Job Description

POSITION: Barista Manager

DEPARTMENT: Retail Operations

LOCATION: Kneads Bakeshop

Salary: $65k-75k

Kneads Bakeshop

From humble beginnings, one small bakery in Baltimore has grown to become a staple in our community. Kneads combines H&S’s history with the new age of artisan craft, creating a one-of-a-kind brand and experience, giving a modern face to H&S Bakery. We want people to see it, touch it, and taste it, to have a full sensory experience. As soon as you walk through the doors, we’re dedicated to you and your “Kneads,” whether that’s a coffee to go, or meeting with colleagues, we are here to provide a space of comfort, a space that can unleash your creativity, and a space where Baltimore becomes a family.

Job Summary:

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.

Role & Responsibilities

• 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.
• Professional Communication: 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. It is essential to distinguish between personal perceptions and factual information when making decisions or reporting concerns.
• 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.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional education in hospitality management is a plus. Proven experience in a supervisory role within a restaurant, bakery, or similar hospitality setting
• Ability to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner
• Strong understanding of coffee inventory management, product rotation, ordering, pars, and waste reduction.
• work more than 40 hours a week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Flexibility to work varying shifts.

Requirements & Physical Demands

High school diploma or equivalent; additional education in hospitality management is a plus. Proven experience in a supervisory role within a restaurant, bakery, or similar hospitality setting

work more than 40 hours a week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Flexibility to work varying shifts.

Must be able to stand or walk for up to eight hours a day.

Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs.

Proper professional attire and hygiene at all times.

ServSafe Food Manager Certification required (or ability to obtain within designated timeframe).

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

What’s in it for you?

At the H&S Family of Bakeries, we value our team members and make it a priority to offer competitive compensation that encourages longevity with the company and long- term growth. We offer competitive pay and comprehensive and affordable bene-ts packages, including medical/dental/vision, short term disability, retirement savings, paid time off, ?exible spending accounts, employee assistance program and of course - cool company swag.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political af-liation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classi-cation. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classi-ed. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.