About the company
Geekhunter is recruiting on behalf of a client that seamlessly blends art, business, and culture into a distinctive brand ecosystem. Their portfolio spans jewelry, specialty coffee, photography, and podcasting, each crafted to inspire creativity and connection.
Job Responsibilities
The Senior Barista is both a skilled coffee professional and a team leader. In addition to preparing high-quality coffee and beverages, this role oversees the daily operations of the coffee bar, ensures smooth workflow, supervises junior staff, and maintains operational standards across service, stock, and customer experience. The Senior Barista plays a critical role in upholding the café’s reputation for excellence while acting as a mentor and point of contact for both staff and management.
Coffee & Beverage Preparation
- Prepare espresso-based and specialty drinks at the highest standard, ensuring consistency and quality.
- Calibrate grinders and equipment daily, setting quality benchmarks for the team.
- Develop and introduce seasonal drinks, collaborating with management on menu innovation.
- Lead cuppings and staff tastings to improve team palate and coffee knowledge.
Team Supervision & Training
- Supervise baristas during shifts, ensuring efficiency and consistency.
- Delegate tasks effectively, balancing speed, quality, and customer experience.
- Train and mentor junior baristas on coffee techniques, service, and workflow.
- Provide feedback and coaching to improve performance and build team confidence.
Operations Management
- Oversee all aspects of the coffee bar’s daily operations, including setup, service, and closing.
- Ensure smooth coordination between baristas, kitchen staff, and front-of-house team.
- Monitor service flow and troubleshoot bottlenecks during peak hours.
- Uphold café policies, customer service standards, and health & safety compliance.
Customer Experience Leadership
- Act as the lead point of contact for customers, handling escalated complaints or issues.
- Build strong customer relationships by sharing knowledge about coffee origins, brewing methods, and café values.
- Promote loyalty programs, events, and specials in alignment with business goals.
Equipment & Maintenance Oversight
- Ensure all coffee equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and serviced.
- Train baristas on proper use, cleaning, and troubleshooting of equipment.
- Liaise with management or service providers for repairs and technical issues.
Inventory & Stock Management
- Monitor inventory levels, place supply orders, and manage deliveries.
- Implement stock rotation systems to ensure freshness and reduce waste.
- Track bean usage and yield, providing accurate reporting to management.
- Work with management to forecast stock needs based on sales trends.
Cash Handling & Sales Oversight
- Supervise use of POS system, ensuring accuracy in transactions and reporting.
- Perform cashing up, reconciliation, and end-of-day reporting as required.
- Authorize refunds, discounts, and voids according to company policy.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all team members follow food safety and hygiene protocols.
- Conduct spot checks to enforce cleanliness, sanitization, and allergen-awareness standards.
- Keep updated with local F&B regulations and ensure the café is compliant.
Leadership & Development
- Motivate the team to deliver exceptional service and maintain morale.
- Work with management to identify training needs and development opportunities.
- Contribute ideas to improve operations, workflow, and overall customer experience.
Job Requirements
- 2+ years experience as a barista in a specialty coffee or high-volume café environment.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills with ability to delegate and motivate a team.
- Excellent knowledge of espresso calibration, milk steaming, latte art, and alternative brewing methods.
- Strong customer service orientation with excellent communication skills.
- Ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure.
- High attention to detail in both service and operations.
Preferred:
- Previous experience in a supervisory or shift leader role.
- Knowledge of inventory management and stock ordering systems.
- Familiarity with specialty coffee certifications (e.g., SCA, Barista Hustle).
- Experience with café event planning, community engagement, or promotional activities.
- Work Conditions & Physical Requirements:
- Standing for long periods in a fast-paced environment.
- Lifting and carrying supplies (up to 25 lbs).
- Working early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Handling hot liquids and equipment safely.
Benefits
- Career Growth & Opportunities:Senior Barista → Café Manager → Operations Manager
- Access to specialty coffee training, certifications, and workshops
- Opportunities to contribute to coffee sourcing, roasting, or education programs
- Long-term potential to manage new outlets or transition into coffee training/education