Dark Matter Coffee - Front-of-House Lead

(If interested in applying, please apply via our website, https://www.darkmattercoffee.com/pages/employment)

The FOH Lead assists the Cafe Manager in training the barista team and managing store performance, aiming to develop the skills necessary for an effective store manager. This role supports daily and weekly operational goals by leading through excellent customer service and delegating tasks for efficient operations. Responsibilities may evolve based on operational needs.

Key Details: This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position (30-35 hours per week) with a starting wage of $20/hr—$22/hr, based on experience. Availability for at least one weekend day per week is required.

Benefits:
We offer comprehensive health insurance that includes medical, dental, vision, accident, critical illness, STD/LTD, and voluntary life insurance. Additionally, we provide 401(k) options and financial planning support for all employees.

Physical Requirements:
Candidates must be able to lift/move up to 60 pounds, climb stairs and ladders, and be on their feet for 6-8 hours.

Equal Opportunity Employment:
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.

Leadership

• Effectively demonstrate excellent customer service by setting a high-performance standard in skills, knowledge, and customer navigation.
• Provide regular coaching to the staff on elevating performance regarding barista skills, customer service, coffee knowledge, and communication.
• Support Store Manager in filling in for unexpected shift absences
• Complete comprehension of resources and proper channels of communication outside respective store operations (ie, maintenance, HR, new business opportunities, waste, etc.)
• Assist the Cafel Manager in building and fostering relationships and partnerships within the local community.

Training and Development

• Ensure the barista team meets all operating standards, including cleanliness, customer service, drink quality, and task completion.
• Complete all training and development documentation and reporting delegated by the Cafe Manager and District Manager.
• When employee performance is below company standards, relay notes about areas for improvement to the cafe manager and assist in building improvement plans when necessary.
• Report baristas' individual progress to the cafe manager regularly and effectively collect data for reference purposes during employee evaluations for the SM.

Store Performance

• The FOH lead supports the cafe manager in setting up ordering pars for coffee and food vendors, placing orders, and receiving them. 
• The lead also assists in flawlessly executing all reporting throughout the week.
• Communication of delivery issues and product shortages.
• Utilize waste logs to inform ordering adjustments and minimize waste.
• Be an effective leader who assists the cafe manager in protecting and maintaining store assets, cleanliness, safety, and health. 
• Assist in creating effective merchandising on display shelves and monitoring FIFO practices.
• Use good judgment to manage resources, labor, and inventory, which will positively impact store performance, goal achievement, and efficiency.