Cafe Team Expert

Job Summary

A Barnes & Noble bookstore is a gathering place for readers and the community. As a Café Team Expert (CTE), you are an integral leader for the café team. You work through the team to develop their knowledge to create a welcoming environment for our customers. You are good at identifying and connecting data, using it to impact sales, trends, waste, inventory and other components to ensure a profitable Café.

In this role, you present viable business strategies and work collaboratively with the Store Manager (SM) to implement and adapt café action plans to deliver expected results.

VA - Ashburn - One Loudoun - 3303

Full‑Time

• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance for scheduled shifts, setting the standard for the team and ensuring consistent leadership presence on the floor.
• Fill scheduling gaps when you are able, being flexible and responsive to the needs of the store – we are open from early mornings to late evenings every day, including weekends and most holidays.
• Are positive and proactive in your approach to work; you lead by example with purpose and energy, working hard and reliably while inspiring others to do the same.
• Are supportive of the entire store team, demonstrating kindness, fairness, encouragement and respect.
• Are always cheerful and helpful with customers, consistently going out of your way to help them and modeling this for the store team.
• Take initiative to drive your own development, are an enthusiastic learner and use feedback to improve skills.
• Are an active listener who understands information and clearly communicates messages as expected to support company initiatives and goals.
• Prioritize resources and barista support appropriately to keep the shift on track.
• Above all, show that you enjoy being a barista!

• Using mastered skills in drink making, creating and maintaining food and beverage presentation standards and adjusting displays, modeling and coaching others in their effective use.
• Using strong visual merchandising skills, to maintain counter and floor retail fixtures.
• Running an efficient and quick register while taking orders, coaching others on efficient order taking and speed of service.
• Using bookselling skills to support the bookfloor team willingly and effectively when available.
• Actively coaching the team to follow loss prevention procedures, and maintain a safe, secure bookstore by the ability to spot theft and effectively de‑escalate challenging situations and problematic behaviors.
• Managing inventory through effective food and beverage orders.
• Completing and submitting accurate monthly inventory and waste log on time.

• Use expert knowledge to make effective food and beverage recommendations to customers, acting as a role‑model to the team.
• Review category sales, inventory quantities and product waste reports, assessing and acting on information to maximize our sales and profitability.
• Meet with the SM regularly to review café sales performance, profitability, training, and opportunities, to drive café results.
• Use knowledge about café safety, hygiene, sanitation guidelines and procedures to maintain all standards appropriately.

You will, of course, comply with all company policies and procedures.