At SLS The Red Sea, beverages are more than what’s in the glass — they are an expression of creativity, craft, and personality. As our Head Barista, you will be the creative force behind our specialty coffee and beverage experience, combining technical expertise, bold presentation, and genuine hospitality to bring the distinctive SLS spirit to life.
Leading a passionate beverage team, you will oversee daily operations, inspire exceptional service, and help shape an innovative offering of specialty coffee, signature beverages, crafted drinks, and seasonal creations. Working closely with the Restaurant/Outlet leadership team, you will combine hands-on service with team leadership, creativity, and operational excellence to deliver memorable beverage experiences throughout every service.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the daily coffee and beverage operation, ensuring smooth, efficient service and a clean, organized, and welcoming environment.
- Maintain a visible and hands-on presence during service, engaging with guests, recognizing returning guests, and tailoring experiences to individual preferences.
- Ensure all coffee and beverage orders are prepared accurately, efficiently, and consistently in line with SLS quality, recipe, and presentation standards.
- Lead the preparation and development of specialty coffee, espresso-based beverages, signature beverages, crafted drinks, and seasonal creations.
- Stay current with specialty coffee trends, brewing methods, beverage innovation, ingredients, preparation techniques, and creative presentation.
- Maintain exceptional mise-en-place, including coffee beans, fresh ingredients, garnishes, ice, equipment, glassware, and presentation tools.
- Ensure coffee machines, grinders, brewing equipment, and beverage preparation tools are properly maintained, cleaned, and ready for operation.
- Supervise, motivate, and develop the beverage team, maintaining high levels of performance, engagement, and accountability.
- Conduct regular briefings, training sessions, and hands-on coaching to strengthen coffee knowledge, beverage preparation skills, product knowledge, and guest interaction.
- Ensure all team members consistently follow SLS grooming, service, hygiene, and behavioral standards.
- Coordinate team scheduling to ensure appropriate operational coverage while supporting effective labor management.
- Manage coffee and beverage inventory, stock requisitions, ordering, storage, and daily opening and closing procedures while minimizing wastage.
- Conduct regular inventory counts, maintain accurate records, and support effective cost-control practices.
- Ensure POS transactions, cash handling, and billing procedures are completed accurately and in accordance with hotel policies.
- Handle guest feedback and concerns promptly and professionally, escalating matters to management when required.
- Build guest loyalty through meaningful interactions and personalized coffee and beverage recommendations.
- Collaborate with Restaurant/Outlet leadership, Culinary, and Marketing teams to support promotions, events, seasonal concepts, and beverage activations.
- Support special events and creative beverage experiences that enhance guest engagement and contribute to revenue performance.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, health and safety requirements, company policies, and applicable regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.