Cafe Team Expert

Location: Joliet, IL

Classification: Full-Time

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 our customers. You are skilled at identifying and connecting 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 and ensuring consistent leadership presence on the floor.
• Fill scheduling gaps when able, being flexible and responsive to the needs of the store — open from early mornings to late evenings every day, including weekends and most holidays.
• Be positive and proactive in your approach to work; lead by example with purpose and energy, inspiring others to do the same.
• Support the entire store team, demonstrating kindness, fairness, encouragement, and respect.
• Be cheerful and helpful with customers, consistently going out of your way to assist them and modeling this behavior for the team.
• Take initiative to drive your own development, be an enthusiastic learner, and use feedback to improve skills.
• Be an active listener who understands information and communicates clearly to support company initiatives and goals.
• Prioritize resources and barista support appropriately to keep the shift on track.
• Demonstrate enjoyment in being a barista.

Responsibilities

• Master operational competencies of a Barnes & Noble Barista, including:
  • Using advanced drink-making skills, maintaining food and beverage presentation standards, and coaching others.
  • Applying strong visual merchandising skills to maintain counter and floor retail fixtures.
  • Running an efficient and quick register while taking orders, and coaching others on speed of service.
  • Using bookselling skills to support the bookfloor team when available.
  • Coaching the team on loss prevention procedures and maintaining a safe, secure bookstore.
  • Managing inventory through effective food and beverage orders.
  • Completing and submitting accurate monthly inventory and waste logs on time.
• Engage in physical activity, including prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and extensive walking.
• Collaborate with the wider Cluster by working in other stores if needed.
• As you gain experience:
  • Make effective food and beverage recommendations to customers, acting as a role model.
  • Review category sales, inventory, and waste reports to maximize sales and profitability.
  • Meet with the Store Manager regularly to review café performance 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.

Pay

An employee in this position can expect an hourly rate starting at $23.00, depending on experience, seniority, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.