Lead Barista

Lead Barista 4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars Miami Beach, FL 33139 $55,000

• $60,000 a year
• Full-time SADDLE Cafe 2 reviews $55,000
• $60,000 a year
• Full-time

YOUR ONBOARDING STARTS IN DUBAI

Before Miami opens, you will spend two weeks at Saddle's Dubai locations — working on the floor, learning the brand from the inside, and training directly alongside the team that built it. You will return to Miami with a depth of understanding that no onboarding document can replicate. As Head Barista, your two weeks in Dubai will be spent behind the bar — pulling shots, learning the roastery, and absorbing the coffee philosophy that has made Saddle one of the Gulf's most respected specialty programs. Coffee is central to what Saddle is. Beans are sourced globally and roasted in-house — the bar program is taken seriously. As Head Barista you'll own beverage quality, run the bar team, and ensure every cup meets the standard that's earned Saddle its reputation across three continents.

BAR OPERATIONS & QUALITY

• Lead all daily bar operations, overseeing service flow, station setup, and beverage preparation across all shifts
• Establish and maintain strict quality standards for every beverage — espresso extraction, milk texturing, temperatures, ratios, and presentation
• Conduct daily taste checks and quality spot audits across the bar team, addressing deviations immediately and constructively
• Monitor and calibrate espresso machines, grinders, and brewing equipment to ensure optimal performance at all times
• Ensure bar readiness before each shift — stocking, mise en place, equipment checks, and cleaning protocol sign-off

TEAM TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

• Train all incoming baristas on Saddle's coffee standards, beverage recipes, machine operation, and SOPs before their first shift
• Run structured refresher sessions and daily briefings to reinforce skills, address gaps, and keep the team sharp
• Mentor baristas individually — identifying each person's strengths and areas for growth and tailoring coaching accordingly
• Support onboarding of new team members in collaboration with the Store Manager and Barista Training Manager at HQ
• Create a culture of craft on the bar — one where standards are owned by the team, not just enforced from above

MENU KNOWLEDGE & EXECUTION

• Maintain deep, current knowledge of all beverages on the menu — ingredients, flavor profiles, preparation methods, and allergens
• Support seasonal menu launches and new product rollouts, ensuring the team is trained and confident before day one of service
• Collaborate with Saddle's R D and Barista Roastery Manager on feedback from the Miami market — taste, guest response, and execution notes
• Promote signature and seasonal items proactively, supporting upsell performance across the bar team

INVENTORY & COST CONTROL

• Manage bar stock levels for coffee beans, milk, syrups, toppings, and consumables — ordering accurately and minimising over-ordering
• Enforce FIFO rotation, expiry checks, and proper storage for all bar ingredients
• Monitor and reduce beverage wastage through accurate preparation, portioning discipline, and team awareness
• Report stock concerns, equipment faults, and operational needs to the Store Manager in a timely manner

COMPLIANCE & STANDARDS

• Ensure strict hygiene and sanitation standards are maintained across the bar area, tools, machines, and surfaces at all times
• Enforce allergen protocols and ensure all baristas are trained and compliant
• Conduct routine cleaning schedule adherence checks and ensure end-of-day and deep cleaning tasks are completed correctly
• Flag any compliance risks, equipment issues, or safety concerns to management immediately

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 2-4 years of barista experience with at least 1 year in a lead or senior role
• Deep, demonstrable knowledge of specialty coffee — extraction, brew ratios, milk science, and equipment
• A genuine track record of training baristas and raising the standard of a bar team
• High personal standards for quality and consistency — this role sets the bar, literally
• Warm, professional guest presence — comfortable engaging and educating customers
• Familiar with POS systems and basic bar inventory management
• Motivated by the craft, not just the routine

Pay:

$55,000.00

• $60,000.

00 per year

Experience:

Barista:

2 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person