Lead Barista

Lead Barista

Urban Social Coffee Co. is more than just a coffee shop—it's a modern, welcoming "third place" where people come to connect, relax, and build community. The name reflects our vision: blending urban-inspired atmosphere with small-town warmth to create a social hub that feels like home. With a focus on craft coffee, connection, and comfort, Urban Social Coffee Co. invites everyone to gather, share, and belong—while enjoying the best coffee/tea and provisions in town.

As a Lead Barista at Urban Social Coffee Co., you will be both the coffee craft expert and a team leader on the floor and an important part of our opening team. You'll embody our brand promise by creating a refined yet inviting environment, ensuring every beverage and food item meets our high standards while guiding and supporting your fellow baristas. This role blends coffee mastery, hospitality, entrepreneurship and leadership in a fast-paced, high-quality café setting.

Key Responsibilities

Coffee Leadership & Craft

• Prepare and serve coffee and beverages to Urban Social Coffee Company's exacting standards, ensuring consistency and quality. Positive Attitude, Taste and Latte Art are key
• Act as the in-house coffee expert, mentoring baristas on brewing techniques, latte art, and equipment care.
• Oversee daily calibration of machines and grinders to deliver optimal flavor profiles.
• Monitor beverage presentation and taste, ensuring every cup aligns with our brand's standards.

Brand Look and Feel

• Maintain the visual presentation of the coffee bar and beverage stations, ensuring cleanliness and organization.
• Set up and refresh product displays and merchandising throughout the day.
• Ensure product tags, pricing, and labels are accurate and clear for guests.

Hospitality & Guest Experience

• Greet every guest warmly, offering knowledgeable recommendations on beverages and food pairings.
• Deliver prompt, attentive, and genuine service, fostering connection and trust with guests.
• Handle guest concerns with professionalism and care, resolving issues effectively and gracefully.

Team Leadership & Training

• Lead by example on the floor, supporting baristas and FOH team members to ensure seamless service.
• Provide on-the-job coaching and share coffee knowledge, latte art skills, hospitality etiquette to develop team confidence and skills.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with management and team members via text, email, and in-person updates.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily coffee bar operations, including opening, closing, and cleaning procedures.
• Monitor product and supply levels, restocking proactively and communicating needs to Brand Manager.
• Ensure adherence to food safety and workplace safety guidelines at all times.
• Support management in maintaining efficiency and smooth workflows during peak hours.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Tips
• Health benefits after one year of work completed in this specific position. Need to be a part of the organization to keep the benefit.

Experience:

• LEAD BARISTA or BARISTA: 3 years (required)
• Customer service (in hospitality preferred): 3 years (required)
• Understanding of Square POS system would be an asset.

Licence/Certification:

• Food Handler Certificate (required)

Work Location: In person at our Newmarket location (Other Cafes to open in due course – Aurora, Stouffville etc.)

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Urban Social Coffee Company Inc. is committed to maintaining a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status will receive consideration for employment. If you have any accessibility requirements or concerns regarding the hiring process or employment with us, please notify us so we can provide suitable accommodation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00-$24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Store discount

Experience:

• Barista: 3 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Food Handler Certification (preferred)

Work Location: In person