Head Barista

InterContinental Hotels Group; George Town; On-site; MYR 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

InterContinental Hotels Group in Penang is seeking an experienced Barista Outlet Supervisor to lead the beverage team across restaurant, lobby and poolside outlets, delivering consistent, high‑quality service. You will manage costs, inventory and training, ensure safety and brand standards, and coordinate with stewards and engineers to maintain equipment and cleanliness.

A guest‑facing role requiring initiative, exceptional service, and the ability to tailor drinks while upholding resort

Responsibilities

• Maintain coffee and beverage costs within levels established by the outlet and department.
• Lead and coordinate the barista team to complete all tasks with optimum efficiency each shift.
• Coordinate with stewards for cleanliness and engineers for maintenance of all coffee machines and beverage equipment.
• Maintain adequate supply of coffee, ingredients, and consumables; ensure all team members are trained on equipment operation.
• Ensure all team members are familiar with resort policies and procedures on training, safety and security.
• Provide counter service to all guests with the highest standard of quality and consistency.
• Assist in serving beverage orders at the restaurant, lobby, and poolside as required.
• Always be attentive to guest needs and complaints and take necessary action to ensure guests’ satisfaction within the parameters of the authority of the position.

Job description

Your day to day

• Maintain coffee and beverage costs within levels established by the outlet and department.


• Lead and coordinate the barista team to complete all tasks with optimum efficiency each shift.


• Coordinate with stewards for cleanliness and engineers for maintenance of all coffee


• machines and beverage equipment.


• Maintain adequate supply of coffee, ingredients, and consumables; ensure all team members are trained on equipment operation.



• Ensure all team members are familiar with resort policies and procedures on training, safety and security.




• Maintain full knowledge of coffee, soft drinks, smoothies, and all beverage offerings; ensure par stocks are maintained at all times.




• Provide counter service to all guests with the highest standard of quality and consistency.




• Assist in serving beverage orders at the restaurant, lobby, and poolside as required.




• Always be attentive to guest needs and complaints and take necessary action to ensure guests’ satisfaction within the parameters of the authority of the position.




• Report for duty on time, neatly groomed in clean and proper uniform. Do not consume alcohol while on duty.




• Maintain expertise in coffee brewing methods, soft drink preparation, and smoothie recipes; ensure correct glassware and presentation for all beverages.




• Fully responsible for the inventory management including beverage & bar equipment inventory.




• Track near-expiry and slow-moving ingredients; implement promotions or menu adjustments to reduce wastage.




• Prioritise short-shelf-life ingredients such as fresh milk, fruit, and syrups to maintain quality and reduce waste.




• Ensure all coffee machines, blenders, and beverage equipment are spotlessly clean and maintained daily.




• Follow correct procedures before, during, and after beverage service in accordance with brand standards.




• Lead daily pre-shift briefings and training sessions with a positive and motivating approach.




• Ensure proper use of all equipment and supplies; reduce misuse and breakage and report any defects promptly.




• Ensure the coffee and beverage counter is kept clean and organised to standards at all times.




• Foster team spirit and ensure all barista team members pursue a unified standard of beverage service.




• Ensure beverage sales are accurately processed through the POS system and cash is balanced before shift close.




• Lead creative sessions to develop new coffee blends, smoothie recipes, and seasonal promotional beverages.




• Maintain familiarity with soft drink dispense systems, post-mix reticulation, and carbonation equipment.




• Ensure all coffee, beverage, and ingredient stocks are fully replenished before each service opening.




• Maintain familiarity with ice machine procedures, glassware racking, and glass washer operations.




• Maintain knowledge of snack and light F&B offerings to support and upsell to guests as needed.




• Lead daily pre-shift briefings and training sessions with a positive and motivating approach.




• Read the communication file and notice board daily; share key updates with the team.




• Conduct thorough shift handovers; ensure all pending tasks and beverage notes are clearly communicated.




• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, appearance, and a sense of pride in uniform and restaurant’s team.




• Demonstrate understanding of and adherence to the resort and department’s regulations outlined in the employee handbook and operations manual.




• Take lead in tailoring on the guest drinks, aiming to make each visit to our outlet as memorable and unique as possible. You acknowledge guests and remember drinks preferences; as well as their names and preferred seating.




• Maintain knowledge of resort activities and Penang’s local scene to enrich guest conversations and recommendations.




• Ensure HACCP standards are met; actively check cleanliness in front and back of house.




• Uphold InterContinental brand SOPs; ensure all barista team members consistently respect and follow standards.




• Maintain Forbes Travel Guide Standards knowledge; coach the team to apply these as the minimum at every service.




• Pay attention to small details, which visually expresses in a spotlessly clean workspace, outstanding services and a well-groomed team.