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Coffee Trainer

Verve LLC

Santa Cruz, CA 95062 • $23.00 to $25.00 / hr • 9/10/2026

Job Description

Job Description

JOB TITLE:Bay Area Retail Trainer

REPORTS TO:VP of Training and Development

DEPARTMENT: Training

LOCATION:Bay Area, Home Store: University Ave. Palo Alto

At Verve Coffee Roasters, we believe the coffee experience is our responsibility from seed to cup. Coffee is our craft, our ritual, our passion. It drives us and inspires us. With this simple truth and responsibility we are bridging the gap from farmlevel to streetlevel. We seek an enthusiastic Bay Area Retail Trainer to join our team.


Position Summary

The Retail Trainer works in several contexts, including the Santa Cruz Roastery and and the Bay Area cafes. This trainer splits time between Training Operations (40%) and in-store training/cafe shifts (60%). Training Operations, will conduct training, create new content, distribute training materials and fulfill administrative responsibilities, including scheduling and meetings. During cafe shifts, the Retail Trainer guides skill integration, coaching, development and product quality audits.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Deliver unparalleled coffee education and hospitality to our employees through training program implementation and direct training

  • Maintain and deliver core training curriculum as guided by the VP of Training

  • Possess an in-depth knowledge of Verve policies, products, and standards

  • Be a Brand Ambassador

  • Maintain positivity and enthusiasm at all times

  • Ensure that a superior quality product is being served to customers


SPECIFIC DUTIES- TRAINING OPERATIONS (40%)

  • Schedule and deliver training modules, including Orientation, Menu Training, Register Operations, Hospitality, Cafe Operations, Culinary, Milk and Bar Training.

  • Host cuppings and Coffee Education classes

  • Support Shift Lead Training.

  • Track LMS completion and make assignments and employee progress on skill mastery

  • Hold meetings with Managers and Regional managers to strategize on goals

  • Assist in monthly coffee launch logistics, dialing in coffees for the cafes and sharing recipe specifications

  • Support staff training on all product launches, including signature beverages and culinary

  • Complete projects, develop content and create cafe tools as directed by the VP of Training

  • Help with Wholesale and Community and events as needed

  • Champion and emulate company mission, vision and values at all times

  • As needed, keep training lab immaculately organized and clean after each training. Order supplies as needed.

SPECIFIC DUTIES- CAFE SHIFTS (60%)

  • Conduct Shadow shifts with employees to integrate new skills into the cafe environment.

  • Fill cafe shifts. Lead by example in all roles and responsibilities, demonstrating mastery in product knowledge, hospitality and drink standards.

  • Coach on product quality, cleanliness, work-flow efficiency

  • Ensure all caf employees are trained and performing to VCR standards

  • Complete store visits and audit for quality. Coach and correct accordingly.

  • Assess and report equipment-related issues that affect product quality

  • Promote an excellent experience for both employees and customers

  • Anticipate customer and store needs by being aware of surroundings

  • Adhere to caf schedule

  • Follow VCR cash handling procedures

  • Follow health, safety and sanitation guidelines


Qualifications and Requirements

  • Minimum 3 year experience in specialty cafe environment preferred

  • Advanced knowledge of espresso and beverage preparation

  • Previous training experience and leadership experience in a caf setting a plus

  • Experience with equipment calibration preferred

  • Open availability, including some weekends, holidays and ability to report to the Santa Cruz training lab during weekday business hours

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Strong Organizational, planning and time management skills

  • Able to multi-task and deal with ambiguity in a fast-paced environment