A fast paced restauarant is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Barista to join their premium café team in Rosebank. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering exceptional coffee experiences, maintaining the highest beverage quality standards, and providing outstanding customer service. This role requires advanced knowledge of coffee preparation, espresso extraction, milk texturing, latte art, grinder calibration, and café operations. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about specialty coffee.

Key Responsibilities Coffee Preparation & Beverage Excellence

• Prepare and serve premium espresso-based beverages, teas, cold brews, and specialty drinks.
• Consistently produce high-quality coffee according to brand standards.
• Calibrate grinders and adjust extraction settings throughout the day.
• Monitor espresso quality, shot times, and beverage consistency.
• Demonstrate advanced milk steaming and latte art skills.
• Educate customers on coffee origins, brewing methods, and menu offerings.
• Develop and recommend seasonal and signature beverages.

Customer Service

• Deliver exceptional customer experiences and personalized service.
• Build strong relationships with regular customers.
• Take customer orders accurately and process payments via POS systems.
• Resolve customer queries and complaints professionally.
• Promote café products through upselling and product recommendations.

Equipment Management

• Operate and maintain commercial espresso machines, grinders, and brewing equipment.
• Perform daily cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of coffee equipment.
• Report equipment issues promptly to management.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained according to manufacturer specifications.

Stock Control & Administration

• Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering supplies.
• Conduct daily stock counts and inventory reconciliations.
• Minimize wastage and ensure efficient stock utilization.
• Assist with receiving and storing deliveries.
• Maintain accurate records of stock and consumption.

Hygiene & Compliance

• Maintain impeccable cleanliness throughout the coffee station and customer areas.
• Adhere to food safety, hygiene, and health regulations.
• Ensure compliance with company operational standards and procedures.
• Participate in opening and closing procedures.

Team Support & Training

• Mentor and train junior baristas.
• Assist in maintaining workflow during peak trading periods.
• Promote teamwork and a positive workplace culture.
• Support management in maintaining operational excellence.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Barista Certification or Specialty Coffee Training preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience as a Barista in a high-volume café, coffee shop, hotel, restaurant, or specialty coffee environment.
• Proven experience working with commercial espresso machines and grinders.
• Strong knowledge of coffee beans, roasting profiles, extraction techniques, and brewing methods.
• Demonstrated latte art proficiency.
• Experience using POS systems and cash handling.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, weekends, and public holidays.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Advanced espresso preparation techniques.
• Latte art and milk texturing expertise.
• Grinder calibration and coffee extraction knowledge.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and presentation.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Inventory and stock management skills.
• Problem-solving and multitasking abilities.
• Professional appearance and positive attitude.

Preferred Experience

• Specialty coffee shop experience.
• Experience with manual brewing methods (V60, Chemex, AeroPress, French Press).
• Knowledge of coffee sourcing, roasting, and cupping.
• Team leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience training junior baristas.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Beverage quality consistency.
• Customer satisfaction and repeat business.
• Speed of service during peak periods.
• Stock control accuracy.
• Hygiene and compliance standards.
• Equipment maintenance and uptime.
• Team support and training effectiveness.