Senior Barista

As the Senior Barista at KOKO Kawane, you will play a key role in shaping the beverage identity of KOKO Kawane by always ensuring operational efficiency and excellence. You will be responsible for training and mentoring junior baristas and beverage employees (if needed), supporting financial performance through effective and efficient cost and sales management. You will support the Lead Barista in all aspects of beverage operations at KOKO Kawane, ensuring high standards of matcha products and drink quality, team performance, and customer experience.

Reporting directly to the Lead Barista, you hold a leadership role that supports the infrastructure of KOKO Kawane and ensures the smooth execution of operations at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve a range of beverages and specialty drinks, and other food and beverage products in accordance with the company’s recipes and standards for taste and presentation
• Oversee daily operations including inventory management, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment
• Assisting in labor management and scheduling by optimizing barista shifts to match sales patterns, improving productivity without incurring unnecessary labor costs
• Maintain clean and organized work areas, including regular cleaning of equipment and work stations to meet SFA Hygiene Standards
• Operate and maintain all equipment to ensure safe use and consistent product quality
• Manage inventory and raise purchase order request through the ordering system (Netsuite) for items such as Matcha, milk, syrups, and other food and beverage ingredients to ensure a continuous supply of materials for daily operations
• Have an in-depth understanding of the KOKO Kawane brand and be able to engage with customers
• Provide outstanding customer service by engaging in friendly interactions, addressing customer inquiries, and handling any issues or concerns professionally
• Suggest additional items like pastries, snacks, or merchandise that complement customers' beverage choices, contributing to increased sales
• Multi-task efficiently to handle customer orders, maintain cleanliness, and manage matcha whisking times to minimize customer wait times
• Assist in other areas of operations when required, such as cashiering, service or cleaning
• Stay up-to-date with the cafe’s menu offerings, seasonal specials, and promotions to assist customers in making informed choices

Train junior baristas and other employees in the following aspects:

• Onboarding and Orientation

• Introducing new hires to KOKO Kawane’s culture, values and customer service standards

• Familiarizing them with workplace policies, safety guidelines and hygiene requirements

• Skill Development

• Teaching technical barista skills such as matcha whisking, milk frothing, matcha latte art and equipment maintenance

• Ensuring consistency in drink preparation according to recipes and quality standards

• Customer Service Training

• Guiding employees on effective communication, upselling techniques and handling guests complaints professionally

• Role modelling excellent hospitality and problem solving skills

• Ongoing Mentorship and Support

• Observing performance and giving constructive feedback

• Offering refresher training sessions when needed

• Encouraging a spirit of continuous improvements and developing confidence behind the bar

• Operational Training

• Demonstrating best practices for cleaning and equipment care

• Ensuring team members understand stock rotation, daily inventory taking, waste reduction and health and safety protocols

• Any other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 2 years barista experience (with matcha is advantageous)
• Possess valid Food Safety Level 1 Certificate
• Basic matcha latte art skill
• Positive work attitude
• A fun team player and comfortable to work in a fast-paced environment
• Passionate about matcha and have an out-going personality