Job Overview: Starbucks Lead Barista (Fred Meyer/Kroger)

Fred Meyer, a member of the Kroger Family of Companies, is seeking a professional and experienced Lead Barista for their licensed Starbucks kiosk in Anchorage, AK. This is a leadership-track role that combines high-level coffee craft with supervisory responsibilities and departmental management.

Unlike a corporate Starbucks store, this position operates within a Fred Meyer retail environment, offering the unique benefits of the Kroger family while adhering to strict Starbucks brand standards. This is an ideal role for a certified barista looking to step into management.

Key Responsibilities & Leadership Duties

Departmental Management

Supervision: Assist in the direction and supervision of department personnel to ensure consistent, high-quality customer service.
Inventory & Ordering: Order and maintain all stock and supplies; monitor product appearance and organization throughout the department.
Merchandising: Increase sales through effective marketing and “Siren’s Eye” merchandising standards.
Quality Control: Monitor code dates and product rotation, proactively removing out-of-code items.

Operational Excellence

Starbucks Compliance: Execute and adhere to all Starbucks-specific programs and promotions (e.g., Customer Voice, seasonal launches).
Maintenance: Perform equipment upkeep according to preventative maintenance checklists.
Financial Integrity: Strictly follow cash handling and register policies.

Customer & Community Engagement

Expert Preparation: Prepare a variety of espresso drinks and specialty beverages to standard.
Specialty Sales: Assist customers with whole bean coffee selection and beverage education.
Conflict Resolution: Calmly and tactfully handle stressful situations and manage conflicts in a cooperative, non-confrontational manner.

Qualifications & Requirements

Core Requirements

Certification: Must be a trained and certified barista.
Experience: Prior experience in food handling is required.
Availability: Must be willing and available to work weekends and holidays as needed.
Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to follow complex directions, and a professional demeanor in a high-traffic environment.

Physical & Emotional Demeanor

Ability to handle stressful situations with a “Customer 1st” attitude.
Commitment to core values: respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

Comprehensive Benefits (The Kroger/Fred Meyer Package)

As a Fred Meyer associate, you gain access to the broad “Associate Well-Being” support system provided by Kroger.

Healthcare: Affordable and comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
Financial Wellness: Free, confidential financial tools and coaching via Goldman Sachs Ayco.
Tuition Assistance: Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over the course of your career through their Continuing Education program.
Emotional Support: Free counseling through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Discounts: Valuable associate discounts on food, travel, and technology.
Retirement/PTO: Paid time off, holiday pay, and sick pay based on eligibility.

Why This Role?

This position offers the “best of both worlds”: the prestige of the Starbucks brand and the robust corporate stability of Kroger. The $21,000 tuition reimbursement is a significant highlight for those looking to further their education while working. As a Lead Barista, you are not just making drinks; you are learning the “business of coffee,” including inventory management and team leadership, which are highly transferable skills for future retail or hospitality management.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the Fred Meyer/Kroger Careers portal. Be prepared to provide proof of your barista certification and highlight any previous experience where you assisted in supervising others or managing inventory.

Full Job Description

Fred Meyer, a subsidiary of Kroger, operates several large-scale “one-stop-shop” multi-department stores in Anchorage (including locations on Northern Lights, Abbott, and DeBarr). Unlike standard grocery stores, Fred Meyer combines a full supermarket with apparel, home electronics, and garden centers. Working here involves joining a fast-paced retail environment that serves as a primary resource for the Anchorage community. Many positions are union-represented, providing structured pay scales and advocacy.

Typical Responsibilities:

Customer Service: Assisting shoppers with locating items across diverse departments, providing product knowledge, and ensuring a positive shopping experience.
Merchandising: Stocking shelves, maintaining “facing” (straightening products), and setting up promotional displays or end-caps.
Point of Sale (POS): Operating cash registers, processing returns, and handling various payment methods including WIC and SNAP.
Department-Specific Tasks: Depending on the role, this may include preparing food in the Deli, assisting in the Pharmacy, or assembling furniture in the Home department.
Safety & Sanitation: Maintaining a clean workspace, managing “spill” protocols, and adhering to strict food safety guidelines in perishable areas.

Qualifications:

Education: High school diploma or GED preferred; entry-level positions often open to students 16+.
Skills: Strong communication skills, basic math proficiency, and the ability to multitask under pressure during peak “Alaskan shipping” days.
Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk, and bend for extended periods; must be able to lift between 25 and 50 pounds regularly.
Availability: Flexibility to work various shifts, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays.

Company Benefits:

Employee Discount: Significant discounts on “Our Brands” products and varying discounts on general merchandise and apparel.
Career Advancement: Opportunities for “upward mobility” into department lead or management roles.
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and dental plans for eligible full-time and part-time associates.
Tuition Assistance: Access to the “Feed Your Future” program, offering up to $3,500 annually for continuing education.

To apply for this job please visit www.fredmeyer.com.