Department Manager-Cafe

Introduction

Barnes & Noble College is a retail partner for nearly 800 colleges and universities nationwide. We offer a retail environment like no other – uniquely focused on delivering essential educational content, tools, and merchandise within a dynamic retail environment on campuses of higher education. Our teams interact directly with our customers including students, faculty, administration, alumni, and the general public to provide outstanding customer service to sell or rent books, general merchandise, and an array of products and services for an academic community.

Overview

Barnes & Noble College is seeking a resourceful, driven, adaptable, and customer-focused team member to work as a Department Manager in the Cafe. In the Cafe you will lead and direct team members within the cafe in the preparation of drinks and food and in increasing customer loyalty and sales. You will be a subject matter expert for your department, but also remain knowledgeable of other operational areas to provide outstanding customer service throughout the store.

Responsibilities

As a Department Manager in the Cafe you will support all store operations and departments in partnership with the management team.  You will manage daily activities of the cafe by leading and training team members to service our customers; ensure the availability, freshness, and quality of products; and drive sales and promotions.  You must be knowledgeable about cafe and store operations, provide outstanding customer service; enforce safe food handling and loss prevention practices; and ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of the cafe.

Expectations:

• Spend the majority of your time in the cafe preparing food/drinks, modeling exceptional customer service by greeting customers, answering questions, recommending products and providing daily support, direction, and guidance to team members.
• Assign work and provide focused direction to café team members to ensure the set up and restocking of displays, wrapping, labeling, dating, and rotating food items for sale is executed daily.
• Resolve customer issues and complaints and escalating to senior management when necessary.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following cleaning, sanitation, and operational standards. Food handling or safety certification may be required in some locations.
• Manage the inventory, stock, and rotation of perishable items.
• Operate equipment, troubleshoot breakdowns, maintain supplies and perform preventive maintenance.
• Replenish customer service stations, order/receive supplies or products, and take out trash.
• Assist with processing sales transactions and/or with training team members to complete transactions.
• Conduct regular meetings with team to provide feedback on sales and upcoming promotions.
• Full-time positions require availability to work at least 30 hours on a weekly basis year round. Schedules may be set or vary to meet the needs of the store.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent movement within the department and the store.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Frequent lifting.
• Occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders.

COVID-19 Considerations:

Our stores comply with all applicable federal, state and local requirements and/or recommendations regarding social distancing and sanitizing. In accordance with individual campus requirements, positions may require confirmation of vaccination. The use of face masks throughout the day and while on campus may also be expected or required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience in a retail service setting as a manager or a graduate of the Best Seller Program.
• High school diploma/GED required.
• Previous food handling experience preferred.
• High-energy, friendly personality, with strong communication skills to interact with a variety of people.
• Outstanding customer service skills to match customers to products that meet their needs.
• Basic reading, writing and accounting skills required.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills needed.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

EEO Statement

Barnes & Noble College is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity in the workplace.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.