Barista Learning and Development Lead

Restaurant Associates; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality firm seeks a Barista Learning and Development Lead in the UK to inspire and train barista teams. The role involves designing training programs, maintaining quality standards, and introducing innovative brewing methods. Ideal candidates are passionate coffee professionals with advanced barista skills and experience in training. The position offers career growth opportunities and various benefits, enhancing the overall experience for employees and clients.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career growth programs

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Savings on groceries

Cash rewards

Free wellness classes

Qualifications

• Passionate coffee professional and love for teaching.
• Experienced in training within hospitality or food service.
• Confident communicator able to engage teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging training programs for baristas.
• Create and maintain coffee quality guidelines.
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship to barista teams.
• Introduce new brewing methods and seasonal offerings.
• Uphold Food Handling, Hygiene, Health & Safety standards.

Skills

Advanced barista skills

Training and development

Communication

Organizational skills

Knowledge of coffee trends

Education

SCA Professional Barista

Current AST licence

Job description

As our Barista Learning and Development Lead, you'll be the driving force behind coffee excellence across our group. Your mission? To inspire, train, and empower our barista teams to deliver world‑class beverages and unforgettable customer experiences. This is a hands‑on leadership role where your creativity and expertise will shape the future of coffee culture within our organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead Training Initiatives: Design and deliver engaging training programs for baristas at all levels, ensuring consistency and excellence in beverage preparation.
• Develop Standards: Create and maintain coffee quality guidelines, brewing techniques, and presentation standards.
• Coach & Mentor: Provide ongoing support and mentorship to barista teams, fostering a culture of learning and growth.
• Innovate: Stay ahead of industry trends and introduce new brewing methods, equipment, and seasonal offerings.
• Ensure Compliance: Uphold Food Handling, Hygiene, Health & Safety standards across all training and operations.

Qualifications

• A passionate coffee professional with advanced barista skills and a love for teaching.
• Experienced in training and development, ideally within hospitality or food service.
• A confident communicator who can engage teams at all levels.
• Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledgeable about coffee trends, equipment, and sustainability practices.
• Current AST licence.
• SCA Professional Barista and willingness to undertake the AST course.
• Previous experience in a multi‑site environment.

Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK’s leading workplaces as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Benefits

• Contributory pension scheme
• Career growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Digital GP access and healthcare benefits for you and your family
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com, and more
• Savings on your weekly shop at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and others
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cash rewards every time you spend, redeemable across top brands
• Free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• Share discounts and perks with friends and family