Cafe Team Expert

Job Summary

A Barnes & Noble bookstore is a gathering place for readers and the community. As 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.

OH - Strongsville - 3577

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.
• Be positive and proactive in your approach to work; lead by example with purpose and energy, working hard and reliably while inspiring others to do the same.
• Be supportive of the entire store team, demonstrating kindness, fairness, encouragement and respect.
• Be 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, be an enthusiastic learner and use feedback to improve skills.
• Be 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.
• Show that you enjoy being a barista.

• Master the skills in drink making, creating and maintaining food and beverage presentation standards, adjusting displays, and coaching others.
• Use strong visual merchandising skills to maintain counter and floor retail fixtures.
• Run an efficient and quick register while taking orders, coaching others on efficient order taking and speed of service.
• Support the bookfloor team with bookselling skills when available.
• Actively coach the team to follow loss prevention procedures, maintain a safe, secure bookstore, spot theft, and effectively de‑escalate challenging situations and problematic behaviors.
• Manage inventory through effective food and beverage orders.
• Complete and submit accurate monthly inventory and waste logs 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, assess and act on information to maximize 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.

All this work requires physical activity which includes prolonged standing, repetitive bending, lifting, and a lot of walking. You may work in other stores if you are able, and this is needed, collaboratively supporting the wider Cluster.

As you gain experience, you should expect your Café Team Expert knowledge and skills to develop to support others and the Cluster and bookstore. You will deepen expertise and expand responsibilities over time.

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

Benefits for those who are scheduled to work less than 20 hours per week include Employee Discount, EAP and Sick Pay. For those scheduled to work between 20 and 29.99 hours benefits include Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay and Paid Time Off including paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays, Transit and 401(k) with Company Match. For those scheduled to work 30 hours or more benefits include Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay and Paid Time Off including paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays, 401(k) with Company Match, Comprehensive Health Benefits (Medical, Dental and Vision), Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts, Healthcare Spending Account, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Transit, and Tuition Reimbursement.

All benefits provided are in accordance with the terms of the current plan and may be subject to future change. Benefit may vary depending on location/state regulations.