Cafe (Barista) Lead

Job summary

The Cafe Lead is responsible for managing the beverage program, including menu creation, recipe costing, and maintaining quality standards. They will also lead the cafe team, oversee daily operations, and ensure a high-quality guest experience.

Job details

About the Role We’re looking for a Café Lead to take ownership of the day-to-day café and help shape the next stage of the beverage program at a well-established destination in Port Perry. This is a hands-on opportunity for a strong barista or café professional who is ready for more ownership without stepping away from the bar. You’ll still be involved in day-to-day service, while also having a say in seasonal drinks, menu development, inventory and how the café operates. If you enjoy creating great drinks, working with people and finding ways to make a café better, this role gives you the opportunity to put those ideas into action. What You’ll Do Lead the day-to-day café operation and help keep service running smoothly, particularly during busy periods Prepare and oversee coffee, specialty beverages, smoothies, seasonal drinks and alcoholic beverages Develop new drinks and seasonal offerings, including recipes and beverage costing Maintain consistency in beverage quality, presentation and service Manage café inventory, ordering and deliveries while helping reduce waste and stockouts Support, train and guide café team members during shifts and help keep the team organized Handle opening and closing procedures and maintain a clean, organized café Work with the kitchen team to coordinate food and beverage service Create a welcoming guest experience and handle questions or concerns professionally Look for practical ways to improve the café, from new menu ideas to day-to-day processes What We’re Looking For 3+ years of experience in a café, coffee shop, restaurant or hospitality environment Strong barista experience and a genuine interest in coffee and beverages Ready to take the next step into a lead role, or already have café/team leadership experience Comfortable creating new drinks and experimenting with flavours and seasonal offerings Experience with inventory, ordering and/or beverage costing Comfortable staying organized and composed when the café gets busy Strong customer service and communication skills Reliable, hands-on and comfortable taking ownership Smart Serve and Food Handler certification Espresso experience is an asset Why This Role? This is more than a shift supervisor position. You’ll have the opportunity to help build the beverage program, bring new ideas to the menu and have a real influence on how the café develops. You’ll be part of a destination-style farm market where the café is an important part of the overall guest experience. It’s a collaborative environment where someone who takes initiative can make a noticeable impact. Weekend and holiday availability is required. ​ #P1

What you’ll do

The Cafe Lead is responsible for managing the beverage program, including menu creation, recipe costing, and maintaining quality standards. They will also lead the cafe team, oversee daily operations, and ensure a high-quality guest experience.

Requirements

Candidates must have 2-3+ years of experience in a hospitality or cafe setting with proven barista skills. Professional certifications such as Smart Serve, Food Handler, and WHMIS 2015 are required.

Listed skills

• Customer service · Preferred
• Food safety · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Team Leadership · Preferred
• Inventory management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Barista training
• Beverage menu development
• Recipe costing
• Inventory management
• Team leadership
• Staff training
• Customer service
• Espresso equipment operation
• Food safety
• Workflow management
• Merchandising
• Product quality control
• Ordering
• Communication
• Cost Control
• Workflow Management
• Service Standards
• Espresso Beverages
• Food Handler's Card
• Management
• Occupational Safety And Health
• Espresso Machines
• Packaging And Labeling
• Leadership
• Inventory Management
• Operations
• Recipes
• Restaurant Operation
• Team Leadership
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems

Job areas

• Food & Beverage
• Hospitality
• Management & Leadership
• Retail
• Customer Service & Support
• Cafe Lead
• Restaurant / Food Service Supervisor
• Restaurant Managers
• First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers

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