Head Barista

Job Title: Head Barista

Location: Kuwait City

Employment Type: Full-Time

Role OverviewWe are looking for an experienced, detail-oriented, and passionate Head Barista to anchor the coffee program at our luxury/specialty café in Kuwait. You will be responsible for dialing in espresso, perfecting manual brews (V60, Chemex), executing flawless latte art, and mentoring a multi-cultural team of junior baristas. The ideal candidate combines deep technical mastery of specialty coffee with a warm, elevated guest-service mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Beverage Excellence \& Quality Control
• Lead daily equipment calibration, grinder adjustments, and espresso extraction checks to ensure peak flavor profiles.
• Craft high-precision espresso-based drinks, specialty mocktails/beverages, and pour-overs according to brand specs.
• Uphold strict standards for milk texturing, visual presentation, and temperature consistency.
• Team Leadership \& Training
• Supervise, schedule, and support the daily workflow of the barista and floor support team.
• Conduct hands-on training sessions for junior/senior baristas covering extraction science, dial-in processes, manual brewing (V60/Chemex), and latte art.
• Foster a high-energy, clean, and collaborative workspace during peak rush hours.
• Bar Operations \& Inventory
• Monitor stock levels of coffee beans, alternative milks, syrups, and consumables; coordinate closely with suppliers and management.
• Ensure routine maintenance, backflushing, and deep-cleaning of espresso machines, grinders, and water filtration systems.
• Enforce local Kuwait Municipality health, hygiene, and HACCP food safety standards at all times.
• Guest Experience \& Innovation
• Engage warmly with regular and VIP guests, explaining coffee origins, flavor notes, and single-origin selections.
• Assist management in testing, developing, and launching seasonal menu items and signature drinks.

Requirements \& Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience as a Head Barista, Senior Barista, or Supervisor in a dedicated specialty coffee shop or luxury F\&B/hotel brand.
• Technical Skills:
• Advanced command of espresso extraction, dial-in mechanics, and grinder calibration.
• Proficient in manual brew methods (V60, Chemex, Aeropress) and complex latte art.
• Familiarity with SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) certifications is a strong plus.
• Residency \& Legal Status (Kuwait Market):
• Must currently reside in Kuwait with a valid, transferable Article 18 / Ahli residency visa (for local hire positions).
• Soft Skills \& Presentation:
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with a polished, well-groomed appearance.
• Fluency in English (Arabic communication skills are an added advantage).
• Ability to stay calm, organized, and focused in a fast-paced luxury retail environment.

Pay: KD350.000 - KD450.000 per month

Work Location: In person