Head Barista

Onward Worldwide Management & Consultancy; Makati; On-site; PHP 446,000 - 781,000; Full time

Job summary

Onward Worldwide Management & Consultancy is seeking a Head Barista to lead daily beverage production, test new concepts, and ensure adherence to menu standards. You will operate coffee equipment, manage ingredients, and collaborate with the Head Cook and service team to maintain quality and efficiency.

The role requires at least five years of senior barista experience, expertise in espresso-based drinks, latte art, and strong knowledge of coffee origins and roast profiles.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in a café, specialty coffee shop, restaurant, hotel, or similar F&B operation.
• Proven hands-on experience in a specialty coffee café or similar F&B operation, including espresso-based beverages.
• Strong knowledge of coffee beans, origins, processing methods, roast profiles, flavor characteristics, and brewing methods.
• Experience in training and coaching baristas or café staff, including beverage preparation, recipe standards, equipment operation, quality control, and café procedures.

Responsibilities

• Handle daily preparation and production of the café's coffee and beverage offerings according to standardized recipes and standards.
• Ensure beverages are prepared accurately, consistently, and within established service times.
• Prepare and test beverage concepts in collaboration with Management.
• Test and refine beverage recipes to achieve desired taste, quality, and presentation.
• Assist in developing and documenting standardized beverage recipes and procedures.
• Ensure approved beverage recipes are followed during daily production.
• Prepare beverage training materials and provide training to staff on recipes and procedures.
• Monitor ingredient usage and communicate replenishment requirements to Management.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary beverage area.
• Operate coffee machines and related equipment safely and properly.

Skills

Espresso preparation

Coffee brewing

Milk steaming

Latte art

Beverage recipe development

Training & coaching

Inventory management

Food safety & sanitation

Team collaboration

Quality control

Job description

About the role

The Head Barista is responsible for the preparation, testing, standardization, and daily beverage production of the café's coffee and beverage offerings based on approved menu concepts and standards. The position ensures consistent beverage quality, taste, portioning, presentation, and timely service while following established food safety and sanitation standards. As the Head Barista, the role handles daily beverage preparation, coffee brewing, beverage production, equipment operation, ingredient use, cost control, inventory, and bar organization, while working closely with the Head Cook, Pastry Baker, service team, and Management to ensure smooth, consistent, and efficient beverage and café operations.

Key responsibilities:

• Handle the daily preparation and production of the café's coffee and beverage offerings, including espresso-based drinks, brewed coffee, non-coffee beverages, and other approved beverages according to standardized recipes and standards
• Ensure beverages are prepared accurately, consistently, and within established service times, maintaining consistent taste, quality, temperature, portion size, and presentation
• Prepare and test beverage concepts in collaboration with Management, based on approved menu direction and standards
• Test and refine beverage recipes to achieve the desired taste, quality, consistency, yield, and presentation
• Assist in developing and documenting standardized beverage recipes and preparation procedures
• Ensure approved beverage recipes and preparation standards are consistently followed during daily production
• Prepare beverage training materials and modules and provide training to relevant staff on approved beverage recipes, preparation procedures, equipment operation, and beverage service standards
• Monitor beverage ingredient usage and communicate replenishment requirements to Management
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary beverage preparation area throughout preparation and service
• Operate coffee machines, grinders, brewing equipment, blenders, and other beverage equipment safely and properly

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in a café, specialty coffee shop, restaurant, hotel, or similar food and beverage operation, with experience as a Lead Barista, Senior Barista, Head Barista, or equivalent senior barista position.
• Proven hands-on experience in a specialty coffee café or similar F&B operation, including the preparation of espresso-based beverages, manual brew coffee, single-origin coffee, and specialty-grade coffee.
• Strong knowledge of coffee beans, origins, processing methods, roast profiles, flavor characteristics, and appropriate brewing methods, with the ability to adjust preparation techniques to achieve the desired flavor and extraction.
• Strong technical skills in espresso preparation, coffee brewing, grind adjustment, dosing, tamping, extraction, milk steaming, latte art, beverage preparation, and commercial coffee equipment operation.
• Good understanding of coffee extraction principles and brewing variables, including grind size, dose, yield, brew ratio, water temperature, extraction time, and brewing technique.
• Strong experience in beverage recipe development, testing, refinement, standardization, costing, portion control, yield management, and documentation.
• Ability to maintain consistent beverage quality, taste, temperature, portioning, presentation, and preparation standards during daily operations.
• Working knowledge of food and beverage safety, sanitation, proper handling and storage of ingredients, and cleaning and basic maintenance of coffee and beverage equipment.
• Experience in training and coaching baristas or café staff, including beverage preparation, recipe standards, equipment operation, quality control, and café procedures.
• Good organizational, time-management, inventory management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to maintain efficient bar operations during busy service periods.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively with Management, Head Cook, Pastry Baker, and service staff.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of beverage R&D and bar operations, from product testing and recipe standardization through daily production and quality control.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute ideas for beverage development and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including weekends and holidays, as required.