Head Barista & Head of Beverage Department

Job Title: Head Barista & Head of Beverage Department

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Department: Food & Beverage / Corporate Operations Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Job Summary

We are seeking a visionary and strategic Head Barista & Head of Beverage Department to lead our beverage vertical. This is a senior management role requiring an exceptional balance of craft mastery on the bar and executive leadership behind the scenes .You will be responsible for defining our brand's flavor profile, designing full-scale beverage programs, managing vendor relationships, and leading a high-performing team of baristas. Your ultimate goal is to drive department profitability, maintain exceptional quality standards, and position our brand as a market leader in the specialty beverage industry.

Key Responsibilities1. Strategic Leadership & Financial Management

• Beverage Program Ownership: Direct the long-term roadmap for the entire beverage department, including coffee programs, mocktails, teas, and signature seasonal menus.
• P&L Responsibility: Manage the department’s profit and loss (P&L). Control beverage cost percentages, set competitive menu pricing, and drive cross-location revenue growth.
• Supply Chain & Sourcing: Establish and maintain strategic relationships with international green coffee brokers, local roasters, and commercial equipment manufacturers to secure premium ingredients at optimal rates.

1. Menu Innovation & Standardization

• R&D Leadership: Continuously research global beverage trends to design innovative, high-margin beverage menus that align with our brand identity.
• SOP Creation: Author comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs), detailed recipe cards, and visual presentation guides to ensure flawless execution.
• Equipment Procurement: Evaluate and procure cutting-edge bar machinery, espresso systems, and water filtration setups fit for high-volume environments.

1. Talent Management & Quality Assurance

• Training Academy: Build and oversee a robust internal training system for baristas, focusing on sensory skills, advanced extraction, milk physics, and customer hospitality.
• Audits & Compliance: Conduct regular quality audits across outlets to ensure strict adherence to recipe consistency, hygiene standards, and equipment calibration.
• Workforce Planning: Oversee recruitment, performance evaluations, and career progression pathways for senior baristas and bar supervisors.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years in the specialty coffee or premium beverage industry, with at least 3 years in a multi-unit management, beverage director, or department head role.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of F&B financials, inventory software, menu engineering, and supply chain logistics in the UAE market.
• Technical Expertise: Exceptional sensory palate with profound knowledge of coffee agronomy, processing methods, roasting science, and advanced mixology techniques
• Leadership Traits: A collaborative yet authoritative leader capable of inspiring a large team and communicating effectively with executive stakeholders.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive executive salary package with performance bonuses tied to department profitability.
• Comprehensive health insurance and full UAE visa sponsorship.
• 30 days of annual paid leave with an annual return flight allowance.
• Corporate mobile phone, laptop, and transport subsidies.
• Significant creative freedom and a direct seat at the table in shaping the company's regional expansion.

Pay: AED3,500.00 - AED5,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person