Job Overview: Lead Barista & Guest Experience Leader (Fairbanks, AK)

Fred Meyer (a division of the Kroger Family of Companies) is seeking a professional, certified Lead Barista & Guest Experience Leader for their Fairbanks location. This is a high-visibility leadership role that bridges the gap between expert coffee craft and departmental management.

As a “Guest Experience Leader,” you are responsible for more than just beverages; you are the primary driver of customer satisfaction and team morale within the coffee department. This role is designed for a career-minded professional looking to grow within a major retail organization.

Key Responsibilities & Leadership Duties

Departmental Oversight

Service Standards: Surpass service expectations by providing prompt, high-quality coffee selection and preparation.
Team Guidance: Act as a mentor and leader for other baristas, ensuring the team adheres to both Starbucks brand standards and Fred Meyer operational policies.
Inventory Management: Oversee the ordering, stocking, and rotation of supplies to ensure the department is always prepared for high-volume periods.

Guest Experience & Sales

Active Engagement: Assist customers in selecting specialty beverages and whole bean coffee, providing expert product knowledge.
Merchandising: Maintain an appealing and clean customer service area, utilizing effective merchandising to drive sales.
Conflict Resolution: Calmly and tactfully manage stressful situations, ensuring a positive impression is left on every guest.

Qualifications & Requirements

Core Requirements

Certification: Must be a trained and certified barista.
Communication: Exceptional verbal communication skills and the ability to act as a “Guest Experience Leader.”
Reliability: Must be flexible with scheduling, including a consistent availability for weekends and holidays.

Professional Demeanor

Integrity: Demonstrate the company’s core values of respect, honesty, and inclusion in every interaction.
Composure: Ability to work efficiently and maintain high standards while under pressure in a busy retail environment.
Integrity: Show honesty and integrity regarding customer data and business information.

Why This Role? (Kroger Family Benefits)

This position carries the robust benefits package of the Kroger Family of Companies, which is designed to support long-term career growth.

Educational Support: Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement through the “Feed Your Future” program.
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Financial Coaching: Access to free, confidential financial tools and coaching via Goldman Sachs Ayco.
Employee Discounts: Significant savings on food, technology, and travel.
Career Pathing: Direct opportunities for advancement into store management or regional leadership roles.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the Fred Meyer/Kroger Careers portal. When applying, emphasize your certification status and your experience leading a team or managing a customer-facing department. Referencing Job ID #J-18808-Ljbffr may be helpful for tracking.

Full Job Description

Fred Meyer operates high-volume “one-stop-shop” locations in Fairbanks (such as the Old Steese Hwy and Airport Way stores). These locations are critical hubs for Interior Alaska, providing everything from groceries and apparel to home electronics and hardware. Working at a Fairbanks Fred Meyer requires resilience and efficiency, especially during the extreme winter months when the stores become the primary resource for the local community and surrounding rural areas.

Typical Responsibilities:

Customer Support: Assisting residents and travelers with finding products across a massive floor plan, spanning groceries, home goods, and outdoor gear.
Inventory Management: Stocking shelves, rotating perishable goods, and ensuring that essential items are available during high-demand seasonal shifts.
Checkout Operations: Operating registers, managing self-checkout kiosks, and processing diverse payment types including WIC and SNAP.
Department Upkeep: Maintaining “Gold Standard” cleanliness and organization in specific areas like the Deli, Meat department, or Electronics.
Winter Readiness: Assisting with seasonal transitions, such as managing the garden center’s shift to winter supplies and holiday merchandise.

Qualifications:

Reliability: Strong attendance is vital, particularly during Fairbanks’ winter season; ability to handle the logistics of commuting in sub-zero temperatures.
Communication: Ability to provide friendly service to a diverse population, including military families from Ft. Wainwright and Eielson AFB.
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand and move for 8-hour shifts and lift up to 50 pounds (especially in the Grocery or Home departments).
Skills: Basic computer literacy for inventory systems and math skills for cash handling.

Company Benefits:

Union Benefits: Many positions are covered by UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers), providing scheduled raises and workplace advocacy.
Discounts: Significant savings on “Our Brands” groceries and varying discounts on electronics, apparel, and home goods.
Education: Access to the “Feed Your Future” program, offering up to $3,500 per year for tuition reimbursement.
Health & Savings: Comprehensive medical plans for eligible associates and 401(k) options with company matching.

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