Cafe Team Expert

About the Role

A Barnes & Noble bookstore is a gathering place for readers and the community. As Café Team Expert (CTE), you are an integral leader for the café team. You work through the team to develop their knowledge to create a welcoming environment for customers. You identify and connect data to impact sales, trends, waste, inventory, and other components to ensure a profitable Café. In this role, you present viable business strategies and collaborate with the Store Manager (SM) to implement and adapt café action plans to deliver expected results.

Behaviors

• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance for scheduled shifts, setting the standard for the team.
• Fill scheduling gaps when able, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to store needs (open early mornings to late evenings, including weekends and most holidays).
• Be positive and proactive, leading by example with purpose and energy to inspire the team.
• Support the entire store team with kindness, fairness, encouragement, and respect.
• Be cheerful and helpful with customers, consistently going out of your way to assist them.
• Take initiative in your own development, using feedback to improve skills.
• Be an active listener and clear communicator to support company initiatives and goals.
• Prioritize resources and barista support to keep shifts on track.
• Demonstrate enjoyment in being a barista.

Responsibilities

• Master operational competencies of a Barnes & Noble Barista, including drink-making, food and beverage presentation, and visual merchandising.
• Run an efficient register, take orders, and coach others on speed of service.
• Support the bookfloor team with bookselling skills when available.
• Coach the team on loss prevention procedures and de-escalate challenging situations.
• Manage inventory through effective food and beverage orders and submit accurate monthly inventory and waste logs.
• Engage in physical activity, including prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and walking.
• Collaborate with the wider Cluster by working in other stores if needed.
• Make effective food and beverage recommendations to customers as a role model for the team.
• Review category sales, inventory, and waste reports to maximize sales and profitability.
• Meet with the Store Manager regularly to review café performance, training, and opportunities.
• Maintain café safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Less than 20 hours per week: Employee Discount, EAP, and Sick Pay.
• 20–29.99 hours per week: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay, Paid Time Off (including paid Maternity and Parental Leave), Company Paid Holidays, Transit, and 401(k) with Company Match.
• 30+ hours per week: Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay, Paid Time Off (including paid Maternity and Parental Leave), Company Paid Holidays, 401(k) with Company Match, Comprehensive Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, and Vision), Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts, Healthcare Spending Account, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Transit, and Tuition Reimbursement.

All benefits are provided in accordance with the terms of the current plan and may be subject to future change. Benefits may vary depending on location/state regulations.