Knoopologist (team leader) in Cardiff

Our Story

At Knoops, we’re experts in crafting the perfect chocolate drink for our customers. Our founder Jens Knoop opened the first store in Rye in 2013. Now we have a growing estate of stores, a production factory and a growing online business. The Knoops concept is based around our carefully curated percentage menu which offers chocolates to suit every taste and mood. We find joy in helping you to discover your perfect chocolate drink and encourage experimentation with different % chocolates and flavours in a process we call ‘Knoopology’. This process is simple; choose your chocolate %, milk, and extra flavours like sea salt, orange zest or chilli to be made into a hot chocolate, milkshake or iced chocolate.

The Opportunity

Are you a natural leader with a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and crafting high-quality beverages? At Knoops, we are dedicated to offering expertly crafted hot chocolates, coffees, and teas in an inviting environment that celebrates quality and customer delight. We’re looking for an energetic and motivated Team Leader to guide, inspire, and support our dynamic café team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Daily Operations: Oversee the smooth running of the café, ensuring excellent customer service, efficient workflow, and adherence to high-quality standards.
• Inspire & Motivate the Team: Act as a role model, fostering a positive and collaborative work culture where everyone thrives and contributes to success.
• Training & Development: Support the onboarding and continuous training of baristas to uphold Knoops’ high beverage preparation and customer service standards.
• Customer Engagement: Be the face of the café, welcoming customers, handling queries, and ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable Knoops experience.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain the highest standards in beverage preparation, presentation, and café cleanliness.
• Stock & Inventory Management: Ensure stock levels are maintained, and ordering is accurate to support daily operations without wastage.
• Problem-Solving: Address any operational challenges swiftly and efficiently to keep the café running smoothly.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven Leadership Experience: Experience in a supervisory or team leader role within a café, hospitality, or retail environment.
• Passion for Beverages: A love for crafting high-quality drinks and a desire to share that enthusiasm with both customers and the team.
• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to inspire, guide, and motivate a diverse team while building positive relationships with customers.
• Operational Savvy: Comfortable handling stock management, scheduling, and daily operational tasks efficiently.
• Customer-Centric Mindset: A dedication to creating exceptional customer experiences and fostering loyalty.
• Calm & Composed Under Pressure: Ability to manage a fast-paced environment and resolve challenges confidently.
• Team Spirit: A supportive leader who thrives on seeing the team succeed and grow together.

Why Knoops?

• Craft: We are passionate about craftsmanship, and this extends beyond the drinks we serve. At Knoops, you'll have the chance to craft your own journey by developing new skills, refining your expertise, and exploring creative opportunities.
• Ritual: We believe in the power of rituals — the little moments that create lasting joy. As a Knoops barista, you’ll be a part of these shared experiences, creating meaningful interactions that bring people together over expertly crafted drinks.
• Exploration: We are curious, adventurous, and always striving to improve. Knoops is a place where new ideas are welcomed, achievements are celebrated, and growth is continuous.
• Community: Our community is at the heart of everything we do. Knoops is a space for collaboration and inclusion, where everyone feels valued, supported, and encouraged to bring their authentic selves to the table.

Be Part of It - Join the Team

At Knoops, everyone has a place to shine. Since we first started crafting our signature chocolate-based drinks, we've encouraged our team to bring their authentic selves to work — to be bold, creative, and unapologetically original. Because it’s not just what you do at Knoops; it’s how you do it. Your originality, passion, and individuality are what make our cafés vibrant and welcoming spaces for our customers. You’ll work alongside a diverse group of colleagues who all bring their own spark to the team. Together, we create joyful experiences, one expertly crafted drink at a time. At Knoops, ambition is celebrated. Whether you're a barista just starting out or a seasoned hospitality professional, you'll be respected, supported, and encouraged to explore new ways to grow. From flexible working arrangements to opportunities for training and development, we’re here to help you on your journey. So, if you're ready to embrace originality, be part of a passionate community, and craft something truly special every day — we want to hear from you.

Our Shared Vision

At Knoops, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. Our customers come from all walks of life, and we value having a team that reflects this diversity. We celebrate the unique qualities that each team member brings and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, ability, religion, or sexual orientation. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates from underrepresented groups in our industry, including women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, have a disability or condition that may affect your performance, or have other specific needs, please let us know—we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Joining Knoops means being part of a brand that values originality and craftsmanship while encouraging you to explore your potential and be a vital part of a supportive and dynamic community.