Position Overview
We are looking for a skilled, customer-focused, and detail-oriented Barista / Senior Barista to join our café, restaurant, hotel, or specialty coffee operation. The role is responsible for preparing high-quality coffee and beverages, maintaining consistent product standards, delivering excellent customer service, and supporting smooth day-to-day bar operations.
The Barista will be responsible for preparing espresso-based beverages, brewed coffee, teas, cold drinks, and seasonal beverages according to established recipes and quality standards. The role also includes operating and maintaining coffee equipment, handling customer orders and payments, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, managing bar inventory, and supporting opening and closing procedures.
The Senior Barista will take on additional responsibilities in supporting daily bar operations, maintaining beverage consistency, coaching junior baristas, monitoring workflow during busy periods, assisting with stock control, and supporting the Café Supervisor or Manager in maintaining service and operational standards.
Key ResponsibilitiesCoffee & Beverage Preparation
- Prepare espresso-based beverages including espresso, Americano, cappuccino, latte, flat white, mocha, macchiato, and other specialty coffee drinks.
- Prepare brewed coffee, tea, chocolate, smoothies, juices, iced beverages, seasonal drinks, and other menu items according to established recipes.
- Operate espresso machines, grinders, brewing equipment, blenders, and other beverage equipment safely and correctly.
- Calibrate grinders and adjust grind size, dose, extraction time, and other variables to maintain consistent espresso quality.
- Steam and texture milk correctly while maintaining appropriate temperature and consistency.
- Follow standardized recipes, portion sizes, presentation guidelines, and beverage specifications.
- Maintain consistency in taste, temperature, presentation, and portion control throughout each shift.
- Assist with testing and introducing new beverages, seasonal menus, and specialty coffee products.
Coffee Knowledge & Product Quality
- Maintain a strong understanding of coffee beans, origins, roast profiles, brewing methods, and basic coffee preparation techniques.
- Explain beverage options, ingredients, flavour profiles, and preparation methods to customers when required.
- Recommend suitable coffee or beverage options based on customer preferences.
- Monitor beverage quality and identify issues related to extraction, milk texture, ingredients, equipment, or recipes.
- Follow company standards for product quality, presentation, and customer service.
Customer Service & POS
- Welcome customers and provide friendly, professional, and efficient service.
- Take accurate customer orders and confirm special requests, modifications, allergies, and dietary requirements where applicable.
- Operate POS systems accurately and process cash, card, digital, and other approved payment methods.
- Handle customer questions, requests, and complaints professionally and escalate complex issues to the Supervisor or Manager when necessary.
- Support upselling and promotional activities by introducing customers to seasonal beverages, food items, premium coffee, or other relevant products.
- Maintain a positive and professional attitude during busy operating periods.
Hygiene, Cleaning & Equipment
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness across the coffee bar, preparation areas, counters, equipment, storage areas, and customer-facing spaces.
- Clean espresso machines, grinders, steam wands, brewers, blenders, refrigerators, and other equipment according to established procedures.
- Complete daily opening, closing, cleaning, and sanitisation checklists.
- Follow food safety, hygiene, allergen, and workplace safety procedures.
- Report equipment faults, maintenance requirements, or safety concerns promptly.
- Ensure ingredients and prepared products are stored correctly and labelled where required.
Inventory & Stock Control
- Monitor coffee beans, milk, syrups, powders, cups, lids, packaging, and other beverage supplies.
- Assist with receiving, checking, storing, and organising deliveries.
- Follow FIFO/FEFO principles where applicable to minimise waste and maintain product freshness.
- Inform the Supervisor or Manager when stock levels are low or when products are damaged, expired, or unsuitable for use.
- Assist with regular stock counts and inventory reconciliation.
- Minimise beverage waste through accurate preparation, portion control, and proper storage.
Daily Café Operations
- Support opening and closing procedures, including equipment preparation, cash/POS checks, cleaning, stock checks, and workstation setup.
- Maintain an organised and efficient bar layout to support fast service.
- Coordinate with kitchen, service, cashier, and management teams to ensure smooth customer flow.
- Support the team during peak periods and assist with other operational duties when required.
- Follow company SOPs, beverage recipes, service standards, and workplace policies.
- Maintain professional grooming, appearance, punctuality, and conduct.
Senior Barista Responsibilities
- Support the Café Supervisor or Manager in coordinating daily bar operations.
- Lead by example by maintaining high standards of beverage quality, service, cleanliness, and professionalism.
- Train, coach, and guide junior baristas on coffee preparation, recipes, equipment operation, customer service, and hygiene procedures.
- Monitor beverage quality and ensure recipes and preparation standards are consistently followed.
- Assist with grinder calibration, coffee quality checks, recipe testing, and new beverage development.
- Support shift coordination and help allocate tasks during busy operating periods.
- Assist with inventory checks, stock replenishment, equipment checks, and opening/closing procedures.
- Provide feedback to management regarding operational issues, customer feedback, staff performance, or improvement opportunities.
- Assist in handling customer complaints and service recovery when required.
- Support onboarding and practical training of new baristas.
- Help maintain compliance with food safety, hygiene, equipment, and operational standards.
Requirements
- Diploma, certificate, or relevant training in Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Culinary Arts, or a related field is preferred.
- Previous experience as a Barista, Senior Barista, Café Crew, or similar F&B role is preferred.
- Strong knowledge of espresso preparation, extraction, milk steaming, brewing methods, and beverage recipes.
- Familiarity with commercial espresso machines, grinders, brewing equipment, and basic equipment maintenance.
- Good understanding of coffee beans, roast profiles, brewing techniques, and specialty coffee is an advantage.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced café or hospitality environment.
- Comfortable handling POS systems, cash transactions, inventory records, and basic operational documentation.
- Good understanding of food safety, hygiene, allergen awareness, and workplace safety procedures.
- Strong teamwork, time management, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
- Senior Barista candidates should have experience training or guiding junior team members and supporting shift operations.
- Professional appearance, positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to work flexible shifts, weekends, public holidays, and peak periods.
- Barista, specialty coffee, food safety, or hospitality-related certifications are an advantage.