Head Barista

Company Description

Welcome to SLS The Red Sea, where bold creativity and unapologetic luxury come to life.

Part of Ennismore’s globally celebrated lifestyle portfolio, SLS Hotels are known for redefining hospitality through striking design, elevated service, and magnetic social energy. Now open on the Red Sea coast, SLS The Red Sea stands as one of Saudi Arabia’s most exciting lifestyle destinations.

The resort features 150 impeccably designed keys, five dynamic Food & Beverage venues, and a luxurious spa sanctuary, offering guests a seamless blend of indulgence, entertainment, and escape. From vibrant dining experiences to moments of pure relaxation, every detail is crafted to surprise, inspire, and connect.

More than a hotel, SLS The Red Sea is a living stage—a place where creativity thrives, individuality is celebrated, and bold ideas are encouraged. As the journey continues beyond opening, we are building a passionate team to shape the future of this iconic destination. If you’re driven by excellence, energized by lifestyle hospitality, and ready to be part of something extraordinary, this is where your story continues.

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience as a Senior Barista, Head Barista, Beverage Team Leader, or similar role within an upscale, luxury, or lifestyle hotel, restaurant, or café environment.
• Strong knowledge of specialty coffee, espresso preparation, brewing techniques, coffee beans, signature beverages, crafted drinks, and seasonal creations.
• Strong understanding of coffee machines, grinders, brewing equipment, beverage ingredients, preparation techniques, and presentation standards.
• Creative approach to developing and presenting innovative coffee and beverage experiences.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop a high-performing beverage team.
• Strong understanding of inventory control, stock management, cost control, and POS systems.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to maintain quality, consistency, and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong guest engagement, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
• Food safety or HACCP certification is an advantage.
• Previous experience within a luxury or lifestyle hospitality environment is highly desirable.