Head Barista

Job title - Head Barista

Location - Coffee Culture, Ledbury, Herefordshire

Responsible for - Baristas and front-of-house team on site

Full time, rota-based across 7-day opening (8:30am–4:30pm), including weekends

About the role:

The Head Barista runs the Ledbury coffeehouse day to day and owns three things: the quality of every drink and plate, accurate stock control, and a well-led, motivated team.

Coffee Culture is an independent coffeehouse in the heart of Ledbury, part of a small local hospitality group that includes La Maison bistro and a local coffee roastery. We serve specialty coffee and fresh food to locals and visitors seven days a week.

This is a hands-on management role. You will spend most of your time on the bar, leading by example, while taking responsibility for standards, stock and people on site.

Key responsibilities Quality and standards

• Set and maintain drink and food standards so every customer gets a consistent product, whoever is on shift.
• Dial in espresso daily and adjust grind, dose and yield as conditions change; keep recipe specs up to date.
• Carry out regular taste checks and give feedback to the team on the spot.
• Keep equipment in top condition: daily and weekly cleaning, grinder and machine maintenance, and reporting faults promptly.
• Own customer experience on the floor: speed of service, presentation, cleanliness and atmosphere.
• Maintain food safety and allergen records, cleaning schedules and temperature logs to Environmental Health standards.

Stock control

• Complete weekly stock takes accurately and on time, and submit results to the Operations Manager.
• Place orders for coffee, milk, food, packaging and consumables against agreed par levels and budgets.
• Check deliveries against invoices and report shortages, damages or price changes.
• Rotate stock (first in, first out) and record wastage daily.
• Monitor wastage and gross margin trends and suggest ways to reduce cost without lowering quality.

Team leadership

• Lead, motivate and manage the on-site team, setting clear expectations for every shift.
• Train new and existing staff in coffee preparation, customer service, till procedures and food safety.
• Draft weekly rotas within agreed labour budgets, covering busy weekends and quieter weekdays.
• Hold regular one-to-ones and support probation reviews and appraisals.
• Handle day-to-day performance and conduct issues, escalating to the Operations Manager where needed.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new team members.

Site operations

• Open and close the coffeehouse, including cashing up, banking and security checks.
• Ensure health and safety, fire safety and licensing requirements are met on site.
• Handle customer feedback and complaints professionally, and resolve them where possible.
• Promote the loyalty scheme and any memberships or offers across the group.
• Report weekly to the Operations Manager on sales, stock, staffing and issues.
• Work with the La Maison team when sharing stock, staff cover or events.

Person specificationEssential

• At least 2 years' barista experience in a specialty or high-volume coffee setting.
• At least 1 year supervising or leading a team (shift lead, supervisor or assistant manager).
• Confident dialling in espresso and producing consistent, well-textured milk drinks.
• Experience of stock takes, ordering and controlling waste.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate (or willingness to complete it within the first month).
• Calm, organised and able to lead from the front on a busy Saturday.
• Clear communicator who can give honest feedback and coach others.
• Available to work weekends on a rota basis.
• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable

• SCA Barista Skills qualification (Intermediate or above) or equivalent.
• Experience writing rotas against a labour budget.
• Level 3 Food Safety or First Aid at Work certificate.
• Interest in coffee roasting and brewing methods beyond espresso.
• Familiarity with EPOS systems and basic sales and margin reporting.

What we offer

• Competitive salary plus share of tips.
• Daytime hours with no late nights: the coffeehouse closes at 4:30pm.
• Free drinks on shift and staff discount across the group, including La Maison.
• Workplace pension and 28 days' paid holiday (pro rata, including bank holidays).
• Training and development, including support towards SCA qualifications.
• Real progression in a growing local business with plans for new sites and wholesale.

How to apply

Send your CV and a short note on why you'd be a great Head Barista to [email address to confirm]. Closing date: [to confirm].

This job description outlines the main duties of the role. It is not exhaustive and may change as the business develops, in consultation with the postholder.

Pay: £13.00-£14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person