Head Barista (New Opening)

Head Barista (New Opening)

Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Watch House & Co

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate barista team and ensure exceptional coffee quality in a vibrant environment.
  • Company: WatchHouse, a modern coffee brand opening a new location in Parsons Green.
  • Benefits: Free drinks, monthly coffee gifts, free lunch, and team social events.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career progression and best-in-class training.
  • Why this job: Join a supportive team and make memorable experiences for coffee lovers.
  • Qualifications: Coffee enthusiasm, leadership skills, and a passion for hospitality.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

This coming May, we’re proud to open the doors to our new House in Parsons Green, one of West London’s most charming and vibrant neighbourhoods. Known for its village-like atmosphere and leafy green spaces, the area blends a relaxed residential feel with a lively local culture.

As a Head Barista at WatchHouse, you hold the responsibility of ensuring the exceptional quality of every drink served in your House. You are a leader, a mentor, and a brand ambassador of Modern Coffee. You are accountable for your barista team's performance and the overall guest experience. Through coaching, team development, and equipment maintenance, you set the tone for excellence, hospitality, and WatchHouse’s signature Modern Coffee culture. You will directly report into the House Manager.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Cultivate an atmosphere of unparalleled hospitality, ensuring regulars feel at home and new guests feel welcomed.
  • Provide coaching and professional development for your barista team.
  • Lead inspiring and engaging coffee-related meetings or training sessions as needed.
  • Represent your team at Head Barista meetings with the Senior Coffee Team.
  • Proactively meet with the Coffee team to exchange insights and ideas for improvement.
  • Ensure every coffee and drink meets WatchHouse’s exceptional quality standards, even in high-pressure environments.
  • Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of all drinks offerings, recipes, and techniques, sharing this expertise with your team.
  • Conduct daily tastings with your team, fostering a culture of curiosity and passion for flavour, quality, and innovation.
  • Manage the daily operations of the bar, ensuring standards are upheld and production is efficient.
  • Lead by example during opening and closing shifts, demonstrating professionalism and setting the benchmark for performance.
  • Oversee stock control, ordering, and wastage management, tackling inefficiencies and maintaining excellent supplier relationships.
  • Maintain visual merchandising and retail displays, ensuring high standards of presentation and accessibility.
  • Troubleshoot equipment issues, perform basic repairs, and replace filters or parts as needed.
  • Communicate with repair specialists and elevate maintenance concerns appropriately.
  • Demonstrate passion and expertise in creating vibrant connections with guests, turning visits into memorable experiences.
Key to this Role:
  • Live and breathe our core values of Passion, Empathy, Can Do, and Diligence.
  • Approachable, positive, and brings energy and personality to every interaction, whether with guests or your team.
  • Remain calm under pressure and handle difficult conversations professionally.
  • A true coffee enthusiast with a hunger to learn and inspire others about specialty coffee, food, and hospitality.
  • From cleanliness to drink quality, you are meticulous and organized, setting high standards for your team to follow.
  • You are solution-oriented, proactive in tackling challenges, and adaptable to the needs of your House and team.
  • You are patient and supportive, skilled at coaching and empowering others to grow and succeed.
What can you expect at WatchHouse:
  • Free Coffee & Drinks – Always – Sip on your favourite drinks, even on your days off.
  • Monthly Coffee Gift – Take home 250g of premium WatchHouse coffee every month.
  • Free Lunch Every Shift – Fuel up with great food on the house.
  • Team Social Budget – Celebrate, connect, and unwind with your team outside of work.
  • Annual WatchHouse Party – Our legendary celebration featuring Core Value Awards, and prizes like trips to coffee farms!
  • 30% Off All Food – Any House, any time, just for being part of the team.
  • 30% Off Retail Coffee – Stock up on your favourite WatchHouse blends whenever you like.
  • Work in Beautifully Designed Houses – Join inspiring spaces equipped with industry-leading tools, surrounded by passionate hospitality professionals.
  • Supportive Managers – We listen, we care, and we adapt to support your needs.
  • Best-in-Class Training – From your first shift, we set you up for success with on-and-off-shift development.
  • Access to SCA Training – Advance your coffee expertise with recognised industry training (role dependent).
  • Off-Shift Induction Experience – Get to know WatchHouse culture with a full day induction in your first two weeks.
  • Career Progression That’s Real – With new Houses and growth across the business, your next step is never far away.

At WatchHouse, we were born from a passion to do better—driven by diligence, attention to detail, and a genuine care for our craft and our people. We are a people-first business that values individuality, personality, and the unique contributions of every team member. We champion diversity, insist on equality, and foster inclusion as a non-negotiable part of our culture. Our team thrives in a respectful, collaborative environment where feedback is welcomed, support is mutual, and excellence is pursued together. Guided by our core values—passion, can do, diligence, and empathy—we build meaningful relationships, celebrate contributions, and work with purpose to deliver the Modern Coffee experience.

Head Barista (New Opening) employer: The Watch House & Co

The Watch House & Co is an exceptional employer that prioritises a vibrant work culture and the professional growth of its team members. With a strong commitment to excellence in hospitality, employees benefit from hands-on leadership, opportunities for development, and a supportive environment that values both guest satisfaction and team empowerment. Located in a dynamic setting, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding career in the hospitality industry.

The Watch House & Co

Contact Details:

The Watch House & Co Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Barista (New Opening)

Tip Number 1

Get to know the vibe of WatchHouse before your interview. Visit the new House in Parsons Green, grab a coffee, and soak in the atmosphere. This will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest in the role.

Tip Number 2

Practice your barista skills! Brush up on your coffee knowledge and techniques so you can impress during any practical assessments. Show us that you're not just a coffee enthusiast but also a pro at creating those exceptional drinks.

Tip Number 3

Be ready to share your leadership style. As a Head Barista, you'll be mentoring your team, so think about how you can inspire and develop others. Share examples of how you've done this in the past to demonstrate your coaching abilities.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the WatchHouse family right from the start.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Barista (New Opening)

Leadership
Coaching
Team Development
Exceptional Quality Standards
Hospitality
Communication Skills
Coffee Expertise

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 the world of specialty coffee. We want to see that you're not just a barista, but a true coffee enthusiast.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Barista, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've mentored others or created a positive atmosphere in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and uplift their team!

Be Authentic and Personable:We value individuality at WatchHouse, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Use a friendly tone and share anecdotes that reflect your approach to hospitality and guest interactions. We want to know the real you!

Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your enthusiasm and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at our new House in Parsons Green!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Watch House & Co

Know Your Coffee Inside Out

As a Head Barista, you need to demonstrate your passion for coffee. Brush up on your knowledge of different coffee beans, brewing methods, and the latest trends in specialty coffee. Be ready to discuss your favourite drinks and how you would train your team to create them.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role requires you to be a mentor and leader. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your coaching style and how you empower others to excel in their roles.

Emphasise Your Customer Service Approach

Hospitality is key at WatchHouse. Think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Share how you create memorable experiences and foster a welcoming atmosphere for both regulars and new guests.

Be Ready to Discuss Operational Efficiency

The role involves managing daily operations and stock control. Come prepared with ideas on how to tackle inefficiencies and maintain high standards. Discuss any experience you have with equipment maintenance and how you handle troubleshooting.