Cafe Lead at Pullman Market – San Antonio, Texas

Position Summary:

As a Café Lead at Pullman Market, you play a key role in overseeing the Coffee Shop, Ice Cream & Smoothie program, and overall café experience. You ensure all café areas are stocked, clean, organized, and operating at the highest level of quality and hospitality.

This role maintains primary ownership of the café, including inventory management, purchasing, invoice processing, inventory adjustments, and shrink control. You support the Retail Manager in daily operations while acting as a strong on-the-floor leader, ensuring operational excellence and exceptional guest service.

You are also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and visual appeal of all café seating areas, including outdoor spaces and surrounding areas, ensuring the environment reflects Pullman Market’s hospitality standards. This role carries additional responsibilities as identified by the General Manager of Retail.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Maintain full ownership of the coffee, espresso, ice cream, and smoothie programs, including guest experience, menu collaboration, ordering, inventory management, and shrink control.
• Ensure product freshness, taste, and presentation meet Pullman Market’s quality standards.
• Oversee espresso calibration, recipe development, and beverage consistency across all shifts.
• Ensure ice cream and smoothie product consistency across all shifts.
• Implement and maintain proper sanitation, safety, and compliance standards.
• Collaborate with Retail Managers to manage costs, minimize waste, and meet revenue goals.
• Lead by example in delivering exceptional hospitality, demonstrating warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism in all guest interactions.
• Ensure all team members provide consistent, elevated service rooted in authenticity and care.
• Act as a hospitality coach by offering real-time feedback, modeling guest engagement, and reinforcing service standards
• Promote Pullman Perks and educate guests on coffee offerings, sourcing stories, and seasonal features.
• Address guest feedback promptly and professionally to ensure full satisfaction.
• Foster a positive, team-first environment focused on communication, flexibility, and accountability.
• Coach, train, and develop baristas through ongoing support and feedback.
• Lead daily huddles and support cross-training across Retail, Coffee, and Ice Cream/Smoothie teams.
• Ensure team members are prepared, engaged, and productive at the start of each shift.
• Partner with management on staffing, scheduling, and maintaining coverage during peak periods and weekends.
• Encourage collaboration across departments to support total market success
• Manage café workflow and bar organization to ensure efficiency, cleanliness, and readiness.
• Support the rollout of seasonal beverages, local roaster collaborations, and café activations such as tastings and events.
• Maintain accurate POS entries, pricing, and signage.
• Complete daily operational reports and communicate needs or issues to the Retail Manager.
• Ensure compliance with TABC and health department standards.
• Assist in analyzing financial data to identify trends, improve efficiencies, and drive beverage sales.
• Model Pullman Market’s mission, values, and hospitality standards in all interactions.
• Promote a culture of accountability, flexibility, and teamwork.
• Support market-wide initiatives and hospitality activations.
• Encourage ongoing learning and curiosity to deepen product and service knowledge
• Partner with other department leaders to ensure a seamless guest experience throughout the market.

Personal Requirements:

• Minimum 2 years of barista experience, with at least 1 year in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of coffee fundamentals, brewing methods, and espresso calibration.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills with a focus on collaboration and accountability.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible availability, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to lead by example and remain composed in a fast-paced environment
• Valid Texas Food Handler and TABC certifications required.

Compensation: We are pleased to offer you the position with a starting hourly base rate of $13 an hour plus tips in accordance with our standard payroll practices.

Working Conditions:

• A typical work week for this position is 35–45 hours. Hours vary based on the needs of the market and department.
• Position requires prolonged standing, bending, stooping, twisting, lifting objects up to 45 pounds, and repetitive hand and wrist movements.
• Work involves exposure to hot and cold temperatures and operating café equipment

Benefits:

• 3 Sick Days annually
• 40 hours of PTO paid at hourly wage
• 50% discount at all ERHG/Market Restaurants
• 20% discount on retail
• Employer contribution to health insurance
• 5-Year Retention Bonus of $3,000
• 10-Year Retention Bonus of $10,000
  

Please note: This job description is intended to provide a brief overview of typical job functions and duties and may not cover all possible responsibilities.