The Role
The Head Barista leads the daily operation of the coffee bar, ensuring exceptional service, consistent drink quality, and a premium client experience. This role supports the Restaurant Manager in maintaining the customer‑facing environment, driving standards, developing the team, and delivering innovative seasonal beverages that reflect the firm’s brand and hospitality ethos.
Key Responsibilities
Coffee Quality & Service Leadership
- Maintain consistently high standards of coffee preparation, presentation, and service.
- Oversee daily bar setup, equipment checks, calibration, and cleanliness.
- Ensure all drinks meet Burges Salmon’s premium hospitality expectations.
Team Training & Development
- Train new team members in coffee skills, customer service, and brand standards.
- Provide ongoing coaching to improve speed, consistency, and product knowledge.
- Act as the on‑shift lead, modelling best practice and supporting colleagues.
Customer Area & Front‑of‑House Standards
- Support the Restaurant Manager in maintaining a clean, organised, and welcoming customer area.
- Ensure displays, counters, and seating areas remain tidy and presentable throughout service.
- Monitor customer flow and adjust service style to maintain efficiency.
Stock Management & Operational Control
- Conduct weekly stock takes for coffee, syrups, milk, disposables, and equipment.
- Manage ordering levels to ensure availability while minimising waste.
- Track usage trends and report to the Restaurant Manager.
Seasonal Beverage Development
- Create new seasonal drinks for morning, noon, and evening service.
- Work with the hospitality team to test recipes, cost drinks, and ensure allergen compliance.
- Present new ideas for menu innovation and client engagement.
Marketing & Customer Engagement
- Support internal marketing of new drinks, specials, and seasonal menus.
- Assist with visual merchandising, signage, and promotional displays.
- Contribute ideas for client‑facing engagement activities.
Equipment Care & Compliance
- Maintain espresso machines, grinders, and brewing equipment to manufacturer standards.
- Report faults promptly and support planned maintenance schedules.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen procedures, and hygiene regulations.
Skills & Experience
- Strong barista experience in a premium or corporate environment.
- Confident in espresso calibration, milk texturing, and recipe consistency.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Ability to train and motivate a team.
- Creative approach to beverage development.
- Organised, proactive, and able to work independently.
- Understanding of allergen management and food safety standards.
The role is a 37.5 hour a week contract and your hours will fall between 7am and
5pm over 5 days Monday to Friday.
Your holiday entitlement will be 20 days holiday plus bank holidays and you will be given an extra day off for your birthday.
Benefits:
· 20 Days holiday and bank holidays
· Plus your birthday off
· 3 volunteering days
· 3 days grandparent leave
· 24 week’s enhanced maternity leave
· Secondary career leave
· Wedding/commitment day leave
· Bespoke training and development opportunities
· Apprenticeships opportunities for all experience levels
· Private Pension
· Discounts available on our HAPI app; high street shops, holidays & cinema
· Wellbeing hub
· Access to employee assistance programme
· Cycle to work scheme
·
Pay: £14.87 per hour
Work Location: In person
