Lead Barista

Job Title: Lead Barista

Location: Austin Texas

Compensation: $22/hour + Tips

Position Summary:

The Lead Barista is a key operational and service leader responsible for delivering an elevated cafe experience for all tenants and guests. This role goes beyond beverage preparation-serving as the primary point of contact for vendor relationships, inventory management, and product innovation. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong organizational skills, a hospitality mindset, and the ability to lead by example in both service and execution.

This role is integral to upholding the service standards of the property while ensuring the cafe is fully stocked, efficient, and aligned with tenant preferences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the on-site lead for all cafe operations, maintaining a consistent and professional guest experience.
• Manage vendor relationships, including communicating orders, requesting quotes, coordinating deliveries, and addressing issues.
• Identify and source new products aligned with guest preferences, brand standards, and seasonal trends.
• Track inventory levels on a regular basis, take physical counts, and determine quantities needed to maintain proper stock levels.
• Maintain and adjust standing orders as needed based on usage trends, upcoming events, and tenant demand.
• Ensure all supplies (milk, alternative milks, packaged goods, juices, etc.) are available and up to quality standards.
• Uphold all sanitation, food safety, and cleanliness guidelines across the cafe space.
• Lead by example in beverage preparation, hospitality, and professionalism.
• Train and support barista team members to align with service expectations.
• Communicate effectively with building management and hospitality leadership to ensure seamless coordination.
• Maintain awareness of tenant traffic patterns, feedback, and service trends.
• Contribute to product decisions and cafe enhancements based on feedback and operational observations.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of barista experience, with at least 1 year in a leadership or independently managed cafe role.
• Strong vendor management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to track inventory, manage orders, and assess supply needs.
• Entrepreneurial mindset; able to work independently, take initiative, and make informed decisions.
• Professional, polished demeanor with a hospitality-forward approach.
• Ability to multitask, remain calm under pressure, and adapt to changing demands.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in product sourcing, including vendor outreach and sample coordination.
• Familiarity with corporate hospitality or commercial property environments.
• Comfort using basic digital tools for inventory tracking, communication, and reporting.
• Interest in coffee trends, sustainable products, or wellness-focused offerings.