Lead Barista

Job Description

Job Description

MANANA DOWNTOWN is hiring for a LEAD BARISTA

Compensation : $16 / hr + tips

A neighborhood coffee y mas shop located in the Seaholm District in downtown Austin. Mañana features specialty coffee tea drinks, seasonal smoothies, beer wine, grab n' go snacks, and a curated retail selection geared towards its trail-adjacent location. This is Mañana's second location with the first operating in the South Congress Hotel since 2016.

JOB OVERVIEW

We’re looking for a Lead Barista who brings both technical expertise and heart to every guest interaction - creating a space that feels inviting, thoughtful, and community-driven. In this role, you’ll support the Outlet Manager with ordering and inventory management, crafting seasonal drink specials, and mentoring the barista team. The ideal candidate is a natural leader with strong communication skills, a passion for coffee, and the ability to inspire and develop those around them.

What you'll do :

Follow all operational standards, policies, and procedures, and stay up-to-date on any new training materials or updates.

Help train team members on drink prep, quality standards, presentation, and product knowledge.

Support with onboarding and training new hires to set them up for success.

Collaborate on creating and rolling out specialty drinks.

Assist with ordering supplies and managing inventory accurately and efficiently.

Keep products organized and displayed in a way that supports fast, smooth service and highlights our beverage offerings.

Make sure the team understands their roles clearly and has the training they need to do their best work. Share feedback and areas for growth with the Outlet Manager.

Build guest connections by promoting name recognition and great conversation.

Respond quickly and thoughtfully to guest feedback, making things right when needed.

Follow all state liquor laws and verify guests meet minimum age requirements for alcoholic beverages.

Keep the workspace spotless, from counters and sinks to shelves and storage areas.

Ensure all equipment is working properly, and promptly report anything that needs attention.

Stay aware of safety practices across the property and keep current with safety and emergency procedures.

Communicate openly with other departments and management through email, meetings, or logbooks to keep everything running smoothly.

Step in where needed to help the team and maintain smooth café operations.

Attend meetings and trainings as needed to stay aligned with the team and company goals.

Who you are :

You are creative. You are precise. You and the machine are one.

Fine-tuning is your love language - whether it’s the grind size or the guest experience.

Calm, collected, and quick-handed, you make multitasking look like an art form.

You live for that first morning rush - coffee in hand, smile on your face, ready to set the tone for everyone’s day.

You believe a well-pulled shot can change someone’s mood (and maybe their whole morning).

You thrive on connection - great coffee is your craft, but conversation is your secret ingredient.

You know that hospitality isn’t just service; it’s storytelling, care, and a little caffeine magic.

2+ years of coffee or hospitality experience preferred

BENEFITS

We are proud to offer competitive wages and the following benefits for full-time employees :

• Paid time off
• 50% off discount at most New Waterloo restaurants
• Health, vision + dental benefits
• 401K matching
• Paid holidays
• Volunteer pay
• Tuition reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Discounts at our shops, hotels + local partnerships

ABOUT NEW WATERLOO

New Waterloo is a community-centric independent hospitality company based in Austin, Texas. We use our platform to intentionally empower and get behind the choices of our people and communities - creating environments that sustain lasting social impact. Our team of hospitality experts provides the resources, talent, passion, and collaboration necessary to foster thoughtful places and thriving businesses.

New Waterloo is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis until a candidate is selected for this role.