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JOB TITLE: Bay Area Retail Trainer

REPORTS TO: VP of Training and Development

DEPARTMENT: Training

LOCATION: Bay Area, Home Store: University Ave. Palo Alto

At Verve Coffee Roasters, we believe the coffee experience is our responsibility from seed to cup. Coffee is our craft, our ritual, our passion. It drives us and inspires us. With this simple truth and responsibility we are bridging the gap from farmlevel to streetlevel. We seek an enthusiastic Bay Area Retail Trainer to join our team.

Position Summary

The Retail Trainer works in several contexts, including the Santa Cruz Roastery and and the Bay Area cafes. This trainer splits time between Training Operations (40%) and in-store training/cafe shifts (60%). Training Operations, will conduct training, create new content, distribute training materials and fulfill administrative responsibilities, including scheduling and meetings. During cafe shifts, the Retail Trainer guides skill integration, coaching, development and product quality audits.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver unparalleled coffee education and hospitality to our employees through training program implementation and direct training

• Maintain and deliver core training curriculum as guided by the VP of Training

• Possess an in-depth knowledge of Verve policies, products, and standards

• Be a Brand Ambassador

• Maintain positivity and enthusiasm at all times

• Ensure that a superior quality product is being served to customers

SPECIFIC DUTIES- TRAINING OPERATIONS (40%)

• Schedule and deliver training modules, including Orientation, Menu Training, Register Operations, Hospitality, Cafe Operations, Culinary, Milk and Bar Training.

• Host cuppings and Coffee Education classes

• Support Shift Lead Training.

• Track LMS completion and make assignments and employee progress on skill mastery

• Hold meetings with Managers and Regional managers to strategize on goals

• Assist in monthly coffee launch logistics, dialing in coffees for the cafes and sharing recipe specifications

• Support staff training on all product launches, including signature beverages and culinary

• Complete projects, develop content and create cafe tools as directed by the VP of Training

• Help with Wholesale and Community and events as needed

• Champion and emulate company mission, vision and values at all times

• As needed, keep training lab immaculately organized and clean after each training. Order supplies as needed.

SPECIFIC DUTIES- CAFE SHIFTS (60%)

• Conduct Shadow shifts with employees to integrate new skills into the cafe environment.

• Fill cafe shifts. Lead by example in all roles and responsibilities, demonstrating mastery in product knowledge, hospitality and drink standards.

• Coach on product quality, cleanliness, work-flow efficiency

• Ensure all café employees are trained and performing to VCR standards

• Complete store visits and audit for quality. Coach and correct accordingly.

• Assess and report equipment-related issues that affect product quality

• Promote an excellent experience for both employees and customers

• Anticipate customer and store needs by being aware of surroundings

• Adhere to café schedule

• Follow VCR cash handling procedures

• Follow health, safety and sanitation guidelines

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum 3 year experience in specialty cafe environment preferred

• Advanced knowledge of espresso and beverage preparation

• Previous training experience and leadership experience in a café setting a plus

• Experience with equipment calibration preferred

• Open availability, including some weekends, holidays and ability to report to the Santa Cruz training lab during weekday business hours

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong Organizational, planning and time management skills

• Able to multi-task and deal with ambiguity in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to communicate effectively with others, written and verbally

• Inclusive, respectful and professional and the ability to work as part of a team

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds

• The hours can fluctuate due to the needs of the business.

• Must maintain current state-issued Food Handler Card

• Valid CA Driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle

• Ability to travel to all Verve café locations in Palo Alto, Menlo Park and San Francisco

Physical Requirements

The following physical demands outline the requirements necessary for employees to effectively carry out the essential functions of this position. During the performance of duties, employees are expected to engage in regular communication, auditory perception, and reading tasks. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill essential job functions.

This role is dynamic and involves prolonged periods of standing (or being on one's feet for up to 8 hours), walking, bending, stooping, and crouching throughout the shift. Additionally, employees will be required to lift products and packaging overhead and may frequently handle items weighing between 25 and 50 pounds. Essential vision capabilities for this role encompass close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Furthermore, adept finger and wrist dexterity are essential for successful performance in this position.

Benefits and Compensation

• Available to all employees

  • Cafe Shifts: $23-25/hr + Tips

  • Training: $26-28/hr training

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Physical and mental health, financial and legal coaching available at no cost to the employee

  • Free coffee with every paycheck and 30% employee discount on all merchandise, whole bean, beverages, and food items

  • Continuing coffee education classes

  • Mentorship and positive work environment

  • Paid sick time

• After 60 days of employment

  • Healthcare Benefits (for full-time employees working over 30 hours per week) including medical, dental, vision and 401k

• Holiday Pay after 90 days of employment.

  • Eight observed holidays per year

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and location.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. Job responsibilities can change according to the operational needs of the business. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.

Verve Coffee Roasters is committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment that recognizes and celebrates diversity as an integral component of building a trusted brand and a successful team. Candidates who can contribute to this mission are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area. Verve is an equal-opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, and discharge will be based on competence, performance, and business needs. Verve does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.