution, or operating procedures.
• Train, mentor, and support team members in operational responsibilities as directed by the Food and Beverage Managers.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with management and staff regarding operational updates, staffing needs, and performance notes to ensure alignment and continuity of service.
• Any additional tasks requested by the management team members.

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a barista or in a customer-facing role is preferred, but not always required.
• A willingness to learn on the job is essential.
• Customer-focused: A friendly, positive, and patient personality is required to provide exceptional service, even during high-pressure moments.
• Communication skills: Excellent verbal communication and listening skills to effectively interact with customers and team members.
• Technical skills: The ability to learn and operate brewing equipment and the POS system quickly.
• Knowledge of various coffee and tea types is a plus.
• Efficiency and multitasking: Strong time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks and handle multiple customer orders simultaneously.
• Physical stamina: The ability to stand for long periods and lift heavy items, such as milk crates or boxes of supplies.
• Availability: Must be able to work early mornings, weekends, and holidays.