Barista

Roles and responsibilities

• Prepare or serve hot or cold beverages, such as coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees or a selection of teas.
• Promote coffee and tea choice consumption by advising the guests, preparing and serving a variety of coffee drinks, along with pastries and cookies.
• Welcome customers by determining their coffee and tea interests and needs.
• Educate customers by presenting and explaining the coffee drink menu, answering questions.
• Prepare and sell coffee drinks by following prescribed recipes and preparation techniques for coffee drinks such as espresso, espresso lungo, café latte, and cappuccino.
• Generate revenues by attracting new customers, defining new and expanded services and products.
• Maintain inventories by replenishing coffee bean supply; stocking coffee brewing equipment; maintaining supplies, pastries, and cookies for the coffee bar.
• Keep equipment operating by following operating instructions; troubleshooting breakdowns; maintaining supplies; performing preventive maintenance; calling for repairs.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following organization standards and sanitation regulations.
• Improve quality results by studying, evaluating, and re-designing processes; implementing changes; maintaining and improving the appearance of the store and coffee bar.
• Undertake reasonable tasks and secondary duties as assigned by the manager.
• Any other duties, which may be assigned to you from time to time, as directed by your supervisor or manager
  

Skills & Qualifications

• A degree or Higher National Diploma in Hospitality/Hotel/Business Management is preferred
• A few years of experience in the same role within a luxury hospitality environment is required
• Verbal and written communication skills in English

Desired candidate profile

1. Coffee Knowledge & Expertise

• Espresso & Coffee Preparation: Mastery of espresso machines, grinders, and other equipment used to brew coffee and espresso-based drinks (e.g., cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, etc.).
• Coffee Beans & Roasts: In-depth knowledge of different types of coffee beans, roasts, and how they affect the flavor of the drink. Understanding how to grind coffee to the correct consistency for various brewing methods.
• Brewing Techniques: Proficiency in various brewing methods (e.g., pour-over, French press, cold brew) to provide a variety of options for customers.
• Milk Frothing & Texturing: Expertise in frothing milk to create the perfect texture and foam for lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty drinks.
• Coffee Trends: Stay updated on coffee industry trends, such as alternative milk options, flavored syrups, or new brewing techniques (e.g., nitro coffee, pour-over coffee).

2. Customer Service Excellence

• Friendly & Approachable: Greet customers with a warm and friendly demeanor, making them feel comfortable and welcome, whether it's their first visit or they're a regular customer.
• Order Accuracy: Take accurate orders, paying attention to specific preferences or dietary restrictions (e.g., vegan, gluten-free, or non-dairy alternatives).
• Engagement & Communication: Engage with customers to create a personalized experience, whether by recommending drinks, chatting about coffee preferences, or answering questions about menu items.
• Efficient Service: Serve drinks in a timely manner, especially during busy periods, without sacrificing quality or accuracy.

3. Attention to Detail

• Precision in Brewing: Pay attention to the details of brewing coffee, such as the water temperature, grind size, and brewing time, to ensure the best flavor and quality.
• Drink Presentation: Serve drinks with care, ensuring they are visually appealing, with appropriate latte art, clean cups, and no spillage.
• Cleanliness: Keep the workspace, coffee machines, and equipment clean and well-maintained to ensure food safety, hygiene, and optimal performance of equipment.

4. Multi-tasking & Time Management

• Handling Multiple Orders: Manage multiple drink orders efficiently, especially during peak hours, without compromising quality or service.
• Prioritizing Tasks: Stay organized and prioritize tasks, such as brewing coffee, preparing drinks, cleaning the area, and attending to customer needs simultaneously.
• Efficiency Under Pressure: Work quickly and effectively in a fast-paced environment, especially when handling long lines or busy periods like mornings or lunch rushes.

5. Technical Skills & Equipment Maintenance

• Espresso Machines & Grinders: Operate and maintain espresso machines, coffee grinders, blenders, and other coffee-making equipment.
• Troubleshooting: Address common issues with coffee-making equipment, such as adjusting grinder settings, fixing espresso machine problems, or cleaning equipment to ensure it works properly.
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Regularly clean coffee machines, milk frothers, grinders, and countertops to maintain hygiene and ensure equipment functions correctly.

6. Product Knowledge & Menu Familiarity

• Menu Expertise: Be knowledgeable about the entire coffee menu, including available beverages, flavors, ingredients, and any seasonal specials.
• Food Pairing: Understand which baked goods, snacks, or food items pair well with different coffee or espresso drinks, and recommend these to customers.
• Promotions & Specials: Keep up-to-date with any promotions or seasonal menu changes, and effectively communicate them to customers.