We are Looking For a Lead Barista / Coffee Program Manager
Cornflower Baked Goods is the newest concept from the Rye KC team, led by acclaimed pastry chef Megan Garrelts and chef Colby Garrelts. The Leawood bakery builds on the baked goods Rye guests already know and love, while creating a dedicated neighborhood space for fresh pastries, pies, cakes, coffee, and thoughtful grab-and-go offerings.
Scope & General Purpose: The Lead Barista / Coffee Program Manager plays a key role in shaping and maintaining the coffee and beverage experience at Cornflower. This position is responsible for leading the daily execution of the coffee program, maintaining beverage quality and consistency, training baristas, supporting inventory and ordering, and ensuring guests receive warm, knowledgeable, and efficient service. This is a hands-on leadership role suited for someone who is passionate about coffee, hospitality, team development, and creating a polished and welcoming café experience.
Schedule: Full-Time, including mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays
Management Structure: Reports to Bakery Manager
Core Responsibilities:
- Provide warm, friendly, and knowledgeable service to all guests
- Lead by example in creating a welcoming, hospitality-driven café environment
- Prepare and serve espresso drinks, drip coffee, teas, and other beverages with consistency and care
- Maintain high standards for beverage quality, presentation, speed, and accuracy
- Guide guests through coffee, bakery, pastry, and retail offerings
- Answer questions and provide thoughtful recommendations
- Restock beverage supplies, retail items, pastries, paper goods, and bakery supplies throughout the shift
- Support opening and closing responsibilities as assigned
- Operate POS and handle transactions accurately and efficiently as needed
- Support smooth and organized guest flow during busy periods
- Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department standards
- Keep workstations, equipment, and service areas clean and organized throughout the shift
Coffee Program Leadership
- Manage the daily execution of the coffee and beverage program
- Maintain consistency in recipes, drink builds, standards, and presentation
- Monitor espresso quality, grind settings, extraction, milk texture, and beverage preparation throughout the day
- Partner with leadership on seasonal beverage offerings, menu updates, and program improvements
- Maintain coffee equipment, including espresso machine, grinders, brewers, and related tools
- Communicate maintenance needs, equipment issues, or product concerns promptly
- Ensure all coffee and beverage products are stored, labeled, rotated, and handled properly
- Monitor inventory levels for coffee, milk, syrups, teas, paper goods, and beverage-related supplies
- Assist with ordering, receiving, and organizing beverage inventory
- Minimize waste through thoughtful ordering, prep, and daily execution
Training, Team Development & Culture
- Train baristas and cashier/barista team members on coffee standards, recipes, equipment use, and guest service expectations
- Provide ongoing coaching and support to ensure consistency across the team
- Help maintain written beverage standards, recipes, and training materials as needed
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and hospitality-focused team culture
- Work collaboratively with front and back of house teams to support daily operations
- Step in to assist teammates and support service needs when necessary
- Maintain a calm, professional, and thoughtful approach during busy service periods
- Serve as a resource for the team on coffee knowledge, beverage standards, and service expectations
Requirements:
- Previous barista experience required
- Previous lead barista, café supervisor, or coffee program experience preferred
- Strong knowledge of espresso preparation, milk steaming, drip coffee, and café beverage standards
- Guest-focused mindset with strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Comfortable training, coaching, and supporting team members
- Highly organized with the ability to manage inventory, supplies, and daily priorities
- Comfortable multitasking and working efficiently in a fast-paced environment
- Positive, upbeat, and dependable attitude
- Physically able to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs
The above job description is not intended to be all-inclusive may be amended at any time by management. The Lead Barista may be required to perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the business.
Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
Work Location: In person
