Barista Supervisor

Position Overview

Are you a skilled barista with a passion for leadership and social change? Kitchen of Purpose is seeking a Barista Supervisor who will not only craft exceptional beverages but also serve as a champion for our mission.

At Kitchen of Purpose, we believe food and culinary training can transform lives. In this role, you will oversee daily café operations, mentor barista staff (including graduates and trainees from our programs), and actively engage with our customers to share the story of our impact. Whether you are a graduate of our program looking to take the next step in your career, or an experienced specialty coffee professional passionate about community empowerment, we want you on our team.

Key Responsibilities1. Mission Amplification & Customer Engagement

• Be the Voice of the Mission: Actively engage with customers, answering questions about Kitchen of Purpose’s training programs, social enterprise model, and community impact.
• Storytelling: Inspire patrons by sharing how their purchase directly supports culinary and barista training for individuals facing barriers to employment.
• Community Building: Cultivate a welcoming, inclusive café environment that reflects the diverse community we serve.

2. Leadership & Trainee Mentorship

• Support & Mentor: Provide on-the-job coaching, guidance, and encouragement to baristas and program trainees, helping them build confidence and technical skills.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate a strong work ethic, punctuality, and emotional intelligence, serving as a positive role model for the team.
• Foster Growth: Assist the Café Manager in conducting performance check-ins and creating a supportive learning environment.

3. Café Operations & Quality Control

• Maintain Excellence: Oversee daily opening/closing procedures, cash handling, and inventory management.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all espresso drinks, filter coffee, and food items meet specialty standards and health/safety regulations.
• Workflow Optimization: Manage shift schedules and delegate tasks efficiently during peak hours to ensure excellent customer service.

Qualifications & Skills

Note to Applicants: We highly encourage graduates of Kitchen of Purpose or similar workforce development programs to apply!

• Experience: 1–2 years of experience working in a fast-paced specialty coffee or food service environment. Prior supervisory or shift-lead experience is a plus, but a strong desire to learn and lead is deeply valued.
• Mission Alignment: A genuine passion for social justice, community development, and workforce training.
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills; comfortable initiating conversations with customers about our cause.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of espresso extraction, milk texturing, and workflow management (or a proven track record of mastering these skills quickly).
• Reliability: Strong organizational skills, dependability, and the ability to problem-solve on the fly.

Why Join Us?

• Work with Purpose: Every latte you pour and every shift you lead directly contributes to changing someone's life.
• Professional Growth: Gain valuable leadership, management, and nonprofit-adjacent business experience.
• Inclusive Culture: Be part of a supportive team that celebrates diversity, resilience, and secondary education/career growth.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief note (or video!) sharing why you want to work with a mission-driven organization like Kitchen of Purpose to [email protected]

Pay: $24.14 - $29.07 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person