Role requirements
Must be available across the week. Ie
1-2 shifts mon-fri
1-2 shifts sat-sun
Role Purpose
The Senior Barista is an experienced member of the team responsible for delivering consistently high standards of coffee, customer service and operational performance.
Alongside normal barista duties, the Senior Barista acts as a role model for other team members, supports the training and development of junior staff, maintains coffee quality standards and helps ensure the drive-thru operates quickly, efficiently and professionally.
The role is designed as a progression position for experienced team members who demonstrate strong coffee knowledge, reliability, initiative and leadership potential.
Key ResponsibilitiesCoffee Quality & Barista Standards
- Prepare espresso-based drinks, filter coffee and other beverages to Cargo Coffee standards.
- Maintain excellent espresso quality throughout the shift.
- Dial in grinders and make adjustments when required.
- Monitor espresso extraction times, dose, yield and overall drink quality.
- Ensure milk is steamed and textured consistently.
- Maintain high standards of drink presentation.
- Identify and correct quality issues before drinks reach customers.
- Minimise unnecessary coffee, milk and product waste.
- Maintain excellent knowledge of the coffees being served, including origins, flavour profiles and recommended preparation.
- Ability to diagnose and fix minor equipment problems
Drive-Thru Operations
- Work efficiently across all key positions including till, coffee machine, food preparation, hand-off and outside ordering.
- Help maintain fast and consistent service during busy periods.
- Prioritise orders effectively and maintain good communication between stations.
- Identify bottlenecks and support the team in keeping orders moving.
- Ensure orders are accurate before being handed to customers.
- Help maintain an organised and efficient workflow throughout the shift.
- Support queue management and outside ordering when required.
Customer Service
- Provide friendly, professional and efficient customer service.
- Build positive relationships with regular customers.
- Resolve straightforward customer issues professionally.
- Escalate significant complaints or problems to the Supervisor or Manager.
- Maintain a positive customer experience even during high-volume periods.
- Promote appropriate upselling and product recommendations without compromising service speed.
Training & Team Development
- Support the training of new and developing baristas.
- Demonstrate correct drink preparation, equipment use and operational procedures.
- Coach junior team members on coffee quality, speed and customer service.
- Provide constructive feedback when standards are not being met.
- Help new team members build confidence across different stations.
- Lead by example in attitude, punctuality, presentation and work ethic.
Standards & Cleanliness
- Maintain excellent cleanliness throughout the coffee station and drive-thru.
- Ensure equipment is cleaned correctly throughout the day.
- Complete or oversee grinder and espresso machine cleaning procedures when required.
- Follow opening, closing and end-of-day cleaning procedures.
- Ensure food safety, hygiene, COSHH and health & safety procedures are followed.
- Report equipment faults, maintenance issues or safety concerns promptly.
- Ensure stock and workstations are organised and ready for service.
Leadership & Responsibility
The Senior Barista is not necessarily the designated shift manager, but is expected to demonstrate leadership on every shift.
Responsibilities include:
- Setting a strong example for other team members.
- Maintaining standards when managers or supervisors are occupied elsewhere.
- Taking initiative when operational problems arise.
- Helping organise team members during busy periods.
- Supporting supervisors with the smooth running of the shift.
- Communicating problems or recurring issues to management.
- Helping create a positive, productive and respectful working environment.
Where trained and authorised, the Senior Barista may also be asked to temporarily oversee operational areas or support the running of a shift.
Skills & Experience
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong barista and espresso preparation skills.
- Good understanding of grinder dial-in and espresso extraction.
- Ability to maintain quality while working at speed.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Strong communication skills.
- Reliability and good timekeeping.
- Ability to remain calm during busy periods.
- Good organisation and attention to detail.
- Willingness to coach and support less experienced team members.
- Ability to identify problems and take appropriate action.
- A positive attitude towards feedback and continuous improvement.
Previous experience in a busy coffee shop, drive-thru or hospitality environment is desirable.
Performance Expectations
Performance in the Senior Barista role will be assessed across:
- Coffee and beverage quality.
- Drink consistency.
- Speed and efficiency of service.
- Order accuracy.
- Customer service.
- Cleanliness and organisation.
- Waste control.
- Reliability and punctuality.
- Ability to train and support junior staff.
- Communication and teamwork.
- Initiative and problem solving.
- Adherence to company procedures and standards.
Pay: £11.00-£14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Barista: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
