Barista / Senior Coffee Specialist Variouse locations

MyCareerCraft; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 150 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hospitality establishment is looking for a Senior Coffee Specialist or Barista in Cape Town. The ideal candidate will have 4-5 years of experience in a high-end café or hotel environment and possess strong technical skills in espresso extraction and milk texturing. Responsibilities include preparing specialty beverages, maintaining a clean operating area, and training junior baristas. The role requires a refined guest-service approach and a commitment to quality. This is a key position within the service team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4-5 years barista or coffee specialist experience within an upscale café or luxury hotel.
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays.
• Experience training baristas or leading a small team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare premium espresso-based coffees and specialty beverages with precision.
• Oversee the setup, cleanliness, and operational readiness of the coffee station.
• Provide onsite training and coaching to junior baristas.

Skills

Technical skill in espresso extraction

Refined guest-service etiquette

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Ability to work shifts

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