Barista Manager

Kneads Bakeshop (The H and S Family of Bakeries)•Baltimore, VT

54d•$65,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

Kneads Bakeshop is expanding and preparing to open a new location in Navy Yard, Washington, DC. We are seeking a passionate Barista Manager who believes every cup tells a story. This leader will oversee the specialty coffee program while managing front-of-house café operations, to guarantee exceptional beverage quality, genuine hospitality, and operational service. The Barista Manager serves as the onsite coffee expert, leading and developing the barista team, maintaining the highest standards for coffee preparation and service, and creating memorable guest experiences in a high-volume environment. This role also serves as the Manager on Duty for front-of-house operations, supporting the dining room, resolving guest concerns, and partnering with the back-of-house team to ensure seamless daily operations.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience within a specialty coffee program as a Head Barista or Barista Manager.
High volume and full dining experience preferred.
Strong leadership and team management skills, with an ability to motivate and develop staff.
Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop baristas at all skill levels through hands-on leadership.
Must have a strong work ethic and be a role model for reliability, punctuality, and accountability.
Excellent organizational and multitasking skills with the ability to remain composed during high-volume service.
Demonstrated passion for specialty coffee and a genuine desire to continually learn, teach, and elevate the craft.
Expert knowledge of espresso extraction, grinder calibration, milk chemistry, milk texturing, latte art, brew ratios, water quality, and coffee preparation techniques.
Experience with manual brewing methods including pour-over, batch brewing, and other specialty brewing equipment.
Outstanding communication skills and a natural ability to build relationships with guests through education and hospitality.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Must assess situations using facts, data, and direct observation.
Ability to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.
Strong understanding of coffee inventory management, product rotation, ordering, pars, and waste reduction.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Proven experience in a supervisory role within a restaurant, bakery, or similar hospitality setting.

Nice To Haves

Additional education in hospitality management is a plus.
Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certification, Brewers Cup, Barista Championship, Latte Art competition experience, or equivalent specialty coffee education is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee the specialty coffee program.
Manage front-of-house café operations.
Lead and develop the barista team.
Maintain the highest standards for coffee preparation and service.
Create memorable guest experiences in a high-volume environment.
Serve as the Manager on Duty for front-of-house operations.
Support the dining room.
Resolve guest concerns.
Partner with the back-of-house team to ensure seamless daily operations.
Manage coffee ordering, inventory, rotation, pars, and waste while maintaining freshness and minimizing product loss.
Create and manage the barista schedule to ensure appropriate staffing and operational efficiency.