Compensation: Starting at $15/hour based on experience, plus a generous tip pool. We believe exceptional hospitality should be rewarded, and our goal is for strong Lead Baristas to earn $20–25+ per hour in total compensation.
Position Summary
The Barista Lead is responsible for leading and executing The Willowick's coffee, espresso, tea, and specialty beverage program while creating exceptional guest experiences from opening through lunch service. This role oversees daily beverage operations, coaches and develops beverage stewards, maintains beverage quality and consistency, and establishes the tone for the restaurant each morning.
Serves as both a working leader and subject matter expert earning tips in addition to an elevated hourly rate. Benefits will be discussed with candidates/ mutually agreed upon.
Leadership Identity
Protect the Ritual.
Reports To
Owner / General Manager
Supervises
Baristas
Morning Beverage Stewards
Essential Job ResponsibilitiesBeverage Operations
● Prepare and serve exceptional coffee, espresso, tea, and specialty beverages.
● Ensure beverage consistency, presentation, and quality standards.
● Calibrate espresso equipment and maintain brewing standards.
● Develop and maintain beverage recipes and preparation procedures.
● Support lunch beverage service, including non-alcoholic beverages and select daytime bar offerings.
● Recommend seasonal beverage offerings and menu enhancements.
Operational Management
● Complete opening procedures and prepare the restaurant for daily operations.
● Maintain beverage inventory, ordering, receiving, and storage.
● Monitor beverage costs, inventory accuracy, and waste.
● Maintain cleanliness and organization of all beverage preparation areas.
● Coordinate preventative maintenance for espresso equipment and beverage systems.
● Recommend operational improvements that enhance quality, efficiency, and guest experience.
Guest Experience
● Create welcoming and memorable guest experiences.
● Build relationships with regular guests.
● Recommend beverages and educate guests when appropriate.
● Resolve guest concerns professionally and promptly.
● Ensure every beverage reflects The Willowick's hospitality standards.
Leadership & Team Development● Lead, coach, and develop Beverage Stewards.● Foster a positive, welcoming, and hospitality-driven team culture.● Conduct onboarding, training, coaching, and ongoing performance conversations.● Assist with recruiting, interviewing, hiring recommendations, scheduling, and performance management.
● Lead daily opening huddles and communicate operational priorities.
Safety & Compliance
● Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
● Promote safe work practices.
● Maintain food safety and sanitation standards.
● Ensure proper handling and maintenance of espresso equipment and beverage preparation areas.
● Maintain confidentiality regarding employee, guest, and business information.
Core Competencies
Successful performance in this role requires demonstrated proficiency in:
● Leadership
● Hospitality & Guest Focus
● Coffee & Beverage Expertise
● Emotional Intelligence
● Accountability
● Communication
● Operational Excellence
● Attention to Detail
● Organization
● Adaptability
● Problem Solving
● Stewardship
● Continuous Improvement
Preferred Qualifications
● Previous leadership experience in a coffee shop, café, restaurant, or hospitality environment.
● Strong knowledge of espresso preparation, brewing techniques, beverage recipes, and coffee equipment.
● Experience training and developing team members.
● Strong organizational and communication skills.
● Ability to multitask while maintaining exceptional beverage quality.
● Availability to work early mornings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as business needs require.
Physical Requirements
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
This role regularly requires the ability to:
● Stand and walk for extended periods.
● Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
● Bend, twist, reach, push, and pull frequently.
● Operate espresso and beverage preparation equipment safely.
● Perform repetitive hand and wrist movements.
● Work in both indoor and outdoor guest service environments.
● Maintain visual awareness of guests, team members, and beverage operations.
● Communicate effectively in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
● Frequently ascend and descend stairs throughout the restaurant.
● Safely work in small, confined, or tight spaces while maintaining operational efficiency.
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in a restaurant and beverage preparation environment with exposure to:
● Fast-paced morning and lunch service
● Hot beverage equipment
● Cleaning chemicals
● Variable temperatures
● Loud noise during peak service
● Early mornings, weekends, holidays, and extended-hour schedules
Leadership Expectations
Leaders at The Willowick are expected to:
● Model The Willowick Standard in every interaction.
● Protect the guest experience.
● Coach before correcting.
● Build people, not just processes.
● Strengthen systems continuously.
● Foster accountability with respect.
● Develop future leaders.
● Leave every shift better than they found it.
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Ability to Commute:
- Willowick, OH 44095 (Required)
Work Location: In person
