Head Barista - WatchHouse Fitzrovia

WatchHouse.; London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

WatchHouse is seeking a Head Barista to lead its talented coffee team in London. This role encompasses quality oversight of drinks, team mentorship, and creating exceptional guest experiences. Ideal candidates will be passionate coffee enthusiasts with strong leadership and communication skills, thriving in a high-paced environment focused on excellence and hospitality.

Benefits

Free coffee, tea, and drinks on shifts

Access to SCA training

Career growth opportunities

Team social budgets and annual parties

Flexibility in management

Qualifications

• Passionate about coffee and hospitality.
• Approachable, positive, and energetic personality.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Foster an atmosphere of hospitality and professional development.
• Manage daily bar operations and uphold quality standards.
• Engage with guests, creating memorable experiences.

Skills

Hospitality

Leadership

Communication

Team Development

Adaptability

Job description

WatchHouse is a group of specialty coffee houses located in iconic neighbourhoods across London, Bath, and New York. We are dedicated to elevating the coffee experience through our "Modern Coffee" philosophy. We offer premium products in exceptional places with our passionate team to ensure each visit offers a unique guest experience. This commitment to quality and heartfelt hospitality earned us the title of Europe’s Best Coffee Shop Chain at the 2024 European Coffee & Hospitality Awards.

Join us and be part of a team that’s redefining the coffee experience with community, innovation, and excellence at its core.

In short: As a Head Barista at WatchHouse, you are responsible for ensuring the exceptional quality of every drink served. You are a leader, mentor, and brand ambassador of Modern Coffee. You oversee your team’s performance and the overall guest experience through coaching, team development, and equipment maintenance, setting the tone for excellence and hospitality.

Direct Report: House Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Foster an atmosphere of unparalleled hospitality, making regulars feel at home and new guests welcomed.
• Provide coaching and professional development for your team.
• Lead coffee-related meetings or training sessions.
• Represent your team at Head Barista meetings with the Senior Coffee Team.
• Exchange insights and ideas for improvement with the Coffee team.
• Ensure drinks meet WatchHouse’s quality standards, even under pressure.
• Maintain knowledge of drinks, recipes, and techniques, sharing with your team.
• Conduct daily tastings to foster curiosity and passion for flavor and quality.
• Manage daily bar operations, uphold standards, and ensure efficiency.
• Lead by example during shifts, demonstrating professionalism.
• Oversee stock control, ordering, wastage, and maintain supplier relationships.
• Maintain visual merchandising and displays.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues, perform repairs, and escalate maintenance as needed.
• Engage passionately with guests, creating memorable experiences.

Key to this Role:

• Live and breathe our core values: Passion, Empathy, Can Do, Diligence.
• Approachable, positive, energetic, and personable.
• Remain calm under pressure and handle difficult conversations professionally.
• A coffee enthusiast eager to learn and inspire others.
• Meticulous and organized, setting high standards.
• Solution-oriented, proactive, adaptable, patient, and supportive.

What to Expect at WatchHouse:

• Beautifully designed houses with industry-leading equipment.
• Stable contracted hours each week.
• Flexible, empathetic management.
• Free coffee, tea, and drinks (even on days off).
• On and off shift training.
• Access to SCA training (role-dependent).
• Monthly free coffee.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Induction within first two weeks.
• Career growth opportunities.
• Free lunch on shifts.
• Team social budgets and annual parties.
• Discounts on food and retail coffee.

Our Values:

At WatchHouse, we focus on detail, strive for perfection, and care deeply. We are a people-first business that values diversity, equality, and inclusion. We believe in hiring the right person for the role, based on skills, performance, and personality. We foster a respectful, encouraging, and professional environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to delivering the Modern Coffee experience.