Cafe Team Expert

Job Summary

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 good at identifying and connecting data, using it to impact sales, trends, waste, inventory and other components to ensure a profitable Café. In this role, you present viable business strategies and work collaboratively with the Store Manager (SM) to implement and adapt café action plans to deliver expected results.

About the Role

You’ll make a great Cafe Team Expert if you have what we term to be good “behaviors.” Expect your colleagues to demonstrate these behaviors and to hold you, and themselves, to high standards, and for your Store Managers to reinforce our expectations. These Behaviors Collectively Demonstrate That You 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 you are able, being flexible and responsive to the needs of the store — we are open from early mornings to late evenings every day, including weekends and most holidays. Are positive and proactive in your approach to work; you lead by example with purpose and energy, working hard and reliably while inspiring others to do the same. Are supportive of the entire store team, demonstrating kindness, fairness, encouragement and respect. Are always cheerful and helpful with customers, consistently going out of your way to help them and modeling this for the store team. Take initiative to drive your own development, are an enthusiastic learner and use feedback to improve skills. Are an active listener who understands information and clearly communicates messages as expected to support company initiatives and goals. Prioritize resources and barista support appropriately to keep the shift on track. Above all, show that you enjoy being a barista!

Responsibilities

• Master the operational competencies of a Barnes & Noble Barista, including drink making, food and beverage presentation, visual merchandising, register running, bookselling, loss prevention, inventory management, and customer service.
• Coach the team to follow loss prevention procedures and maintain a safe, secure bookstore by effectively de-escalating challenging situations and problematic behaviors.
• Review category sales, inventory quantities, and product waste reports, assess and act on information to maximize sales and profitability.
• Meet with the Store Manager regularly to review café sales performance, profitability, training, and opportunities, to drive café results.
• Use knowledge about café safety, hygiene, sanitation guidelines and procedures to maintain all standards appropriately.

Requirements

• Experience in a similar role or equivalent experience.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn and grow.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Physical stamina for standing, bending, lifting, and walking.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Skills

• Customer service skills.
• Leadership and team-building abilities.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Knowledge of food and beverage preparation and service.

Benefits

• Employee Discount
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Sick Pay
• Paid Time Off including paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays
• Comprehensive Health Benefits (Medical, Dental and Vision)
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Healthcare Spending Account
• Disability Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Transit
• Tuition Reimbursement

Pay

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

Schedule

As you gain experience, you should expect your knowledge and skills to develop to support others and the Cluster and bookstore. You will, of course, comply with all company policies and procedures.