Lead Barista - full time for the right candidate

Regulator Cafe; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Regulator Cafe in Melbourne seeks a Lead Barista to oversee beverage service and front-of-house hospitality. The role centers on crafting exceptional coffee, plus specialty hot and cold drinks, wine, beer, and daytime cocktails where applicable.

Ideal candidates will coach teammates, take ownership of beverage quality, welcome guests, and drive a smooth coffee and service flow across the floor. Strong coffee and table service experience is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong specialty coffee and table service experience is essential.
• Wine, beer and cocktail knowledge is valued, willingness to learn.
• Experience coaching and leading a beverage team.

Responsibilities

• Lead beverage service and front of house hospitality.
• Ensure beverages are prepared and presented to high standards.
• Coach and develop teammates to raise beverage quality.
• Coordinate beverage and floor service for smooth operation.
• Contribute ideas to grow drinks offering and manage stock, cleanliness and waste.

Skills

Lead barista

Espresso expertise

Staff coaching

Guest service

Drink recommendations

Tools

Espresso equipment

Coffee machine maintenance

Job description

Lead Barista - full time for the right candidate

Custodian Kitchen serves restaurant-level food, a thoughtful drinks offering and warm, attentive hospitality.

We’re looking for a Lead Barista to lead our beverage service and deliver excellent front of house hospitality. Coffee is at the heart of the role, alongside specialty hot and cold drinks, wine, beer and the potential to develop daytime cocktails.

This is for you if…

• You make consistently excellent coffee, even during busy services.
• You’re interested in drinks beyond coffee and enjoy making recommendations.
• You’re confident welcoming guests, taking orders and looking after tables.
• You can coach others and take ownership of beverage quality.
• You bring ideas, notice what needs doing and support your teammates.

This is not for you if…

• You only want to work behind the coffee machine.
• You have little interest in food, other drinks or table service.
• You see cleaning and everyday service tasks as someone else’s job.
• You’re unwilling to share knowledge or receive feedback.

What success looks like

• Coffee and other drinks are consistently prepared and presented well.
• Guests receive warm service and confident food and drink recommendations.
• Beverage and floor service work smoothly together.
• Colleagues develop their skills through your coaching.
• Equipment, stock, cleanliness and waste are well managed.
• Your ideas help our drinks offering grow.

Strong specialty coffee and table service experience are essential. Wine, beer and cocktail knowledge is valued, alongside a willingness to learn. Experienced Head Baristas and senior baristas ready to step up are welcome.