At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the coffee experience, create exciting drinks, and train a passionate team.
- Company: Join Boxcar Hyde Park, where coffee culture thrives and creativity is celebrated.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible scheduling, instant wage access, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team with genuine opportunities for progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on guest experiences and shape the future of coffee.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Barista or senior coffee professional with a passion for hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 30 - 33 £ per hour.
We’re looking for a Head Barista / Coffee Lead to take ownership of the coffee experience within Boxcar Hyde Park, someone passionate about quality, creativity, training and building a strong coffee culture within the team. Coffee is a huge part of how guests experience our spaces. From the first flat white of the morning to seasonal specials, signature drinks and the energy behind the bar, we believe great coffee service should feel thoughtful, confident and genuinely memorable. This is more than a traditional Head Barista role. Alongside leading day-to-day service, you’ll help shape drinks development, support training standards, inspire the wider team and play a key role in how our coffee offering continues to evolve as the group grows.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading the coffee operation day to day, ensuring consistently high standards during busy service.
- Creating seasonal drinks, specials and new ideas that feel exciting, relevant and commercially strong.
- Driving coffee quality across everything from espresso extraction and milk texturing to workflow and presentation.
- Training, coaching and developing baristas and front‑of‑house teams to build confidence, consistency and knowledge.
- Helping create a positive coffee culture within the site, one built around energy, hospitality, curiosity and pride in the craft.
- Working closely with leadership teams on equipment, products, suppliers and future opportunities.
- Managing ordering, stock control and quality checks to maintain consistency and minimise waste.
- Taking ownership of opening procedures and ensuring the coffee setup is ready for service each day.
- Supporting the growth of coffee standards and development opportunities across the wider group over time.
Qualifications:
- Have previous experience as a Head Barista, Lead Barista or senior coffee professional within a quality‑focused hospitality or specialty coffee environment.
- Care deeply about guest experience and understand that coffee service is about hospitality as much as technical skill.
- Have strong knowledge of coffee extraction, dialling in, milk texturing and workflow management.
- Enjoy creating new drinks and bringing ideas to life.
- Love training and developing others, helping teams build confidence and consistency.
- Bring positive energy to service and thrive in fast‑paced environments.
- Are organised, detail‑focused and calm under pressure.
- Want to be part of a growing group where there is genuine room for progression and wider involvement over time.
Why Join Us:
- A supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions are valued.
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate your lifestyle and commitments.
- Instant access to wages via Stream.
- Refer a friend scheme.
- Company dining discounts.
- Staff Meals.
Experience: Required
Languages: English – Advanced
Employment: Full-time
Schedule: Monday to Sunday (morning & afternoons only) with 2-days off
Salary: £14.5 – £16.5 hourly
Benefits: Tronc & Tips are distributed evenly to the team
Starting time: Immediate start!
Head Barista / Coffee Lead employer: Boxcar Hyde Park
At Boxcar Hyde Park, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where creativity and passion for coffee thrive. As a Head Barista / Coffee Lead, you'll not only lead the coffee operation but also have the opportunity to shape our coffee offerings and inspire your team, all while enjoying flexible scheduling, competitive pay, and a supportive environment that values your contributions. Join us in creating memorable coffee experiences and take advantage of genuine growth opportunities within our expanding group.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Barista / Coffee Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the coffee scene in your area! Visit local cafes, chat with baristas, and understand what makes their coffee culture tick. This will not only help you stand out in interviews but also show your passion for the craft.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your coffee skills at home or in a community setting. Experiment with different brewing methods and create your own seasonal drinks. This hands-on experience will give you great talking points during interviews and show your creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other coffee professionals! Attend workshops, join online forums, or connect on social media. Building relationships in the industry can lead to job opportunities and valuable insights into what employers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
When you're ready to apply, head over to our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to contribute to our coffee culture. Make sure to highlight your training and leadership experiences in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Barista / Coffee Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Coffee:When writing your application, let your love for coffee shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about creating memorable coffee moments. We want to see that you care about quality and creativity in every cup.
Highlight Your Training Skills:Since training and developing others is key for us, make sure to mention any experience you have in coaching baristas or front-of-house teams. We’re looking for someone who can inspire confidence and consistency, so share your success stories!
Be Creative with Your Ideas:Don’t hold back on showcasing your creativity! If you’ve got ideas for seasonal drinks or innovative coffee experiences, include them in your application. We love fresh concepts that can elevate our coffee culture.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to get your application and for you to stay updated on your progress. Let’s get started on this exciting journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Boxcar Hyde Park
✨Know Your Coffee Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your coffee knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss everything from espresso extraction to milk texturing. Show them you’re not just passionate about coffee, but that you understand the technical side too!
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share some of your own drink ideas or seasonal specials you've created in the past. This role is all about innovation, so don’t hold back! Bring a few concepts to the table that could excite their guests and elevate the coffee experience.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Since this position involves training and developing others, think of examples where you’ve successfully led a team or mentored a colleague. Highlight how you can inspire confidence and build a strong coffee culture within the team.
✨Emphasise Guest Experience
Remember, coffee service is as much about hospitality as it is about skill. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve enhanced guest experiences in previous roles. Share stories that illustrate your commitment to creating memorable moments for customers.