At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape coffee experiences and develop teams across our vibrant cafés.
- Company: Join an independent, founder-led specialty coffee company focused on connection.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, growth opportunities, and a chance to lead in the coffee industry.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating exceptional coffee experiences for guests.
- Qualifications: Coffee expertise, leadership skills, and a passion for developing others.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
- Coffee Partner or Head of Coffee (Retail)
- Retail Coffee Quality, Training & Standards
Help shape how people experience coffee at Saint Espresso.
At Saint Espresso, we believe coffee is about more than what is in the cup.
It is how we create connection.
Through exceptional coffee, genuine hospitality and thoughtfully designed spaces, we create experiences that bring people together. Everything we do is built around that belief.
As our current Acting Head of Coffee (Retail) prepares to return home to Poland, we’re looking for the next person to join our Core Team.
Depending on your experience and readiness to lead the function, we’re open to appointing either a Coffee Partner or Head of Coffee (Retail).
Whether you’re already leading coffee across multiple locations, or you’re an exceptional coffee professional with a passion for developing others and the ambition to grow into departmental leadership, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Role
Reporting directly to our COO & Director of Coffee, you’ll play a central role in shaping the coffee experience across our growing London estate of cafés.
This role exists to ensure every guest receives coffee that reflects our standards for quality, hospitality and connection.
It is about protecting what makes Saint special while continually developing the people, systems and standards that allow us to grow without compromising the experience we create.
This is a retail coffee role, focused on how coffee is delivered, taught and experienced across our cafés.
You’ll work closely with our Retail Operations team, Roastery Manager and wider Core Team, acting as the bridge between our cafés and Saint Coffee Roasters to ensure consistency from roasting through to the final cup served to every guest.
For candidates joining as Coffee Partner, the role focuses on developing coffee quality, capability and standards while providing a structured pathway towards Head of Coffee (Retail).
For candidates appointed as Head of Coffee (Retail), you’ll progressively take on wider departmental leadership responsibilities as you complete your induction, build relationships across the business and become embedded in the Saint way of working.
- What You’ll Be Doing
- Champion Connection Through Coffee
- Champion the Saint Espresso experience through exceptional coffee, genuine hospitality and confident product knowledge.
- Help create consistently outstanding guest experiences across every Saint Espresso café.
- Coach teams to build genuine connection with guests through warmth, confidence and coffee expertise.
- Protect the standards that make every café feel unmistakably Saint.
- Ensure coffee quality, workflow and customer experience work seamlessly together.
- Develop People
- Deliver engaging coffee training across every level of the retail business.
- Coach baristas, supervisors and managers to build technical ability, confidence and hospitality.
- Conduct practical assessments and support structured development pathways.
- Help develop Barista Leads, Coffee Leads and future Coffee Partners.
- Foster a culture of curiosity, learning and continuous improvement.
- Deliver Exceptional Coffee
- Champion exceptional coffee quality and technical standards across the estate.
- Carry out regular calibration, coffee quality audits and sensory evaluation.
- Work alongside our COO & Director of Coffee and Roastery Manager during weekly quality control sessions.
- Ensure recipes, extraction standards and presentation remain consistent across every café.
- Help bring our carefully sourced and roasted coffees to life, ensuring every guest experiences them as intended.
- Support the Coffee Programme
- Support seasonal coffee and beverage launches across the estate.
- Help implement new coffees, recipes and brewing standards.
- Feed operational insight back into the wider coffee programme.
- Work closely with the roastery to ensure flavour consistency from production through to service.
- Technical Standards & Equipment
- Maintain equipment standards across the estate.
- Coordinate preventative maintenance and servicing with external engineers.
- Support continual improvements to workflow, bar setup and technical execution.
- Help ensure every café has the tools, knowledge and confidence to deliver exceptional coffee consistently.
- Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who
- Believes developing people is the best way to improve coffee.
- Understands that exceptional coffee and exceptional customer experiences are inseparable.
- Loves coaching, mentoring and helping others grow.
- Has outstanding espresso, sensory and technical coffee knowledge.
- Notices the details that others miss and takes pride in consistency.
- Builds strong relationships and enjoys collaborating across different teams.
- Is curious, humble and always looking for ways to improve.
- Wants to help shape the future of an independent, founder-led specialty coffee company.
Why Saint Espresso?
Saint Espresso is an independent, founder-led specialty coffee company built around one simple belief:
Connection Through Coffee.
As we continue to grow, we’re investing in our people, our systems and our standards to ensure every guest experience remains personal, intentional and consistently exceptional.
This is an opportunity to join our Core Team, help develop the next generation of coffee leaders and play a defining role in how thousands of people experience Saint Espresso every week.
If you’re excited by the idea of helping shape the next chapter of coffee at Saint Espresso, please submit a CV and Cover letter letting us know more about you and what you can bring to the team.
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Coffee Partner or Head of Coffee (Retail) in London employer: Saint Espresso
At Saint Espresso, we pride ourselves on being more than just a coffee company; we are a community that values connection, exceptional quality, and genuine hospitality. Our vibrant work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering comprehensive training and development pathways for all employees, whether you're stepping into a Coffee Partner role or advancing to Head of Coffee (Retail). Located in the heart of London, our cafés provide a unique opportunity to shape memorable experiences for guests while working alongside passionate individuals who share a love for coffee and connection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Coffee Partner or Head of Coffee (Retail) in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Saint Espresso. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Saint Espresso
Don't be shy about reaching out to Saint Espresso directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Coffee Partner or Head of Coffee (Retail) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Saint Espresso and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saint Espresso
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
