Lead Barista

American Food & Vending ⏐ American Dining Creations•Appleton, WI

About The Position

The Lead Barista at American Dining Creations serves as both a skilled beverage specialist and an operational leader. This position ensures that every guest enjoys a consistently exceptional experience through quality drinks, efficient service, and a welcoming café atmosphere. The Lead Barista provides training, direction, and support to the café team, overseeing daily operations, maintaining product quality, and upholding American Dining Creations’ standards of excellence in a professional setting.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in hospitality or business preferred.
Minimum of 1–2 years of barista experience in a fast-paced café or corporate food service environment.
Leadership, shift lead, or trainer experience strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of coffee brewing techniques, espresso equipment, and café operations.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Ability to multitask and lead a team effectively under pressure.
Proficiency with POS systems and basic math skills.
Ability to lift 40 lbs., stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive motions.
Availability for flexible scheduling, including mornings and occasional corporate events.

Responsibilities

Prepare and serve premium coffee and tea beverages, including espresso-based and specialty drinks, following recipes and quality standards.
Deliver exceptional guest service with a focus on speed, accuracy, and professionalism.
Build rapport with corporate clients and employees through friendly, knowledgeable engagement.
Promote and upsell featured beverages, seasonal offerings, and food pairings.
Ensure beverages and food items are presented attractively and consistently.
Support baristas to ensure efficient café operations.
Train new team members in beverage preparation, customer service, and safety protocols.
Foster a positive and collaborative work culture aligned with company values.
Oversee daily café operations, including opening and closing procedures.
Maintain par levels, track inventory, and assist with ordering coffee, syrups, and supplies.
Manage cash handling, POS operations, and daily reconciliation.
Ensure product quality and consistency while minimizing waste and maintaining cost control.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized café environment at all times.
Enforce proper sanitation and hygiene practices per company and local health regulations.
Conduct daily checks of equipment functionality and cleanliness.
Ensure compliance with all food safety standards and workplace safety policies.
Assist in implementing new beverage offerings, promotions, or corporate events.
Collaborate with management on staffing, training initiatives, and service improvements.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the café and client satisfaction.