Head Barista in Essex

Kiss the Hippo is one of the UK's leading coffee roasters and specialty coffee shops. We are looking for a Trainee Head Barista who will oversee and manage the operations of multiple locations with a primary focus on delivering an excellent cup of coffee at all times. This includes ensuring that each unit operates smoothly, efficiently, and profitably. The position requires a combination of strong coffee knowledge, leadership, brand management, and operational expertise to drive results and maintain high standards across all units.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Supervision: Directly supervise the barista team at each location to ensure they are meeting performance goals e.g. Google reviews, single origin sales, and mystery shopping. Provide training, coaching, and development for the barista team. Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures at all locations. Set clear goals and expectations for baristas to ensure productivity and operational excellence.
• Operations Management: Oversee daily operations across multiple locations, ensuring consistency in service delivery and adherence to operational standards. Analyse and improve operational efficiency, identifying areas for improvement. Manage the execution of company policies and procedures to enhance the customer experience. Monitor and maintain quality standards in all aspects of operations, including inventory management, staff training, customer service, and maintenance.
• Brand Management: Develop brand awareness across the team and create a feeling of Kiss the Hippo at all times. Ensure the barista team is aware of what Kiss the Hippo represents to our target audience. Reflection of brand expectation in beverage delivery, shop visual presentation including personal presentation. Conduct regular knowledge checks and educate the team to ensure compliance with brand standards.
• Customer Satisfaction & Relationship Management: Ensure that customer satisfaction is a priority across all units, responding promptly to any customer complaints or concerns. Create clear communication channels to build customer loyalty and improve the customer experience. Ensure that each location is aligned with brand standards and the company's customer service objectives.
• Staffing & Recruitment: Support the hiring, training, and development of staff for each location. Address staffing knowledge shortages by regular knowledge checks, have a clear understanding of how to reduce new starters' knowledge gap and train them to optimise their performance. Ensure that all units are staffed appropriately and that employees are well-trained on company policies and procedures.
• Reporting & Performance Tracking: Prepare regular reports on the performance of each unit, including operational issues, brand representation, stock management, and employee development. Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as SO sales, Google reviews, and operational efficiency. Review unit performance with upper management and recommend corrective actions as necessary. Ensure Health and Safety, Food Safety, HR policies have 100% compliance all across and escalate matters that require urgent attention.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 1 year of management experience, with at least 2 years of employment history. Proven experience in managing multiple locations and leading large teams. Good understanding of business operations, including budgeting, financial management, and performance tracking. Background in customer service management or retail is highly desirable.
• Skills & Abilities: Leadership and team-building abilities. Specialty coffee experience is mandatory. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Exceptional organizational and time-management skills. Ability to analyse data and make strategic decisions. Some experience in Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software. Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to travel between multiple locations regularly.
• Must be available for weekend work as required.
• Some travel for training or meetings may be required.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £12.75-£13.50 per hour

Expected hours: 35 – 45 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount

Experience: Specialty Coffee Industry: 1 year (required), Head Barista: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person