Head barista

Saddle House Sharjah is hiring an experienced, creative Head Barista to lead our coffee program and elevate the beverage experience across our café. This senior role suits a coffee professional who combines technical mastery with leadership: you’ll manage the barista team, maintain equipment and inventory, develop and refine beverage recipes, and ensure every cup meets consistent quality standards. The Head Barista will set training standards, coach staff on extraction, milk texturing, and presentation, and work closely with management on menu development, supplier relationships, and cost control. You should be passionate about coffee origins, brewing methods, and customer service, and able to translate that passion into repeatable processes and memorable guest interactions. This position requires supervisory experience in a busy café or restaurant environment, strong technical skills (espresso extraction, latte art, alternative brews), and the ability to maintain calm, efficient service during peak periods. Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, 10 February 2026; shortlisted candidates will receive interview details by phone. If you’re ready to lead a coffee team and shape a signature beverage program, Saddle House Sharjah wants to hear from you.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coffee Program Leadership
  • Design and maintain a consistent coffee program, including espresso recipes, milk steaming standards, and brew guides.
  • Develop seasonal and signature beverages; test and document recipes for consistency.
• Team Management and Training
  • Recruit, train, and mentor baristas; run regular skills sessions on extraction, milk texturing, and customer service.
  • Create training materials, checklists, and competency assessments; conduct performance reviews.
• Quality Control and Service
  • Monitor shot quality, beverage presentation, and speed of service; perform regular taste and calibration checks.
  • Ensure friendly, informed guest interactions and handle customer feedback professionally.
• Equipment and Maintenance
  • Oversee daily cleaning and preventive maintenance of espresso machines, grinders, and brewing equipment.
  • Coordinate repairs and service contracts; maintain equipment logs.
• Inventory and Cost Management
  • Manage coffee, milk, and consumables inventory; forecast usage and minimize waste.
  • Source and evaluate coffee suppliers; maintain cost controls and pricing recommendations.
• Operational Collaboration
  • Work with FOH and kitchen teams to coordinate service flow and menu pairings.
  • Contribute to beverage menu planning and promotional initiatives.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 3+ years barista experience with at least 1 year in a supervisory or lead role in a café, specialty coffee shop, or restaurant.
• Technical Skills: Expert knowledge of espresso extraction, grinder calibration, milk texturing, latte art, and alternative brew methods (pour-over, Aeropress, batch brew).
• Coffee Knowledge: Strong understanding of coffee origins, roast profiles, and flavor development; experience cupping and evaluating beans preferred.
• Leadership: Proven ability to train, motivate, and develop a team; strong communication and coaching skills.
• Operational Skills: Familiarity with inventory management, basic cost control, and equipment maintenance procedures.
• Customer Service: Professional, guest-focused attitude with the ability to handle feedback and maintain service standards under pressure.
• Eligibility: Local resident eligible to work in the UAE; flexible availability including weekends and public holidays.

About Saddle House

Saddle House is a contemporary hospitality brand committed to delivering high-quality guest experiences through thoughtful menus, consistent service standards, and a collaborative team culture. We invest in staff development and encourage internal progression across front and back of house. Our Sharjah location blends local hospitality traditions with modern café standards, emphasizing speed, warmth, and product excellence. Joining Saddle House means working in a supportive environment where strong performers are recognized and given opportunities to grow.

Application Process

1. Apply Online — Complete the application form and attach your CV at: https://lnkd.in/dM9M9fRW.
2. Shortlisting — Applications will be screened for relevant experience and eligibility; shortlisted candidates will receive a phone call.
3. Interview — Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, 10 February 2026; location and time slots will be shared with shortlisted applicants. Bring an updated CV and valid ID.
4. Assessment — Expect practical checks such as espresso pulls, milk texturing, and a short tasting or recipe demonstration, plus competency questions.
5. Offer and Onboarding — Successful candidates will be contacted with an offer and onboarding details.