Barista / Senior Coffee Specialist (National) Variouse locations

MyCareerCraft; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hospitality establishment in Cape Town seeks a Senior Coffee Specialist to enhance the guest experience through exceptional coffee preparation and service. Responsibilities include managing the coffee station, training junior baristas, and ensuring high beverage quality. Ideal candidates will have 4-5 years of experience in an upscale café or luxury hotel, strong technical skills in coffee preparation, and be able to engage confidently with guests. Compliance with South African legislation and hygiene standards is mandatory.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4-5 years barista or coffee specialist experience within an upscale café, luxury hotel or fine-dining environment.
• Confident communicator with refined guest-service etiquette.
• Strong attention to detail, organisation and consistency.

Responsibilities

• Prepare premium espresso-based coffees, teas and specialty beverages with consistency and precision.
• Manage grinder calibration, monitor extraction quality and maintain flavour standards.
• Provide onsite training, coaching and technique support to junior baristas.

Skills

Espresso extraction

Grinder calibration

Milk texturing

Latte art

Guest-service etiquette

Education

Matric

Formal barista training or advanced coffee certification

Job description

Senior Coffee Specialist High-End Hospitality Environment

We are recruiting on behalf of a luxury hospitality establishment known for its refined guest experience and attention to detail. They are looking for a Senior Coffee Specialist / Barista who brings both technical skill and professional presence. This is a key role within the service team and requires someone who is passionate about exceptional coffee and confident in delivering a polished guest experience.

Role Overview

The Barista /Senior Coffee Specialist will take ownership of the coffee station, ensuring consistent beverage quality, equipment readiness and smooth service flow. This person will also play a role in guiding junior baristas, supporting training and maintaining high standards throughout the day.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare premium espresso-based coffees, teas and specialty beverages with consistency and precision
• Manage grinder calibration, monitor extraction quality and maintain flavour standards
• Oversee the setup, cleanliness and operational readiness of the coffee station
• Provide onsite training, coaching and technique support to junior baristas
• Engage with guests in a warm, professional manner, especially during high‑profile service moments
• Assist with ordering, stock rotation and supplier communication
• Uphold food safety compliance aligned to Regulation R638 and internal hygiene protocols
• Support seasonal beverage development or menu enhancement

Required Experience & Skills

• South African citizen, permanent resident or valid work permit
• Matric
• Minimum 4‑5 years barista or coffee specialist experience within an upscale café, luxury hotel or fine‑dining environment
• Strong technical skill set including espresso extraction, grinder calibration, milk texturing and latte art
• Basic understanding of espresso machine care and preventative maintenance
• Confident communicator with refined guest‑service etiquette
• Strong attention to detail, organisation and consistency
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends and public holidays
• Formal barista training or advanced coffee certification
• Experience training baristas or leading a small team
• Familiarity with specialty beans, single‑origin profiles or advanced brewing methods

Compliance Requirements

• All placements comply with South African labour legislation
• If the candidate is a foreign national, proof of a valid work visa (aligned to the Immigration Act) is required
• The establishment operates under a Certificate of Acceptability as required by Health and Safety standards Regulation 638, and strict hygiene practices must be adhered to