Head Barista

Location: Singapore Employment Type: Full-Time Experience Level: Senior / Leadership (15+ years in supervisory/lead roles) About the Role We are seeking a seasoned, passionate, and visionary Head Barista with minmum 15 years experience, preferably at Raffles place, to take full ownership of our coffee program and front-of-house beverage operations. This is a senior leadership position suited for an industry veteran who brings deep technical mastery, operational excellence, and proven people leadership. You won't just pull shots—you will mentor our team, uphold exacting quality standards, manage supplier relations, and elevate the overall guest experience. Key Responsibilities 1. Coffee Excellence & Quality Assurance • Lead dial-in protocols, brew parameters, calibration, and sensory evaluations across all espresso and manual brew stations. • Maintain consistency and craftsmanship across espresso-based drinks, filter coffee, alternative milks, and seasonal beverage creations. • Manage equipment calibration, preventative maintenance schedules, and basic troubleshooting (e.g., espresso machines, high-precision grinders, water filtration systems). 2. Team Leadership & People Development • Lead, train, and mentor the barista team, fostering a culture of hospitality, craft pride, and operational discipline. • Design structured on-the-job training modules covering extraction theory, sensory development, workflow ergonomics, latte art, and guest communication. • Manage team scheduling, station rotations, and performance appraisals to ensure smooth, efficient shift execution. 3. Bar Operations & Inventory Management • Oversee bar inventory, green/roasted coffee stock rotation, dairy/non-dairy supplies, and packaging. • Partner with roasters, dairy vendors, and equipment distributors to ensure consistent supply quality and cost control. • Enforce strict hygiene, workplace safety, and food handling standards in compliance with local regulations. 4. Guest Experience & Brand Advocacy • Champion warm, attentive hospitality, setting the standard for guest engagement and community connection. • Engage with customers to share coffee stories, origin profiles, and brewing insights. Requirements & Qualifications • Experience: Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in the specialty coffee industry, with substantial experience in a Head Barista, Lead Barista, or Cafe Supervisor capacity. • Technical Mastery: In-depth understanding of extraction mechanics, sensory analysis, TDS/refractometer usage, milk texturing, and water chemistry. • Leadership Track Record: Demonstrated ability to build, train, and retain cohesive bar teams in high-volume, quality-driven environments. • Operational Acumen: Strong organizational skills with hands-on experience managing bar prep, inventory, wastage logs, and maintenance logs. • Certifications: SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) certifications in Barista Skills, Brewing, or Sensory Skills are strongly advantageous. • Mindset: Adaptable, calm under pressure during peak rushes, and committed to continuous learning and mentoring. What We Offer • Competitive compensation package commensurate with senior industry experience. • Performance incentives and structured operational autonomy. • Professional development opportunities, industry event participation, and masterclasses. • Staff dining privileges, daily specialty coffee perks, and wellness benefits.