Knoopologist Team Leader

Knoops- St Albans; St Albans; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A popular café chain in St Albans is seeking a motivated Team Leader to oversee daily operations and inspire a dynamic team. Your role will involve crafting exceptional customer experiences while maintaining high standards in beverage preparation and service. Proven leadership experience in a café or hospitality setting is essential. Join us to create joyful moments and support a collaborative work environment that values everyone’s contributions. This position offers room for personal growth and the opportunity to lead a passionate team.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Training and development opportunities

Supportive work culture

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in café or hospitality.
• Passion for crafting high-quality beverages.
• Strong communication skills to guide and motivate teams.
• Operational experience in stock management and scheduling.
• Dedication to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the café for optimal service.
• Inspire and motivate team members for a positive work culture.
• Support onboarding and continuous training of staff.
• Engage customers and ensure memorable experiences.
• Maintain quality standards in preparation and service.
• Manage stock levels and order supplies efficiently.
• Resolve operational challenges as they arise.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Customer Service

Problem-Solving

Teamwork

Job description

Our Story

At Knoops, we’re experts in crafting the perfect chocolate drink for our customers. Our founder Jens Knoop opened the first store in Rye in 2013. Now we have a growing estate of stores, a production factory and a growing online business.

The Knoops concept is based around our carefully curated percentage menu which offers chocolates to suit every taste and mood. We find joy in helping you to discover your perfect chocolate drink and encourage experimentation with different % chocolates and flavours in a process we call ‘Knoopology’.

This process is simple; choose your chocolate %, milk, and extra flavours like sea salt, orange zest or chilli to be made into a hot chocolate, milkshake or iced chocolate.

The Opportunity

Are you a natural leader with a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and crafting high‑quality beverages? At Knoops, we are dedicated to offering expertly crafted hot chocolates, coffees, and teas in an inviting environment that celebrates quality and customer delight. We’re looking for an energetic and motivated Team Leader to guide, inspire, and support our dynamic café team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Daily Operations: Oversee the smooth running of the café, ensuring excellent customer service, efficient workflow, and adherence to high‑quality standards.
• Inspire & Motivate the Team: Act as a role model, fostering a positive and collaborative work culture where everyone thrives and contributes to success.
• Training & Development: Support the onboarding and continuous training of baristas to uphold Knoops’ high beverage preparation and customer service standards.
• Customer Engagement: Be the face of the café, welcoming customers, handling queries, and ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable Knoops experience.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain the highest standards in beverage preparation, presentation, and café cleanliness.
• Stock & Inventory Management: Ensure stock levels are maintained, and ordering is accurate to support daily operations without wastage.
• Problem‑Solving: Address any operational challenges swiftly and efficiently to keep the café running smoothly.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven Leadership Experience: Experience in a supervisory or team leader role within a café, hospitality, or retail environment.
• Passion for Beverages: A love for crafting high‑quality drinks and a desire to share that enthusiasm with both customers and the team.
• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to inspire, guide, and motivate a diverse team while building positive relationships with customers.
• Operational Savvy: Comfortable handling stock management, scheduling, and daily operational tasks efficiently.
• Customer‑Centric Mindset: A dedication to creating exceptional customer experiences and fostering loyalty.
• Calm & Composed Under Pressure: Ability to manage a fast‑paced environment and resolve challenges confidently.
• Team Spirit: A supportive leader who thrives on seeing the team succeed and grow together.

Why Knoops?

At Knoops, our culture is built on four key pillars that guide everything we do — for our customers, our community, and our team members. When you join us, you become part of something meaningful, creative, and rewarding:

Craft:

We are passionate about craftsmanship, and this extends beyond the drinks we serve. At Knoops, you'll have the chance to craft your own journey by developing new skills, refining your expertise, and exploring creative opportunities.

Ritual:

We believe in the power of rituals — the little moments that create lasting joy. As a Knoops barista, you’ll be a part of these shared experiences, creating meaningful interactions that bring people together over expertly crafted drinks.

Exploration:

We are curious, adventurous, and always striving to improve. Knoops is a place where new ideas are welcomed, achievements are celebrated, and growth is continuous. Together, we’re on a journey to explore new possibilities and celebrate the rewards that come from discovery.

Community:

Our community is at the heart of everything we do. Knoops is a space for collaboration and inclusion, where everyone feels valued, supported, and encouraged to bring their authentic selves to the table. We thrive on working together to create something truly special.

Be Part of It - Join the Team

At Knoops, everyone has a place to shine. Since we first started crafting our signature chocolate‑based drinks, we've encouraged our team to bring their authentic selves to work — to be bold, creative, and unapologetically original.

Because it’s not just what you do at Knoops; it’s how you do it. Your originality, passion, and individuality are what make our cafés vibrant and welcoming spaces for our customers.

You’ll work alongside a diverse group of colleagues who all bring their own spark to the team. Together, we create joyful experiences, one expertly crafted drink at a time.

At Knoops, ambition is celebrated. Whether you're a barista just starting out or a seasoned hospitality professional, you'll be respected, supported, and encouraged to explore new ways to grow. From flexible working arrangements to opportunities for training and development, we’re here to help you on your journey.

So, if you're ready to embrace originality, be part of a passionate community, and craft something truly special every day — we want to hear from you. Join us at Knoops, where being yourself is always the best ingredient.

Our Shared Vision

At Knoops, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. Our customers come from all walks of life, and we value having a team that reflects this diversity. We celebrate the unique qualities that each team member brings and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, ability, religion, or sexual orientation. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates from underrepresented groups in our industry, including women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, have a disability or condition that may affect your performance, or have other specific needs, please let us know—we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Joining Knoops means being part of a brand that values originality and craftsmanship while encouraging you to explore your potential and be a vital part of a supportive and dynamic community. Help in Creating a Space for Exploration and Joy!