| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Restaurants and Food Service |
| Level | Entry level |
| Reports to | Outlet Manager |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | Fresher or up to 2 years as a barista |
Barista job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: Barista
Department: Restaurants and Food Service
Reports to: Outlet Manager
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A Barista prepares and serves coffee and other beverages at a cafe counter. They pull espresso shots, steam milk, make and present drinks to standard, take orders and handle the till. The role is fast, hands on and guest facing. A good Barista makes consistent, well presented drinks quickly, keeps the counter and machine clean, gives friendly service, upsells food and add ons, and keeps the queue moving during a rush.
Key responsibilities
- Pull espresso shots and steam milk to the cafe standard.
- Make and present coffee and other beverages to a consistent standard.
- Take orders, run the till and handle cash and cards.
- Keep the espresso machine, grinder and counter clean and ready.
- Suggest food and add ons to lift the check.
- Manage stock of beans, milk, syrups and supplies at the counter.
- Keep the queue moving quickly during the busy rush.
- Follow food safety and hygiene rules at the counter.
- Handle guest requests and small complaints at the counter politely.
Requirements
- 12th pass or equivalent
- Barista training is an advantage
- Good spoken communication
- Fresher or up to 2 years as a barista
KRAs and KPIs for a Barista
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Drink quality | Drinks made to the recipe and presentation standard |
| Speed | Order to serve time within the cafe standard at peak |
| Cash accuracy | Till reconciled with zero unexplained shortfall |
| Upselling | Average check or add on rate at or above target |
| Cleanliness | Machine and counter kept clean and hygienic |
| Guest service | Guest feedback at the counter kept above target |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: Espresso machine and grinder, POS and till, Milk steamer, Blenders, Weighing scale.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Senior Barista, Cafe Supervisor, Outlet Manager
Interview questions for a Barista
- How do you pull a consistent espresso shot?
- How do you steam milk for a good latte?
- How do you keep the queue moving during a rush?
- How do you keep the machine and counter clean through the day?
- How do you upsell food with a coffee order?
- A guest says their drink is wrong. How do you handle it?
Managing a Barista in ZeniaHR
Hire and manage your restaurants and food service team in one place
Post the role, onboard the new hire, and track attendance, leave and KRAs in ZeniaHR. Free for your first 50 employees.
Book a free demoSee pricingFrequently asked questions
What does a Barista do?
A Barista prepares and serves coffee and other beverages at a cafe counter. They pull espresso, steam milk, make drinks to standard, take orders, run the till, keep the machine clean and give friendly service. Their job is consistent, well presented drinks made quickly with good counter service.
What skills do you need to become a Barista?
You need espresso and milk craft, knowledge of drink recipes, speed at the counter, cash handling and friendly guest service. Barista training helps but many learn on the job. Employers look for consistency, cleanliness, upselling and the ability to keep the queue moving during a rush.
What is the difference between a Barista and a Bartender?
A Barista makes coffee and non alcoholic beverages at a cafe counter. A Bartender prepares and serves drinks, including cocktails and alcohol, at a bar. Both need speed, recipe knowledge and guest service, but they work with different drinks, settings and licensing rules.