Pay: 2,500.00 (AED) - 2800 (AED) per month
Urgently hiring for HEAD BARISTA
Core ResponsibilitiesPrimary Functions
- Oversee and guarantee the exceptional quality and consistency of all coffee and other beverages served, including daily dialing-in of espresso grinders and calibration of brewing equipment to precise specifications.
- Lead the barista team by example, fostering a positive, motivating, and collaborative work environment while managing shift schedules, break rotations, and daily task assignments.
- Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for new and existing baristas, covering everything from espresso extraction theory and milk texturing to customer interaction protocols and brand ethos.
- Manage inventory for all coffee-related products, including beans, milk alternatives, syrups, and paper goods, by placing orders, tracking stock levels, and minimizing waste through effective forecasting.
- Act as the primary point of contact for customer feedback and concerns, resolving issues with professionalism and grace to ensure a consistently high level of guest satisfaction and retention.
- Maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness and organization for the bar area, service stations, and all coffee-related equipment in strict adherence to health and safety regulations.
- Collaborate with management to develop and launch new seasonal drink specials and menu items, from conceptualization and recipe testing to staff training and promotional execution.
- Perform regular preventative maintenance and deep cleaning on all coffee equipment, including the espresso machine, grinders, and brewers, and troubleshoot minor technical issues to prevent downtime.
- Actively monitor daily sales performance and key performance indicators (KPIs), working with the team to implement upselling strategies and initiatives to achieve revenue targets.
- Conduct regular quality control checks and sensory analysis (cuppings) to assess new coffee offerings, maintain consistency, and deepen the team's product knowledge and palate.
- Uphold and champion the café's brand standards, culture, and values, ensuring every customer interaction and every drink served reflects our commitment to excellence.
- Manage cash handling procedures for the bar, including opening/closing till counts, float management, and ensuring accurate transaction processing throughout the shift.
- Foster strong relationships with key suppliers, particularly coffee roasters, to stay informed about new offerings, sourcing stories, and to provide valuable feedback.
- Guide customers through our coffee menu, providing detailed information about origin, flavor profiles, and brewing methods to enhance their experience and build loyalty.
- Create and manage the weekly or bi-weekly staff rota, ensuring adequate coverage for peak times while accommodating staff availability and managing labor costs effectively.
- Conduct regular performance check-ins and formal reviews for the barista team, providing constructive feedback and setting goals for their professional growth within the company.
- Ensure all staff are fully trained on and consistently follow all food safety, hygiene, and workplace safety policies and procedures.
- Coordinate with the kitchen or food service team to ensure a seamless and efficient flow of service between beverage and food orders, maintaining excellent communication.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement by actively seeking feedback from staff and customers and identifying opportunities to enhance workflow, product quality, and service.
- Plan and lead coffee-related events, such as public cuppings, brewing workshops, or latte art throwdowns, to engage the community and promote the brand.
Secondary Functions
- Support the Cafe Manager with administrative tasks such as reporting on waste, sales trends, and staff performance metrics.
- Contribute to the organization's social media channels by capturing and providing high-quality visual content of beverages, latte art, and the general cafe atmosphere.
- Collaborate with the management team to brainstorm and implement local marketing initiatives and community outreach programs.
- Participate in the recruitment process for new baristas, including reviewing applications and conducting practical skill assessments during interviews.
Required Skills & CompetenciesHard Skills (Technical)
- Expert Espresso & Extraction: Master-level proficiency in dialing in grinders and operating commercial espresso machines to pull consistently perfect shots.
- Advanced Latte Art: Demonstrable skill in free-pour latte art, including the ability to create complex and symmetrical designs (rosettas, tulips, swans).
- Manual Brewing Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge and practical skill with various manual brewing methods such as V60, AeroPress, Chemex, and French press.
- Coffee Knowledge: A deep and thorough understanding of coffee origins, varietals, processing methods, roast profiles, and their impact on flavor.
- Sensory Skills: Experience in formal or informal coffee cupping and the ability to articulate flavor notes and assess coffee quality objectively.
- POS & Cash Handling: Proficiency with modern Point-of-Sale (POS) systems and meticulous cash management procedures.
- Inventory Management: Experience with stock control, ordering from suppliers, and using systems to track inventory and minimize waste.
Soft Skills
- Leadership & Mentorship: A natural ability to lead, inspire, and motivate a team, with a strong focus on coaching and developing the skills of others.
- Exceptional Communication: Clear, professional, and warm communication style suitable for interacting with customers, team members, and management.
- Problem-Solving: The capacity to think on your feet, handle unexpected challenges during a busy service, and resolve customer issues effectively and calmly.
- Impeccable Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail in all aspects of the job, from the quality of a drink to the cleanliness of the bar.
- Genuine Hospitality: A deep-seated passion for customer service and creating a welcoming, positive, and memorable experience for every guest.
- Time Management & Prioritization: Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Education & ExperienceEducational Background
Minimum Education
- High School Diploma or equivalent. Food Handler's Certification.
Preferred Education
- Vocational training in Hospitality or Business. Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certifications or similar.
Relevant Fields of Study
- Hospitality Management
- Culinary Arts
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of experience in a specialty coffee café environment.
Preferred
A minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a leadership role, such as Senior Barista, Shift Lead, or Assistant Manager, is highly preferred.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
Pay: AED2,500.00 - AED2,800.00 per month
Work Location: In person