Head Barista (Lead Barista) ☕
Ocho Cafe - Mission Viejo, CA
About Us
Ocho Cafe is a vibrant, community-focused cafe in Mission Viejo known for our dedication to high-quality, ethically sourced coffee and our imaginative menu of crafted specialty beverages. We are seeking a highly experienced, dedicated, and skilled Head Barista to lead our bar operations, elevate our team's performance, and ensure our beverage program is consistently world-class.
The Role
We are seeking a seasoned Head Barista with 3–5 years of professional experience in a high-volume, quality-driven cafe environment. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the coffee bar. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in coffee and a proven ability to consistently execute a wide range of specialty drinks, including matcha lattes, seasonal crafted beverages, and complex espresso preparations.
Key ResponsibilitiesHands-On Leadership & Quality Control
- Lead by Example : Be a hands-on leader, personally working shifts on the bar, especially during peak hours, to demonstrate efficiency, speed, and precision in beverage making.
- Beverage Mastery : Prepare and serve all coffee, espresso, and specialty drinks, ensuring consistency and quality with every cup.
- Quality Assurance : Maintain the highest standards for all beverages, including regularly dialing in espresso, calibrating grinders, and ensuring precise execution of specialty drinks like matcha lattes and house-made creations.
- Bar Direction : Direct and manage the daily operations of the coffee bar, ensuring efficiency, cleanliness, and organization.
Team Development & Operations
Training & Coaching : Develop and conduct thorough training for all baristas on coffee preparation techniques, specialty drink recipes, and customer service standards.Inventory Management : Manage inventory for all coffee, milk, syrups, and bar supplies, placing orders to maintain optimal stock levels while minimizing waste.Maintenance : Oversee the regular cleaning and preventative maintenance of all coffee equipment (espresso machine, grinders, brewers).Qualifications
Required : 3–5 years of continuous professional barista experience in a high-volume, specialty coffee shop.Leadership Experience : Prior experience in a supervisory, lead, or training role is highly preferred.Technical Mastery : Expert proficiency in all aspects of espresso preparation, latte art, advanced brewing methods, and flawless, quick execution of crafted specialty beverages.Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.Availability to work various shifts, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays.Perks & Benefits
Competitive Salary / Hourly Wage commensurate with experience, plus excellent tips.Leadership Opportunity to shape the cafe's beverage program and team culture.Free shift meals and unlimited coffee beverages.Opportunities for advanced industry training and professional development.How to Apply
If you are a proven coffee leader with the expertise and passion to guide our bar team at Ocho Cafe, we encourage you to apply!
Please submit your detailed resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant hands-on leadership and specialty beverage experience