Coffee Shop Barista Lead

Lead Barista

We are looking for an experienced, dependable, and customer-focused Lead Barista to join our team.

This is a hands-on leadership position. The Lead Barista will work closely with the owners to help oversee a team of approximately 8–10 employees while also performing all regular barista duties. This position is not just about supervising—you will be working alongside the team, making drinks, taking orders, cleaning, stocking, and helping wherever needed to keep the café running smoothly.

The ideal candidate has previous barista, café, restaurant, or management experience and enjoys both leading a team and working directly with customers. We are looking for someone who is passionate about coffee, keeps up with new beverage and flavor trends, and takes pride in creating a great customer experience.

Lead & Management Duties

• Help oversee the daily operation of the café
• Lead and supervise baristas during scheduled shifts
• Work closely with the owners and communicate daily needs, concerns, and opportunities
• Help train and coach new and existing employees
• Delegate tasks and make sure opening, shift, and closing duties are completed
• Maintain a positive, professional, and productive work environment
• Help resolve customer concerns professionally
• Monitor employee performance and communicate concerns to ownership
• Manage, track, and order inventory
• Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages and unnecessary waste
• Receive, organize, and properly store deliveries
• Count cash drawers and accurately handle money
• Assist employees with Square POS procedures
• Make sure company recipes, portioning, and quality standards are followed
• Help maintain proper staffing and shift flow during busy periods
• Communicate product changes, specials, and out-of-stock items to employees
• Stay current with coffee, beverage, seasonal flavor, and customer trends
• Help owners develop and introduce new drinks and menu ideas

Barista Duties

The Lead Barista is also expected to perform all regular barista responsibilities, including:

• Greet customers and provide friendly, welcoming service
• Take customer orders accurately using the Square POS system
• Prepare espresso drinks, lattes, cold brew, teas, refreshers, specialty drinks, and other menu beverages
• Properly steam and texture milk
• Follow recipes to ensure drinks are made consistently
• Customize drinks based on customer requests
• Answer questions and make menu recommendations
• Prepare and serve food and bakery items as needed
• Handle cash, credit card, and digital payments accurately
• Keep the espresso bar, counters, equipment, and customer areas clean
• Wash dishes and properly clean café equipment
• Restock cups, lids, syrups, milks, food, merchandise, and other supplies
• Refill ice and other bar necessities throughout the shift
• Check expiration dates and properly rotate products
• Keep refrigerators, storage areas, and workstations organized
• Assist with opening and closing the café
• Complete daily cleaning and sanitation duties
• Help maintain clean restrooms, lobby, patio, and customer areas
• Take out trash and complete other general cleaning duties as needed
• Maintain speed and accuracy during high-volume periods
• Communicate clearly with coworkers during busy shifts
• Remake drinks or correct orders when necessary to ensure customer satisfaction
• Learn new recipes, seasonal drinks, and menu changes
• Promote merchandise, specials, and featured products to customers

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

• Dependable and punctual
• Friendly and customer-focused
• Comfortable leading and directing a team
• Willing to work alongside employees rather than simply supervise
• Organized and able to multitask
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Able to communicate clearly with employees, customers, and ownership
• Detail-oriented with inventory and cash handling
• Passionate about coffee and creating great drinks
• Willing to clean, stock, and help wherever needed
• Able to take initiative without needing constant direction
• Positive and professional when handling stressful or busy situations

Previous barista, café, restaurant, or supervisory experience is strongly preferred.

The right person for this position will lead by example. If the shop is busy, you'll be behind the bar making drinks. If something needs cleaned, you'll help clean it. If the team needs direction, you'll step up and lead. Our goal is to have a Lead Barista who takes pride in the café, supports the team, and helps make sure every customer receives a consistently great experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid training

Experience:

• Management: 2 years (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35,000