Barista
Crafty
Note to Candidates:
We meticulously craft our job descriptions to clearly define the skills necessary for success and the expected performance level of the role, resulting in detailed content. Our goal is to ensure the description accurately reflects the job you will perform. We value your input and look forward to hearing what you think about the format in the interview process.
This is an on-site role (five days per week at a client cafe in Chicago, IL) and will report directly to the Food & Beverage Supervisor.
Who We Are:
Crafty elevates workplace food and beverage programs with enhanced services managed in one innovative, centralized platform. Founded in 2015, our mission is to help companies craft better workplaces. From DraftKings to Robinhood to Zillow, we work with the world’s biggest brands to foster a culture of employee connectivity and productivity. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York and the Bay Area, Crafty manages food and beverage programs across 300+ offices, serving more than 300,000 employees per month.
Our commitment to crafting better workplaces starts from within. We are a team of passionate, resourceful, and hard-working trailblazers who love what we do. Our expertise spans technology, food and beverage operations, client success, fulfillment and more. At Crafty, our people are our greatest asset, because it's our people who foster a culture that makes our company a place worth being part of. And of course, the snacks are the cherry on top!
The Role:
Crafty is seeking an experienced Barista to craft high-quality drinks and deliver exceptional hospitality in one of our client cafes. As the face of our Cafe Program, you’ll create a welcoming environment, ensuring seamless operations while balancing speed, precision, and attention to detail.This role is perfect for someone who is client-obsessed, reliable, and thrives in both team-oriented and autonomous settings. You’ll be responsible for preparing handcrafted beverages, managing inventory, and adapting to dynamic service needs.If you’re passionate about coffee, hospitality, and working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment, we want to hear from you!
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.
Expected Results:
- Goal 1: By end of year, 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 hooligans who work incredibly hard and to get things done.
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 targeted at $20 per hour and a minimum of $1.50 per hour in tips. 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.