Cafe Manager / Head Barista

Cafe Manager / Head Barista

Coffee by Wine House Downtown Greenville, SC

Role Overview

Coffee by Wine House is seeking a hands-on Cafe Manager / Head Barista to lead its coffee program and oversee daily cafe service. This person will work regularly behind the bar while maintaining beverage quality, preparing the staff schedule, managing product ordering, and helping the barista team deliver a consistent and welcoming guest experience.

The Cafe Manager / Head Barista will join during the opening phase and help establish the systems, standards, and service culture needed for a successful launch.

Primary Responsibilities

Coffee Program and Guest Experience

• Oversee the cafe's coffee and beverage program.
  

• Maintain beverage recipes, preparation standards, and consistent drink quality.
  

• Dial in espresso and brewed coffee and make adjustments throughout service.
  

• Work regular shifts behind the bar and model excellent hospitality.
  

• Train and coach baristas on technique, workflow, service, and product knowledge.
  

• Ensure coffee equipment is properly used, cleaned, and maintained.
  

• Communicate equipment problems and service needs to ownership.
  

• Create a warm, efficient, and welcoming experience for guests.
  

Scheduling and Team Leadership

• Prepare and maintain the barista schedule based on cafe needs.
  

• Coordinate routine shift changes, call-outs, and coverage.
  

• Direct the team during service and maintain an organized workflow.
  

• Lead daily communication and ensure the team is prepared for service.
  

• Provide baristas with ongoing coaching and constructive feedback.
  

• Communicate significant staffing or performance concerns to ownership.
  

• Support a positive, respectful, and accountable workplace.
  

Ownership will retain final responsibility for hiring, compensation, formal disciplinary action, and termination decisions.

Ordering and Inventory

• Establish appropriate inventory levels and ordering schedules.
  

• Order coffee, milk, alternative milks, syrups, beverages, and bar supplies.
  

• Monitor product usage, waste, and shortages.
  

• Receive deliveries and confirm order accuracy.
  

• Maintain clean and organized storage areas.
  

• Follow proper product rotation and storage practices.
  

• Communicate with vendors and ownership about availability, pricing, and supply concerns.
  

Opening and Daily Operations

• Participate in equipment installation, testing, and vendor training.
  

• Help organize the bar layout and establish efficient service workflows.
  

• Establish beverage recipes, inventory levels, and initial ordering procedures.
  

• Help develop opening, closing, cleaning, and drink-production procedures.
  

• Prepare the barista team for opening through training and practice service.
  

• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and applicable food-safety standards.
  

• Identify operating problems and recommend practical improvements to ownership.
  

Qualifications

• Strong professional barista experience, preferably in specialty coffee.
  

• Previous experience as a head barista, shift lead, supervisor, or cafe manager.
  

• Experience preparing staff schedules and coordinating shift coverage.
  

• Experience ordering products and managing cafe inventory.
  

• Demonstrated ability to train and coach baristas.
  

• Strong knowledge of espresso preparation, milk steaming, brewed coffee, and cafe workflow.
  

• Clear, dependable communication and strong organizational skills.
  

• Ability to remain calm, supportive, and decisive during busy service periods.
  

• Availability to work early mornings, weekdays, and weekends as needed.
  

What Success Looks Like

• Drinks consistently meet Coffee by Wine House quality standards.
  

• Staff schedules are accurate, timely, and appropriately staffed.
  

• Baristas receive effective training, direction, and feedback.
  

• Essential products remain in stock without unnecessary over-ordering.
  

• Waste and preventable inventory problems are minimized.
  

• The cafe remains clean, organized, and ready for service.
  

• Daily operations run smoothly.
  

• Ownership receives clear and timely communication.
  

• Guests receive warm, efficient, and consistent service.