Head Barista

Grain Cafe LLC; Dubai; On-site; AED 167,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

Grain Cafe LLC in Dubai is seeking an experienced Head Barista/ Coffee Program Lead to manage and elevate the café proposition. You will spearhead beverage development, cost and recipe optimization, and comprehensive menu planning while training and motivating a high-performing team of baristas.

Ideal candidates bring 6–10 years UAE experience in specialty coffee, strong espresso calibration knowledge, and a passion for innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6-10 years of experience in the UAE, preferably in Specialty Coffee.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience in specialty coffee preparation and brewing methods.
• Excellent experience in preparing and developing hot and cold beverages.
• Passionate about coffee, beverage innovation, and continuous professional development.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead, train, and motivate a team of baristas.
• Ability to maintain consistent quality, presentation, recipes, and beverage standards across operations.
• Experience in beverage development, recipe creation, costing, and menu development is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of coffee beans, extraction, espresso calibration, grinders, and coffee equipment.
• Ability to monitor inventory, reduce wastage, and maintain proper stock control.
• Strong understanding of hygiene, food safety, and health & safety standards.
• Good computer skills and ability to prepare reports when required.
• Fluent English communication skills, both spoken and written.
• Valid UAE Driving License is required.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced café environment.

Skills

UAE experience

Specialty coffee prep

Brewing methods

Beverage development

Recipe costing

Menu development

Team leadership

Team training

Espresso calibration

Grinders

Coffee equipment

Bean knowledge

Inventory management

Waste reduction

Hygiene standards

Food safety

Reporting

Computer skills

English fluency

UAE driving license

Working under pressure

Job description

• Minimum 6-10 years of experience in the UAE, preferably in Specialty Coffee.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience in specialty coffee preparation and brewing methods.
• Excellent experience in preparing and developing hot and cold beverages.
• Passionate about coffee, beverage innovation, and continuous professional development.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead, train, and motivate a team of baristas.
• Ability to maintain consistent quality, presentation, recipes, and beverage standards across operations.
• Experience in beverage development, recipe creation, costing, and menu development is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of coffee beans, extraction, espresso calibration, grinders, and coffee equipment.
• Ability to monitor inventory, reduce wastage, and maintain proper stock control.
• Strong understanding of hygiene, food safety, and health & safety standards.
• Good computer skills and ability to prepare reports when required.
• Fluent English communication skills, both spoken and written.
• Valid UAE Driving License is required.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced café environment.

Desired Candidate Profile

We are looking for a professional, energetic, creative, and ambitious leader who is passionate about the coffee industry and always looking for ways to improve products, develop the team, and enhance the overall customer experience.