Now Brewing - associate manager - Chicago Roastery 

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee, but that also brought a feeling of connection.   

We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion, guided by service to others. As a place for community, gathering, and dynamic shared experiences, Starbucks Roastery & Reserve plays an important role in the broader Starbucks portfolio. Roastery & Reserve celebrates craft and a place of belonging in a portfolio of unique flagship locations, Starbucks Reserve Stores and Reserve Kitchens across the US.   

The associate manager is a hands-on manager in training role, allowing partners to develop and prepare for retail store leadership. This role will work closely with other leaders to develop an understanding of how the Starbucks Reserve retail business operates and learn what it means to lead and manage with operational excellence. The associate manager will be introduced to multiple areas of the store’s business, with most of their time learning how to lead a team within a specific zone within the location. This role will drive customer experience and business results by developing a high performing team. 

This associate manager will support our Reserve Kitchen zone within the Chicago Roastery. This zone is responsible for bringing our innovative culinary playbook to life. The Reserve Kitchen zone is comprised of our baker team, those who handcraft our food products, and our barista team, responsible for providing legendary customer service while showcasing our offerings.   

Job Summary and Mission 

This job contributes to Starbucks success by leading a team of store partners to create and maintain the Roastery & Reserve Experience for our customers and partners and assisting the operations manager(s) in executing store operations. The associate manager is responsible for managing business operations in assigned operational zones with direction from the operations manager(s).  The associate manager must also ensure customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and product quality through a team of partners. The incumbent is responsible for modeling and acting in accordance with Starbucks guiding principles.  

  
Summary of Key Responsibilities 

Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:   

  
Leadership   

Acts with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the culture, values and mission of Starbucks  Provides leadership and supervision to partners for all aspects of each shift worked  Demonstrates a calm demeanor during periods of high volume or unusual events and manages smooth transitions thereafter to keep store operating to established standards and to set a positive example for the store team  Role models a passion for service, operational excellence, coffee curiosity, and innovation while leading and inspiring partners to deliver the Roastery & Reserve Experience  Delegates appropriate responsibilities and practices to store partners to ensure smooth flow of operations with input and guidance from store manager. Provides coaching and direction to the store team to achieve operational goals.   Acts as a coach to partners by using discretion in assessing performance, providing feedback and coaching to improve partner performance, and effectively communicates development successes and opportunities to store manager(s)  Implements and communicates plans to store team in order to meet operational and organizational objectives  Constantly scans and assesses store environment and key business indicators to identify problems, concerns, and opportunities for improvement. Communicates ideas to the store manager(s) for broader areas of improvement. Provides input to the store manager(s) regarding standards gaps and opportunities to achieve operational and team goals  Applies operational excellence tools (I.e. Associate Manager Approach and supporting tools) to identify and solve store and zone problems appropriately  Responds to immediate store and zone needs by utilizing appropriate resources.  Supports store operations by recognizing and reinforcing individual and team accomplishments through existing organizational tools  Engages in conversation with customers to understand their experience and adjust as needed in the moment, identifying trends to continuously improve through awareness, empathy and action 

  
Planning and Execution  

Works with store manager(s) to help inform and develop strategic and operational plans for the store team, managing execution, and measuring results   Responsible for managing business operations in assigned operational zones.   Provides input into store staffing levels and decisions to ensure appropriate staffing and scheduling, to maximize partner development, and to deliver the optimal experience for both partners and customers   Utilizes existing tools to identify and prioritize communications with the store team. Communicates clearly, concisely and accurately in order to ensure effective store operations across all of the zones  Communicates clearly, concisely and accurately in order to ensure understanding   Communicates regularly with store leadership team (including peers, store managers, and specialist team) about operational and partner observations, challenges, concerns, insights, and suggestions   Communicates and behaves in a way that promotes a unified store management team  Supports store manager(s) in implementing company programs by working directly with shift team to execute action plans that meet operational and company objectives  
  

Business Requirements  

Develops understanding of all operational tools, systems and processes to plan for and achieve operational excellence in the store   Communicates observations, actions, outcomes, and follow-up items to store manager(s), specialist(s), and associate manager peers on a regular basis   Develops and maintains positive relationships with associate manager peers by understanding and addressing individual motivation, cultural nuances, needs and concerns  Ensures partners adhere to operational compliance requirements  Recognizes and reinforces individual and team accomplishments by using existing organizational tools and programs to recognize partners  Develops effective management principles and practices to create and maintain a successful store team resulting in an environment where partners are valued and respected   Maintains regular and consistent attendance and punctuality  

Qualifications - External 

We would love to hear from people with: 

Progressively responsible customer service experience in retail, restaurant and/or hospitality environments  Experience directing the work of others  Available to work flexible hours, which could include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays   Ability to read, understand, follow and enforce safety procedures  Ability to carry 35lb  21+ years of age  Education: High school/GED  

 Preferred Qualifications 

Ability to manage store operations, including multiple situations in a fast-paced environment, independently   Ability to manage resources to ensure that established service levels are achieved at all times during assigned shift   Effective interpersonal and communication skills   Organization, planning, and prioritization skills   Strong problem-solving skills   Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information   Strong supervisory, teambuilding, and leadership skills, with the ability to coach and mentor others  Additional languages beneficial 
 

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools.  Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities.  You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement.   Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.  
 
*If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above.  For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above. 

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity.  At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. 

Join us and inspire with every cup.  Apply today! 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or any other factor protected by law. 

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving customers throughout our global communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances. Starbucks Corporation is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at applicantaccommodation@starbucks.com.