The Cafe Lead is a coffee quality and coaching-focused leadership role that supports the General Manager in maintaining Joe Coffee’s standards for beverage quality, hospitality, and cafe operations.
This role is centered on the execution, assessment, and control of product quality while supporting the growth and development of teammates through coaching and example. Cafe Leads are highly skilled baristas with an interest in cafe operations who help maintain a culture of coffee craft, consistency, and hospitality on the floor.
While the Cafe Lead contributes to operational excellence, this role is not responsible for people management, scheduling, or administrative oversight. Instead, the Cafe Lead acts as a support partner to the General Manager, helping execute key operational tasks—including cash handling, inventory processes, and ordering—while ensuring standards are upheld and that the team has the tools and coaching needed to succeed.
Cafe Leads also serve in a unique role as both an ally and advocate within the cafe environment. Because they work closely alongside teammates on the floor, Cafe Leads often hear feedback, concerns, and questions from the team first. In this role they help elevate meaningful insights to management while also helping clarify company practices and expectations when teammates have questions or uncertainty. Through this balance, Cafe Leads help maintain trust, transparency, and alignment between the team and leadership.
This role is part of a three-tier leadership development pathway, which can offer preparation for a job or career in cafe management: Cafe Lead I > Cafe Lead II > Senior Cafe Lead
Ensure brewed coffee is always served fresh and meets Joe Coffee QC standards
Dial in all brewed coffee and espresso beverages
Maintain tasting logs for drip coffee and espresso
Maintain beverage recipes and grind guides
Ensure staff follows quality control standards, technique expectations, and beverage SOPs across all menu offerings
Ensure staff understands and can communicate with customers about the coffee and espresso we serve
Provide staff with information about new coffees and menu updates
Conduct in-store tastings for new coffees and seasonal offerings
Support new menu rollouts and reinforce beverage SOPs
Support and continually coach staff on:
Bar flow and efficiency
Cleanliness and station organization
Hospitality and drink presentation
Latte art and drink consistency
Act as a role model for Joe hospitality and professionalism
Support day-to-day store execution during shifts
Keep the General Manager informed of inventory observations, operational issues, or changes occurring in the cafe
Assist with onboarding logistics and support with coaching new hires
Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to teammates after initial training
Maintain a robust coffee environment through well-stocked retail displays and thoughtful customer engagement
Hold teammates accountable to standards using supportive and conversational coaching
Make recommendations to management regarding operations, staffing, and performance
Ensure immediate communication to management regarding regulatory visits (e.g., DOH)
Support inspection readiness and compliance with DOH, Operations, Coffee, and Marketing standards
Support the execution of daily cash handling and deposit preparation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to company procedures
Assist the General Manager in completing and verifying cash deposits, including identifying and escalating discrepancies
Participate in and help execute inventory counts, ensuring accuracy, organization, and adherence to counting procedures
Assist with placing and receiving inventory orders helping to maintain appropriate stock levels and prevent shortages or over-ordering
Verify order accuracy upon delivery and communicate any issues or discrepancies to management
Maintain clean, organized, and labeled storage areas to support accurate inventory tracking
Proactively communicate inventory needs, trends, or concerns to the General Manager
The Cafe Lead role is part of a structured development pathway designed to grow operational and coffee leadership within Joe Coffee cafes. Each level includes additional training modules and expanded responsibilities
Joe Coffee Company was founded in 2003 by Jonathan Rubinstein as a single specialty coffee house in Manhattan’s West Village, with a simple vision: brew high-quality, unique coffees and create a welcoming space for our community.
Today, Joe Coffee operates 25 cafes in New York and its own Roastery in Long Island City, while remaining committed to warm hospitality, quality, and barista education.
At Joe, we believe a great coffee experience relies as much on the barista as it does the coffee. That’s why we invest in industry-leading professional training and foster continued success for our baristas. As an early pioneer of artisan coffee in New York, we continue to innovate, grow, and lead as the specialty coffee movement expands.
Joe Coffee Company is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applicants to request accommodations during the hiring process if needed.
Be Passionate and knowledgeable about speciality coffee
Strong barista with excellent espresso/drink making skills
Service Experience - Adhere to recipes and presentations for food and beverage items
Great Customer Service (Hospitality focused)
Be able to lead and educate café staff
Able to Multi-task; Experienced and comfortable with working busy shifts
Detailed-oriented and passionate about product quality
Tidy and self-disciplined
Food Protection License
