Head Barista

Company Description

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a 5-star Abu Dhabi beach resort with a stunning setting on Abu Dhabi Creek. Our luxurious urban hideaway offers unparalleled panoramas over the glittering white-marble minarets of iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Alongside exquisite restaurants and bars, Fairmont Abu Dhabi boasts 366 spacious rooms, suites and a villa. Designed with discerning business and leisure guests in mind, our incomparable facilities include a private beach, pool, meeting rooms, and a magnificent ballroom for lavish celebrations.

Job Description

The Head Barista is responsible for leading all coffee operations within the hotel's café, lobby lounge, specialty coffee outlet, and other designated venues. This role ensures exceptional beverage quality, service excellence, and team performance while maintaining the highest luxury hospitality standards. The Head Barista is expected to create memorable guest experiences through coffee craftsmanship, product innovation, staff development, and operational excellence.

• Oversee the daily operations of all coffee service areas within the hotel.
• Ensure consistent preparation and presentation of specialty coffee, tea, and other beverages according to brand standards.
• Monitor beverage quality, taste, temperature, and presentation to maintain luxury service expectations.
• Calibrate espresso machines and grinders regularly to ensure optimal extraction and product consistency.
• Conduct daily quality checks on coffee beans, milk, syrups, and other beverage ingredients.
• Develop and maintain standard recipes and operating procedures for all beverage offerings.
• Support the introduction of seasonal beverage promotions and specialty coffee programs.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, supervise, and motivate the barista team to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Conduct daily briefings, assign duties, and ensure smooth shift operations.
• Recruit, train, coach, and mentor baristas on coffee preparation, customer engagement, upselling techniques, and luxury service standards.
• Monitor employee performance and provide regular feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performance work environment.
• Deliver personalized and engaging service to guests and VIP clientele.
• Build relationships with regular guests by anticipating preferences and creating memorable experiences.