Coffee Specialist

About the Position

Café YOLK is seeking a passionate, knowledgeable, and customer-focused Coffee Specialist to prepare high-quality coffee beverages and deliver an excellent café experience. The successful candidate will have a strong interest in coffee, an understanding of different brewing methods, and the ability to prepare drinks with consistency, care, and attention to detail.

The Coffee Specialist will work closely with baristas, café supervisors, and service team members to maintain beverage quality, support daily operations, and help customers choose drinks that suit their preferences. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys learning about coffee, delivering friendly service, and working in a fast-paced café environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare espresso-based beverages, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white, and americano.
• Prepare filter coffee, cold coffee, and other specialty beverages according to the café's menu.
• Operate espresso machines, coffee grinders, and brewing equipment safely and correctly.
• Adjust coffee grind settings and extraction parameters to maintain consistent beverage quality.
• Monitor coffee flavour, aroma, strength, and presentation.
• Steam and texture milk appropriately for different beverages.
• Prepare alternative-milk drinks while following hygiene and allergen procedures.
• Explain coffee varieties, roast profiles, flavour notes, and brewing methods to interested customers.
• Recommend beverages based on customers' tastes and preferences.
• Maintain a friendly, welcoming, and professional customer service experience.
• Follow standard recipes and portion guidelines to ensure consistency.
• Keep coffee machines, grinders, utensils, counters, and preparation areas clean.
• Perform routine cleaning and basic care of coffee equipment according to workplace procedures.
• Monitor supplies of coffee beans, milk, syrups, filters, cups, and other ingredients.
• Report stock shortages and assist with stock rotation and inventory checks.
• Check the freshness and storage conditions of coffee beans and other ingredients.
• Coordinate with kitchen and service teams to ensure orders are completed accurately and promptly.
• Support the training of new team members in coffee preparation and beverage standards when required.
• Follow food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen-awareness procedures.
• Share customer feedback and suggest improvements to the coffee menu or service process.

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous experience as a barista, coffee specialist, or café team member is desirable.
• Good knowledge of espresso preparation and specialty coffee beverages.
• Understanding of coffee beans, roast levels, grind size, and extraction.
• Familiarity with espresso machines, grinders, and alternative brewing equipment.
• Ability to steam milk and create consistent beverage textures.
• Strong attention to flavour, presentation, and drink quality.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to explain coffee options clearly and make helpful recommendations.
• Understanding of food hygiene and safe beverage preparation.
• Awareness of allergen risks and procedures for handling alternative milks.
• Good teamwork and time-management skills.
• Ability to work efficiently during busy service periods.
• Reliable, punctual, and professional approach to work.
• Willingness to learn new brewing techniques and develop coffee knowledge.
• Relevant barista training or specialty coffee certification would be an advantage.

Pay: £17.00-£27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.0 per week

Benefits:

• Company car
• Cycle to work scheme
• Gym membership
• Private medical insurance
• Profit sharing
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Work Location: In person