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

Kroger (operating as Fred Meyer) is seeking a high-caliber Lead Barista & Team Leader for their Fairbanks location. This role is a critical supervisory position that bridges the gap between expert coffee craft and retail department management.

As a Lead, you aren’t just making beverages; you are responsible for the operational health of the coffee department and the professional development of your team. This is a “Career Track” position designed for someone who wants to leverage their barista certification into a management portfolio.

Key Responsibilities & Leadership Duties

Departmental Supervision

Personnel Leadership: Supervise and direct department personnel to ensure consistent, high-quality customer service across all shifts.
Service Standards: Ensure all coffee selection, purchase, and preparation standards are not only met but surpassed.
Operational Oversight: Monitor total department conditions, including cleanliness, equipment functionality, and inventory levels.

Guest Experience & Sales

Expert Guidance: Act as the primary resource for customers seeking specialty coffee beverages and whole-bean education.
Problem Solving: Calmly and tactfully handle stressful situations, ensuring a positive impression is left on both associates and customers.
Core Values: Model the company’s values of respect, honesty, integrity, and safety in every interaction.

Qualifications & Requirements

Core Requirements

Certification: Must be a trained and certified barista.
Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively lead a team and engage with the Fairbanks community.
Flexibility: Willingness and availability to work a varied schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Professional Attributes

Leadership Mindset: Ability to take initiative, monitor standards, and provide constructive feedback to team members.
Resilience: Proven ability to work under pressure in a high-volume retail environment.

Why This Role? (The Kroger Advantage)

Kroger offers a comprehensive “Associate Well-Being” package that stands out in the retail industry:

Tuition Assistance: Access to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career through the “Feed Your Future” program.
Financial Health: Free, confidential financial tools and coaching provided by Goldman Sachs Ayco.
Health Coverage: Affordable and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
Career Growth: Vast potential for advancement into store-wide management or specialized corporate roles.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the Kroger/Fred Meyer Careers portal. In your application, highlight your specific experience in supervising others and your commitment to maintaining high-level brand standards. Referencing Job ID #J-18808-Ljbffr may help in tracking your submission.

Full Job Description

Fred Meyer operates two major multi-department stores in Fairbanks: Fred Meyer East (Old Steese Hwy) and Fred Meyer West (Airport Way). These locations are essential to the Interior Alaska community, acting as a “one-stop shop” for everything from groceries and home goods to apparel and outdoor gear. Working at a Fairbanks Fred Meyer requires high energy and adaptability, especially as these stores serve local residents, university students, and the military community at Ft. Wainwright and Eielson AFB.

Typical Roles & Responsibilities:

Customer Experience: Providing proactive assistance across massive floor plans, including grocery, electronics, and the “College Living” sections.
Stocking & Inventory: Receiving shipments, rotating perishable goods (FIFO), and maintaining shelf conditioning to ensure essential items are available during high-demand Interior winters.
E-Commerce & Pickup: Accurately selecting and bagging groceries for online “Pickup” orders, ensuring high quality and freshness for every customer.
Specialized Support: Departments like the Fuel Center, Floral, and Home Hardlines involve managing specific cash registers, handling specialized equipment, and maintaining department-specific safety standards.
Front-End Operations: Handling high-volume checkout rushes, managing self-checkout kiosks, and accurately processing Fred Meyer Rewards and digital coupons.

Qualifications:

Experience: Entry-level roles (Courtesy Clerk/Bagger) require no prior experience. Lead or specialized roles (Meat Cutter, Lead Clerk) typically require 1–2 years of relevant retail or trade experience.
Age Requirements: Must be 16+ for entry-level roles; 18+ for departments like Apparel, Grocery Lead, or Fuel Center.
Physicality: Ability to stand and walk for 8+ hours in a fast-paced environment and lift up to 50 lbs consistently.
Resilience: Ability to maintain attendance and performance standards in extreme weather conditions (Fairbanks winters).

Company Benefits:

Union Representation: Positions at Fred Meyer East (All food departments) and Fred Meyer West (Meat & Seafood) are represented by UFCW Local 1496, providing structured raises, grievance protection, and premium pay for Sundays/nights.
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage through company or union plans.
Education: Access to the “Feed Your Future” program, providing up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over the course of your career.
Associate Discounts: Significant savings on store brands, electronics, apparel, and travel.

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