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Leader in Training

At Blue Bottle, our mission is to connect the world to delicious coffee. From seed to cup, we elevate the craft of coffee in everything we do. We strive to build a better tomorrow by investing in what matters: a sustainable future for our people, the company, and our planet.


About the Job:


As a Blue Bottle Leader in Training, you assume a pivotal role in guiding the team members towards consistently delivering exceptional hospitality and coffee experiences, all while ensuring adherence to cafe standards and attainment of business objectives.


The Leader in Training collaborates closely with the Cafe Leader to oversee critical aspects such as ordering, inventory management, and workflow optimization, aiming to enhance the financial and operational performance of the cafe. They also play a key role in nurturing a culture of continuous learning within the team, prioritizing training and development initiatives that focus on hospitality excellence, product quality, and overall team growth. In essence, they serve as catalysts for excellence, fostering the highest standards among their team members, guests, and the business alike.


Must be willing to relocate within a 50-mile radius of our market area.


Aligned with our Guiding Principles, our Leaders in Training serve as inspirational figures, embodying the core values of Blue Bottle and setting the standard for excellence in leadership. They invite our team members, vendors, and guests to create community through coffee.


Responsibilities
  • Assume full accountability for cafe operations in the absence of the Cafe Leader, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning.
  • Foster a culture of respect, inclusivity, and continuous learning within the team, celebrating diversity and promoting development through feedback, coaching, and mentoring.
  • Communicate and uphold Blue Bottle's sustainability values, motivating team members to contribute to organizational goals.
  • Assist in recruiting a diverse team and manage performance through feedback, recognition, and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Optimize staffing and shift management to deliver exemplary hospitality, adhering to quality standards for beverage and food preparation.
  • Enhance guest experience through engagement, technical product education, and handling feedback and escalations professionally.
  • Collaborate with the Cafe Leader on business analysis, strategic planning, and action plans for sales, restocking, merchandising, inventory, and scheduling.
  • Ensure accurate accounting of transactions, maintain inventory levels, and contribute to scheduling activities.
  • Adhere to safety policies and procedures, report concerns, and promote a safe and respectful workplace.
  • Manage controllable budget and labor hours efficiently, ensuring accountability and reporting any issues promptly.


You Are:
  • Adept at coaching individuals of diverse learning styles and backgrounds, demonstrating patience and adaptability to ensure their success.
  • A catalyst for excellence, setting and upholding elevated standards for both themselves and their team members.
  • A consummate communicator proficient in imparting information effectively and delivering constructive feedback with tact and empathy.
  • Exhibits astute judgment and decision-making capabilities, approaching challenging situations with a proactive and positive problem-solving mindset.
  • A collaborative strategist adept at identifying and eliminating obstacles to streamline processes and achieve goals, prioritizing clear communication and decisive action.
  • Committed to fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, valuing meaningful connections with both team members and guests.
  • Driven dedication to environmental sustainability, actively pursuing initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future for our people, our company, and our planet.
  • Eligible to work in the United States and 18 years of age or older


You Have:
  • 1-2 years working in a leadership role or experience leading a team, with a strong preference for coffee, food, and beverage
  • Completed Blue Bottle’s Barista training and validation program or will complete it within 90 days post-hire
  • Existing Food Safety Certification required for the state you will be working in and your specific role or will obtain it within 30 days post-hire
  • Familiarity with online collaboration and organization tools including Google Docs
  • A flexible schedule and are available to work mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays
  • Ability to smell and taste. You’re tasting and smelling coffee and food, helping ensure quality control for each cup and plate.
  • Ability to listen and speak. You’re listening and speaking with our guests to take and fill orders, and guide and create experiences.


A few benefits we offer:
  • Comprehensive Health, dental, and vision coverage for eligible employees starting on your first day
  • Best-in-class coffee training and continuing education
  • Free membership into Specialty Coffee Association of America and discounts on events (including Expos and Championships)
  • 401(k) plan
  • Paid time off & paid volunteer hours
  • 50% discount on all products, both online and in-cafe. This includes food, beverages, whole bean coffee, and merchandise.
  • 2 free drinks during shifts for cafe team members
  • Flexible spending account & commuter benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program


$23.07 - $23.07 an hour

Blue Bottle is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value an open mind, dedication to work, and a collaborative spirit. We hire based on these qualities, a job’s requirements, our business’s needs, and an applicant’s qualifications. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind—in the hiring process or in the workplace.


We comply with the ADA and provide reasonable accommodations that allow qualified applicants/employees to perform the essential functions of the job.  We also provide reasonable religious accommodations to applicants/employees to allow them to practice their bona fide religious beliefs.  To request an accommodation, contact your People Partner.


We may refuse to hire relatives of present employees if doing so could result in actual or potential problems in supervision, security, safety, or morale, or if doing so could other create conflicts of interest.


We will consider employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.


We participate in E-Verify. We will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. We will only use E-Verify once an employee has accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

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What You Should Know About Leader in Training, Blue Bottle Coffee

At Blue Bottle, we believe in connecting the world to delicious coffee, and as a Leader in Training, you'll play a pivotal role in guiding our team to consistently deliver exceptional hospitality and coffee experiences right here in San Francisco, CA. In this exciting position, you will work closely with the Cafe Leader to manage everything from inventory to workflow optimization, helping to enhance both our operational and financial performance. Your efforts will contribute to cultivating a culture of continuous learning among your team, prioritizing training focused on product quality and hospitality excellence. You’ll have the chance to build meaningful community connections through coffee while ensuring that our guiding principles and sustainability values shine through. Moreover, you’ll take the reins in cafe operations when the Cafe Leader is away, making impactful decisions that ensure a smooth functioning of our beloved space. Whether you're optimizing staffing and schedules or enhancing the guest experience with your engaging communication skills, this role is all about crafting a delightful environment where both customers and team members thrive. We're looking for someone who embodies our core values—someone who inspires others and leads with empathy. If you have 1-2 years of leadership experience in food or beverage, a passion for coffee, and a willingness to learn, you are just the type of person we want in our Blue Bottle family. Join us in our mission and let's make coffee magic together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Leader in Training Role at Blue Bottle Coffee
What are the responsibilities of a Leader in Training at Blue Bottle?

As a Leader in Training at Blue Bottle, you will oversee cafe operations, collaborate closely with the Cafe Leader, and assume full accountability for the cafe in their absence. This includes optimizing staff management, enhancing the guest experience, and contributing to business analysis and strategic planning. You'll also play a key role in nurturing a culture of learning and inclusivity, ensuring all team members feel valued and engaged.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Leader in Training position at Blue Bottle?

To apply for the Leader in Training position at Blue Bottle, you should have 1-2 years of leadership experience in a relevant field, ideally in coffee or food service. Additionally, you must complete the Barista training program within 90 days of being hired and have Food Safety Certification for your respective state within 30 days of hire.

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How does Blue Bottle support the professional development of Leaders in Training?

At Blue Bottle, professional development is highly valued. As a Leader in Training, you'll receive best-in-class coffee training, opportunities for continuing education, and access to industry events through a membership in the Specialty Coffee Association of America. This is all aimed at empowering you to grow your skills further and elevate your team's performance.

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What does the work schedule look like for a Leader in Training at Blue Bottle?

The work schedule for a Leader in Training at Blue Bottle is flexible, as you'll be required to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. This flexibility is crucial to ensure that you can meet the operational needs of the cafe and provide the best hospitality experiences to our guests.

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Are there any benefits included with the Leader in Training role at Blue Bottle?

Yes! Blue Bottle offers a range of benefits for Leaders in Training, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage starting on your first day, paid time off, discounts on products, and amazing opportunities for professional development. You will also enjoy free drinks during your shifts and a supportive work environment dedicated to sustainability.

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Common Interview Questions for Leader in Training
How do you define exceptional hospitality in a coffee environment?

Exceptional hospitality means creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests feel valued and cared for. In your response, share instances where you've gone above and beyond for customers or how you build rapport with guests, ensuring that their needs are met in a friendly and efficient manner.

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Can you describe a time you managed a conflict within your team?

When managing conflict, it's essential to listen actively and approach the situation with empathy. Share a specific example where you facilitated open dialogue, addressed concerns, and ultimately reached a resolution that restored harmony within the team, while ensuring everyone felt heard.

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What strategies do you use to coach and develop team members?

Effective coaching involves understanding individual learning styles and providing tailored feedback. Discuss your approach to mentorship, including how you assess each team member's strengths, support their growth through constructive feedback, and celebrate their successes in a collaborative environment.

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How would you handle negative feedback from a guest?

When receiving negative feedback, it’s crucial to remain calm and receptive. Describe a scenario where you successfully diffused a customer complaint, focused on resolving their issue, and left them feeling valued to enhance their overall experience.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What measures do you take to ensure the quality of coffee and food served?

Quality control is vital in a coffee business. Talk about how you maintain consistency through training, regular checks, and encouraging team members to communicate issues promptly. Be sure to highlight your commitment to high standards and customer satisfaction.

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Describe how you would optimize staffing or shift management for peak times.

Effective staffing for busy periods requires proactive planning. Discuss how you analyze traffic patterns, set clear expectations for your team, and provide tools or checklists to streamline operations, ensuring that every member knows their role.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you promote a culture of inclusivity within your team?

Fostering inclusivity means valuing diverse perspectives. Share specific initiatives or practices you implemented to celebrate diversity and ensure all voices are heard in your work environment, such as regular team-building activities or open meetings.

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What is your experience with inventory management?

Discuss your familiarity with inventory management systems, emphasizing your attention to detail and ability to forecast needs based on prior trends. Highlight a situation where your efforts positively impacted operational efficiency and cost control.

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How would you communicate Blue Bottle's values and sustainability goals to your team?

Communicating values effectively involves storytelling and leading by example. Describe how you would ensure team members understand the importance of sustainability through training sessions, motivational talks, and incorporating these principles into daily cafe operations.

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What motivates you in a leadership role within a cafe environment?

Share your passion for coffee and community, illustrating how these elements fuel your desire to lead. Talk about your drive for excellence and the joy of witnessing your team's growth, which ultimately motivates you to deliver outstanding customer experiences.

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At Blue Bottle, whether we’re making a pour over or designing a new digital experience, our actions are inspired by a set of five principles that guide us in our mission to connect the world to delicious coffee. If these inspire you, we might just...

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