HEAD BARISTA

Xs Espresso; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Brand-new café

Career progression

Training and development opportunities

Supportive management team

Job summary

XS Espresso is opening a brand-new Gasworks café in Brisbane, seeking a Head Barista to own the coffee program and develop the bar team. You will work closely with the Cafe Manager to set standards, recruit and train staff, and create a welcoming, energetic guest experience.

As part of the opening team, you’ll calibrate espresso, manage stock and wastage, and lead by example during busy shifts while building strong connections with the local community.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Head Barista, Senior Barista or Barista Supervisor.
• Strong espresso coffee and milk texturing skills.
• Experience training and developing other baristas.
• Strong understanding of coffee calibration and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Lead the coffee operation and set consistently high coffee standards.
• Train, coach and develop baristas and all-rounders.
• Manage coffee stock, ordering and wastage.
• Lead by example during busy services and stay hands-on.
• Collaborate with Kitchen and floor teams to deliver smooth service.
• Maintain clean, well-presented coffee station.
• Oversee calibration and grinder settings.

Skills

Leadership

Espresso skills

Milk texturing

Training

Quality control

Communication

Calm under pressure

Hands-on

Hospitality

Presentation

Team management

Job description

As Head Barista at XS Espresso's brand-new Gasworks location in Brisbane, you'll take ownership of all things coffee while working closely with the Café Manager and wider team. This is more than a role behind the coffee machine. You'll be responsible for setting the standard for coffee, developing the bar team and helping create the energetic, welcoming environment that XS Espresso is known for. You'll be part of the opening team, helping bring a brand-new café to life and building strong relationships with both our team and our local community.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the coffee operation and set consistently high coffee standards
• Prepare exceptional espresso coffee and ensure quality is maintained throughout every service
• Train, coach and develop baristas and all-rounders
• Set up and maintain an efficient, organised bar
• Manage coffee calibration, grind settings and daily quality control
• Maintain coffee equipment and ensure the coffee station is clean and well presented
• Manage coffee stock, ordering and wastage
• Help recruit and build a strong bar team
• Lead by example during busy services and remain hands‑on
• Work closely with the kitchen and floor teams to deliver a smooth service

About you

• Previous experience as a Head Barista, Senior Barista or Barista Supervisor
• Strong espresso coffee and milk texturing skills
• Experience training and developing other baristas
• Strong understanding of coffee calibration and quality control
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to stay calm and organised during busy periods
• Hands‑on approach — willing to jump in and get things done
• Genuine passion for hospitality and creating great guest experiences
• Pride in presentation, cleanliness and consistency
• Ability to lead a team with energy, positivity and accountability
• $75,000 + Super
• Full-time position
• Brand-new café in the Gasworks precinct
• Opportunity to be part of a new store opening
• Career progression within a rapidly growing hospitality group
• Training and development opportunities
• Supportive, hands‑on management team
• Opportunity to help build something from the ground up

About us

XS Espresso is growing, and we're opening a brand-new location in the Gasworks precinct in Brisbane. We believe great cafés are built through great people, and we're looking for someone who wants to be part of that journey.