Head Barista

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is seeking a Head Barista to lead all coffee operations across our luxury hotel venues in Abu Dhabi. You will drive beverage quality, service excellence, and team performance, delivering memorable experiences to guests and VIPs through crafted coffee and beverage offerings.

The role requires hands-on leadership, training, and the ability to balance product innovation with operational excellence in a high-end environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years as a Barista in luxury hotel, premium café or specialty coffee environment.
• 2+ years in supervisory or leadership roles managing barista teams.
• Experience with specialty coffee programs and espresso-based beverages.
• Luxury hospitality experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily coffee service operations across hotel venues.
• Ensure consistent beverage quality and brand standards.
• Calibrate equipment and conduct daily quality checks.
• Develop recipes and SOPs for beverage offerings.
• Lead, train and coach barista team; manage shifts and feedback.
• Monitor stock, control costs, and collaborate with suppliers.

Skills

Leadership

Coffee expertise

Quality control

Staff development

Upselling

Guest service

HACCP knowledge

Tools

Espresso machines

Grinders

Brewing equipment

Job description

Job Description:

Company Description

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a 5-star Abu Dhabi beach resort with a stunning setting on Abu Dhabi Creek. Our luxurious urban hideaway offers unparalleled panoramas over the glittering white-marble minarets of iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Alongside exquisite restaurants and bars, Fairmont Abu Dhabi boasts 366 spacious rooms, suites and a villa. Designed with discerning business and leisure guests in mind, our incomparable facilities include a private beach, pool, meeting rooms, and a magnificent ballroom for lavish celebrations.

Job Description

The Head Barista is responsible for leading all coffee operations within the hotel's café, lobby lounge, specialty coffee outlet, and other designated venues. This role ensures exceptional beverage quality, service excellence, and team performance while maintaining the highest luxury hospitality standards. The Head Barista is expected to create memorable guest experiences through coffee craftsmanship, product innovation, staff development, and operational excellence.

• Oversee the daily operations of all coffee service areas within the hotel.
• Ensure consistent preparation and presentation of specialty coffee, tea, and other beverages according to brand standards.
• Monitor beverage quality, taste, temperature, and presentation to maintain luxury service expectations.
• Calibrate espresso machines and grinders regularly to ensure optimal extraction and product consistency.
• Conduct daily quality checks on coffee beans, milk, syrups, and other beverage ingredients.
• Develop and maintain standard recipes and operating procedures for all beverage offerings.
• Support the introduction of seasonal beverage promotions and specialty coffee programs.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, supervise, and motivate the barista team to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Conduct daily briefings, assign duties, and ensure smooth shift operations.
• Recruit, train, coach, and mentor baristas on coffee preparation, customer engagement, upselling techniques, and luxury service standards.
• Monitor employee performance and provide regular feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performance work environment.
• Deliver personalized and engaging service to guests and VIP clientele.
• Build relationships with regular guests by anticipating preferences and creating memorable experiences.
• Handle guest feedback, concerns, and special requests professionally and efficiently.
• Promote coffee culture and educate guests about coffee origins, brewing methods, and flavor profiles when appropriate.
• Ensure service standards consistently reflect the hotel's luxury brand positioning.
• Monitor stock levels of coffee beans, teas, dairy products, syrups, and other beverage supplies.
• Conduct regular inventory counts and assist with ordering requirements.
• Minimize waste and control beverage costs through effective stock management.
• Monitor product shelf life and ensure proper storage procedures.
• Collaborate with suppliers to maintain premium product quality and availability.
• Ensure all coffee machines, grinders, brewing equipment, and related tools are maintained in excellent condition.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and servicing schedules.
• Train team members on proper equipment operation and cleaning procedures.
• Report and follow up on equipment repairs and maintenance issues.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, HACCP standards, and company policies.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation throughout all beverage preparation and service areas.
• Ensure proper handling and storage of food and beverage products.
• Enforce workplace safety standards and report hazards immediately.
• Maintain all required operational and hygiene records.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience as a Barista within a luxury hotel, premium café, or specialty coffee environment.
• At least 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience managing barista teams.
• Experience with specialty coffee programs, espresso-based beverages, and alternative brewing methods.
• Luxury hospitality experience is highly preferred.