Barista - Temporary

About the role

A Barnes & Noble bookstore is a gathering place for readers and the community. As a Barista, you are an integral member of the team at the heart of our Cafés. You welcome customers in a cheerful and helpful way by saying hello, answering questions and consistently going out of your way to connect readers with the right beverages and café items. Equally, you are an essential part of the café team in maintaining the attractive presentation and ensuring the efficient running of the Café. You help unpack and stock deliveries and to tidy our bakes case and dining area. You work our registers in a quick and friendly manner, ensuring our customers receive a highly professional service.

Responsibilities

• Welcome customers cheerfully, answer questions, and connect readers with appropriate beverages and café items.
• Maintain attractive café presentation and ensure efficient café operation.
• Unpack and stock deliveries; tidy the bake case and dining area.
• Operate registers quickly and friendly to provide professional service.
• Support receiving and unpacking of deliveries and ensure efficient, accurate stocking.
• Prepare food and drinks properly with ease and accuracy using knowledge, colleagues, drink recipe guides, product spec sheets, etc.
• Maintain café cleanliness through accurate execution of daily and weekly cleaning tasks.
• Follow and execute First In First Out (FIFO) practices and date products correctly.
• Support the bookfloor team willingly and effectively when needed.
• Understand loss prevention procedures and de‑escalation techniques; identify theft, spot problematic behaviors, and seek support.
• Perform physical activities including prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and walking.
• Work in other stores as needed to support the wider cluster.
• Develop barista knowledge and skills; build café knowledge of beverage, bakery, savory options, and gifting.
• Use this knowledge to maintain presentation in an interesting and appetizing manner.
• Speak about and support key sales objectives such as new LTO items or café promotions; share with customers and colleagues.
• Make effective food and beverage customization recommendations.
• Build knowledge and engagement for execution of café retail options.
• Understand and use café training tools appropriately.
• Apply knowledge of café safety, hygiene, and sanitation guidelines to maintain standards.
• Use this knowledge to support the success of key products and promotions.
• Above all, enjoy being a barista.

Requirements

• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance for scheduled shifts.
• Fill scheduling gaps when able, being flexible and responsive to store needs (open early mornings to late evenings, weekends, most holidays).
• Be positive and willing in your approach to work, performing assigned tasks with purpose and energy, working hard and reliably.
• Be supportive and considerate of colleagues, helping others