Summer Merchandiser & Barista

Summer Barista

This seasonal position is based on-site in Chicago, IL and is scheduled from June 15 through August 21.

Reporting directly to the Food & Beverage Supervisor, this role follows a regular schedule of 7:00am to 3:30pm.

Crafty is seeking an energetic and hospitality-driven Summer Barista to support our client cafs and workplace food & beverage programs. As the face of our Caf Program, you'll craft high-quality beverages, create welcoming guest experiences, and help maintain organized, well-stocked caf and pantry spaces. This role combines exceptional customer service with hands-on operational support, making it ideal for someone who enjoys both connecting with people and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.

The ideal candidate is reliable, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You'll balance beverage preparation, inventory management, merchandising, and equipment upkeep while delivering outstanding hospitality to clients and guests every day.

• Beverage Preparation: Craft high-quality coffee, espresso, tea, and specialty beverages while maintaining consistency, speed, and attention to detail during service
• Customer Service: Create a welcoming caf experience by engaging with clients, guests, and Crafty team members, delivering exceptional hospitality and building positive relationships onsite
• Merchandising + Inventory: Take pride in your spaces by maintaining organized caf, pantry, and storage areas; complete expiration checks, product rotations, restocking, and inventory tracking as needed
• Maintenance + Operations: Perform routine maintenance and quality control checks on coffee equipment and other beverage systems, maintain cleanliness standards, and support daily operational tasks
• Communication: Communicate and escalate any location needs, inventory shortages, equipment issues, or safety concerns to your manager, and accurately complete required documentation and task lists

Required Attributes

• Attentive to Detail:
• You take pride in precision, from dialing in espresso shots to ensuring latte art consistency. Every drink meets Crafty's quality standards, and you maintain a well-stocked, organized workspace.
• You proactively monitor inventory levels, ensuring that syrups, milk alternatives, and coffee beans are always available to meet client demand.
• You keep a sharp eye on cleanliness, presentation, and adherence to health and safety regulations, ensuring every aspect of the cafe is polished and inviting.
• Client Obsessed:
• You create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, engaging with clients to learn their preferences and providing personalized service. You make thoughtful recommendations and ensure every interaction leaves a positive impression.
• You actively seek feedback and adapt to evolving client needs, going above and beyond to enhance their cafe experience.
• Reliable:
• You show up on time, prepared, and ready to work. You take ownership of your responsibilities, whether it's opening the cafe, maintaining equipment, or supporting teammates during busy rushes.
• You foster trust with both clients and coworkers by consistently delivering high-quality service and maintaining professionalism under pressure.
• Resilient:
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment, handling lines and custom orders with efficiency and grace.
• You maintain a positive attitude, even during peak hours, ensuring both clients and teammates feel supported and energized.
• Operationally Sound:
• You execute cafe operations with efficiency, following best practices for espresso extraction, milk steaming, and beverage presentation.
• You quickly adapt to last-minute menu changes, equipment issues, or unexpected rushes, problem-solving on the spot to keep service running smoothly.
• Collaborative:
• You actively support teammates, stepping in to help with tasks like restocking, dishwashing, or assisting with inventory when needed.
• You embrace a team-first mindset, understanding that shared success leads to the best possible client experience.
• Autonomous:
• You take initiative in maintaining cafe standards, troubleshooting minor equipment issues, and identifying opportunities for efficiency.
• You confidently manage your station, ensuring every drink is crafted to perfection without constant supervision.
• You own your role, continuously seeking ways to improve workflows, enhance client satisfaction, and elevate the cafe experience.

Required Experience

• 1+ years of experience in a third wave cafe
• 2+ years of experience with a manual espresso machine
• Morning person: shifts can start as early as 6am!

Your Proficiencies

• Full espresso bar execution on a manual machine
• Ability to frequently lift up to 25+ lbs, working on your feet, and frequent bending
• Customer service & hospitality

Don't meet all of the qualifications? We want you to consider all of your skills and experiences - both professional and personal- that would make you successful in this role. Although some qualifications are essential, others can be attained with time. We believe diverse perspectives, upbringings, and knowledge contribute to our strong company culture and we encourage you to apply.

Role Goals:

• Goal 1: By the end of the summer, you will have a 98% average in Quality Control Evaluation scores, measured by our QC scorecard on a monthly basis, to support operational efficiency and client retention.
• Goal 2: On a monthly basis, the barista team will reduce overtime each week by clocking in and out at scheduled times in each cafe, with a goal to reduce overtime to 90 minutes or less on each individual's timecard to support market profitability.

What we offer:

Our people mean everything to us. When you join Crafty, you're joining a team of passionate, smart, and supportive people who work incredibly hard and have a good time along the way.

We are proud to offer a compensation package that includes our Crafty healthcare plan, covering primary health, dental, and vision plans, 401k, paid time off, equipment certification courses, and parental leave. And, of course, it also includes Crafty-grade snacks, beverages, and fun events!

Lastly, this role offers a special opportunity: to have a major hand in shaping the future of a young, flourishing company. Your creativity, ambition, and work will steer the direction of our successes.

Our compensation amount for this role is starting at $20 per hour in Chicago. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including cost of living based on location, candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.

Crafty provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without discriminating against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics.