Head Barista

Grazing; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious catering company in London is seeking a Head Barista to oversee their coffee bar operations. The ideal candidate will be an inspiring leader with a proven track record in customer service and team management. Responsibilities include delivering amazing coffee, managing stock levels, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. This role offers a full-time schedule and the opportunity to create an exceptional customer experience while fostering a positive work culture.

Qualifications

• Confident, inspiring leader with a proven customer-focused mindset.
• Able to work independently and lead a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organization, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the coffee bar and food service.
• Lead and develop a team of baristas and casual staff.
• Ensure compliance with health and food safety regulations.
• Deliver outstanding customer experiences in every interaction.

Skills

Leadership skills

Customer service

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Job description

Head Barista – Monday to Thursday – W1T 1FB

Location:London
Hours:40 hours per week | Monday–Friday (no weekends, bank holidays off)
Typical hours:7:30am – 5:30pm (Mon–Thu)

About the Role

We’re looking for an exceptional Head Barista to take ownership of our on-site coffee bar at one of our amazing Clients. This is a hands‑on role for a passionate coffee professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, delivers outstanding customer experiences, and enjoys leading and developing others.

You’ll be responsible for delivering amazing coffee and food service while managing stock, maintaining high standards, supporting innovation, and leading by example.

Key Responsibilities

On‑Site Operations

• Open and close the coffee bar and food servery
• Deliver consistently high-quality beverages and food
• Follow all standard operating procedures, including:
  • Correct coffee dosing, milk steaming, texture and temperature
  • Efficient service during busy periods with minimal waste
  • Ensuring food is displayed and served at correct temperatures
• Maintain cleanliness of the coffee section at all times
• Report equipment issues to coffee maintenance contractors
• Manage stock levels for coffee, milk, tea and food
• Complete and delegate weekly stock takes and cost sheets
• Place and manage supplier orders (online, phone and GRUB system)
• Communicate stock shortages with the General Manager
• Work within agreed budgets and wastage targets
• Lead planning and delivery of theme days, events, special lunches and meeting room catering (with GM support)
• Take ownership of day-to-day operational challenges, resolving issues calmly and professionallyHelp create fun, interactive theme days and events
• Deliver a “wow” experience for customers at every opportunity
• Develop and implement new ideas each month to keep offerings fresh and exciting
• Continuously look for ways to improve the customer experience

People Management

• Promote a culture of teamwork, flexibility and positivity
• Lead, supervise, train and support team members and casual staff
• Lead by example, demonstrating excellent food and beverage service
• Support recruitment by helping select and train new team members
• Develop existing staff to Grazing standards
• Manage rotas, timesheets and casual staff cover for sickness and holidays

Health & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with health & safety and food safety legislation
• Maintain excellent hygiene and food safety standards
• Ensure allergen procedures are followed correctly and information is accurately communicated to customers
• Ensure all staff are fully briefed on allergens prior to service

What We’re Looking For

• Confident, inspiring leader
• Proven customer-focused mindset
• Excellent organisation, problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities

Personal Attributes

• Calm under pressure and able to meet tight deadlines
• High attention to detail with a passion for high standards
• Creative, ambitious and enthusiastic
• Approachable, reliable and trustworthy
• Able to work independently and lead a team