Senior barista

Saddle House Sharjah is hiring a skilled, service-focused Senior Barista to elevate our coffee program and support the Head Barista in delivering consistent, high-quality beverages. This role is ideal for a barista with strong technical skills, a passion for specialty coffee, and experience mentoring junior staff. As Senior Barista you will lead shifts, ensure beverage quality during peak service, troubleshoot equipment, and help maintain inventory and stock rotation. You will also act as a customer-facing ambassador—preparing espresso-based drinks, alternative brews, and signature beverages while coaching teammates on extraction, milk texturing, and presentation. The position requires a minimum of two years of barista experience, excellent guest service, and the ability to work calmly under pressure. Local candidates eligible to work in the UAE are preferred. Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, 10 February 2026; shortlisted applicants will receive interview details by phone. If you take pride in consistency, enjoy teaching others, and want to grow within a modern hospitality brand, Saddle House Sharjah encourages you to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Shift Leadership and Support
  • Lead the barista team during assigned shifts; ensure smooth handovers and consistent service.
  • Step in for the Head Barista when required and maintain service standards.
• Beverage Preparation and Quality Control
  • Prepare espresso-based drinks, milk-based beverages, and alternative brews to recipe and presentation standards.
  • Monitor shot quality, extraction times, and beverage temperature; perform routine taste checks and calibrations.
• Training and Mentoring
  • Coach junior baristas on extraction, milk texturing, latte art basics, and guest service techniques.
  • Run on-shift training moments and provide constructive feedback to improve team performance.
• Equipment and Maintenance
  • Perform daily cleaning and basic maintenance of espresso machines, grinders, and brewing equipment.
  • Report faults promptly and coordinate with management for repairs or service contracts.
• Inventory and Stock Management
  • Assist with stock rotation, portion control, and inventory counts for coffee, milk, and consumables.
  • Flag shortages and help forecast usage to minimize waste.
• Guest Interaction and Upselling
  • Engage guests with product knowledge, recommend beverages and pairings, and handle feedback professionally.
  • Maintain a friendly, informed presence at the coffee station and support a positive guest experience.

Requirements

• Experience
  • Minimum 2+ years barista experience in a café, specialty coffee shop, or restaurant; prior shift-leading or senior barista experience preferred.
• Technical Skills
  • Strong espresso extraction knowledge, grinder calibration, milk texturing, and latte art fundamentals.
  • Familiarity with alternative brew methods such as pour-over, Aeropress, or batch brew is an advantage.
• Coffee Knowledge
  • Good understanding of coffee origins, roast profiles, and flavor characteristics; experience with basic cupping or tasting preferred.
• Soft Skills
  • Excellent customer service, clear communication, and the ability to train and motivate colleagues.
  • Calm under pressure, detail-oriented, punctual, and professionally presented.
• Operational Skills
  • Basic inventory awareness, portion control, and adherence to hygiene and safety standards.
  • Comfortable using POS systems and following cash-handling procedures when required.
• 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 focused on delivering memorable guest experiences through thoughtfully crafted 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. Team members at Saddle House benefit from a supportive environment where strong performance is recognized and opportunities to grow are available.

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.