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Head Barista

Job details
Posting date: 23 January 2026
Salary: Not specified
Additional salary information: Competitive
Hours: Full time
Closing date: 22 February 2026
Location: London, W1T1FB
Company: Compass Group
Job type: Permanent
Job reference: 208420

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Summary

Location: London
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday–Friday (no weekends, bank holidays off)
Typical hours: 7:30am – 5:30pm (Mon–Thu)

About the Role

We’re looking for an exceptional Head Barista to take ownership of our on-site coffee bar at one of our amazing Clients. This is a hands-on role for a passionate coffee professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, delivers outstanding customer experiences, and enjoys leading and developing others.

You’ll be responsible for delivering amazing coffee and food service while managing stock, maintaining high standards, supporting innovation, and leading by example.

Key Responsibilities

On-Site Operations

  • Open and close the coffee bar and food servery

  • Deliver consistently high-quality beverages and food

  • Follow all standard operating procedures, including:

    • Correct coffee dosing, milk steaming, texture and temperature

    • Efficient service during busy periods with minimal waste

    • Ensuring food is displayed and served at correct temperatures

  • Pour advanced latte art (rosettas, multi-stage tulips, etc.)

  • Maintain cleanliness of the coffee section at all times

  • Report equipment issues to coffee maintenance contractors

  • Manage stock levels for coffee, milk, tea and food

  • Complete and delegate weekly stock takes and cost sheets

  • Place and manage supplier orders (online, phone and GRUB system)

  • Communicate stock shortages with the General Manager

  • Work within agreed budgets and wastage targets

  • Lead planning and delivery of theme days, events, special lunches and meeting room catering (with GM support)

  • Take ownership of day-to-day operational challenges, resolving issues calmly and professionally

Innovation

  • Help create fun, interactive theme days and events

  • Deliver a “wow” experience for customers at every opportunity

  • Develop and implement new ideas each month to keep offerings fresh and exciting

  • Continuously look for ways to improve the customer experience

People Management

  • Promote a culture of teamwork, flexibility and positivity

  • Lead, supervise, train and support team members and casual staff

  • Lead by example, demonstrating excellent food and beverage service

  • Support recruitment by helping select and train new team members

  • Develop existing staff to Grazing standards

  • Manage rotas, timesheets and casual staff cover for sickness and holidays

Health & Safety

  • Ensure full compliance with health & safety and food safety legislation

  • Maintain excellent hygiene and food safety standards

  • Ensure allergen procedures are followed correctly and information is accurately communicated to customers

  • Ensure all staff are fully briefed on allergens prior to service

What We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience

  • Excellent barista skills

  • Confident, inspiring leader

  • Strong communication skills

  • Proven customer-focused mindset

  • Excellent organisation, problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Personal Attributes

  • Positive, can-do attitude

  • Calm under pressure and able to meet tight deadlines

  • High attention to detail with a passion for high standards

  • Creative, ambitious and enthusiastic

  • Approachable, reliable and trustworthy

  • Able to work independently and lead a team

Working Conditions

  • Monday to Friday operation (no weekends, bank holidays off)

  • 40 hours per week

  • Flexibility to cover team sickness and holidays when required

We ensure you\\'re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
  • Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
  • Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
  • Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury\\'s, Morrisons and many more
  • Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
  • Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
  • Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
  • You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

As part of Compass you\\'ll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK\\'s biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/1301/43045001/52784344/SU #Grazing

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!

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