Lead Barista

Position Summary:

The Lead Barista is responsible for overseeing daily coffee shop operations within Rice Retail Dining while delivering an elevated hospitality experience aligned with Rice Hospitality standards. This role leads by example in beverage execution, guest engagement, and team development, ensuring consistency in product quality, service standards, and operational efficiency.

The Lead Barista supports multiple retail cafe locations and is responsible for training, coaching, and guiding student workers and barista teams alongside management. This position plays a critical role in maintaining brand standards, driving beverage-focused sales, and ensuring all food safety, sanitation, and cash handling procedures are executed with precision.

This role requires cross-training and operational support across at least two coffee shop locations within the Rice campus and works closely with the Retail Dining Manager, Culinary Leadership, and Hospitality team.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is an experienced barista with a strong foundation in coffee shop operations and a passion for hospitality-driven service. They are hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can confidently lead and train a team, and understands the importance of consistency, presentation, and guest experience.

They take pride in crafting high-quality beverages, maintaining clean and organized workspaces, and creating a welcoming environment for the Rice community. This individual is proactive, solutions-oriented, and capable of balancing operational execution with team development.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is fully on-site across Rice Retail Dining cafe locations. Schedules may vary based on operational needs. Monday-Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m hours of operations. Per Rice Policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change

• Work Environment:
  • Fast-paced cafe environment with exposure to kitchen equipment, coffee machinery, and high-volume service periods.
• Work Hazards:
  • Exposure to hot liquids, espresso equipment, cleaning chemicals, and wet/slippery floors.
• Work Schedule:
  • Flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends. Overtime may be required during peak business periods.

Physical Demands

Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours), lift up to 30-50 lbs., and perform repetitive tasks such as drink preparation, stocking, and cleaning

This role is classified as an Essential On-Campus Position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. During emergencies or crises, the employee is required to report to campus as directed to ensure continuity of critical operations and must remain accessible to leadership to fulfill responsibilities necessary for maintaining institutional functions.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Three or more (3+) years of barista experience in a coffee shop or cafe setting
• Demonstrated experience leading or supervising baristas and/or cashiers
  • Experience training staff on:
    • Beverage preparation and recipe standards
    • Food safety and sanitation procedures
    • POS/cash handling systems
• Valid Food Handler Certification (ServSafe or equivalent

Skills:

• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals, sanitation standards, and safety procedures
• Ability to speak and understand basic English
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team
• Ability to follow directions and complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision

Preferences:

• Experience in high-volume or campus dining environments
• Knowledge of specialty coffee, espresso calibration, and beverage development
• Familiarity with inventory systems, ordering processes, and waste control
• Strong understanding of hospitality-driven service models

Essential Functions:

• Prepare and serve high-quality coffee, espresso, and specialty beverages according to standardized recipes
• Ensure consistency in product quality, presentation, and service execution
• Maintain a clean, organized, and guest-ready cafe environment at all times
• Support daily opening and closing procedures
• Lead and support a team of baristas and student workers during shifts
• Train new and existing team members on beverage standards, safety, sanitation, and customer service
• Reinforce proper procedures and hold team accountable to Rice Hospitality standards
• Provide real-time coaching and feedback to improve performance
• Deliver exceptional, hospitality-driven service to all guests
• Actively engage with customers to enhance their experience and build community
• Resolve guest concerns professionally and efficiently
• Assist with inventory tracking, ordering, and product management
• Monitor product levels and minimize waste through proper handling and rotation
• Operate POS systems accurately and ensure proper cash handling procedures
• Cross-train and provide operational support across multiple Rice Retail Dining cafe locations
• Adapt to different service styles, teams, and volumes while maintaining consistency
• Ensure adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards
• Maintain cleanliness of equipment, counters, storage areas, and service stations
• Identify and report maintenance or operational issues

Additional Functions:

• Support catering or special event beverage service as needed
• Assist with merchandising, product displays, and promotional initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned by Retail Dining leadership