Lead Barista Trainer

At Change Please we exist to challenge stereotypes, to breakdown walls and kick open doors for those who may struggle to open them. It’s not about handouts, we want to harness the potential within everyone and enable them to be the best version of themselves.

Through selling our award-winning coffee we support people experiencing homelessness by providing barista training, living wage employment, access to counselling, therapy, financial support and onward employment opportunities with our incredible partners. We are about doing business better.

We need Change makers in our team who are passionate about coffee, people, team work and making the world a little better.

- Role Objective

The Lead Barista Trainer will be responsible for delivering exceptional coffee quality and outstanding customer service while fostering a positive, supportive environment for individuals facing homelessness as they train to become baristas. This role will manage daily café operations, uphold product and service standards, and actively lead in developing and mentoring new baristas. By combining hands-on barista expertise, leadership skills, and a commitment to Change Please’s mission, the Lead Barista Trainer will ensure operational excellence and contribute to the growth and confidence of trainees, empowering them with skills for future employment.

- Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Customer Service

• Lead by example in punctuality, professionalism, and teamwork, setting a high standard for all team members.
• Act as an ambassador for Change Please, modelling positive behaviours and embodying the organization’s values.
• Make customers feel welcome and valued, building strong customer relationships to foster loyalty and enhance the café’s reputation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the site, facilitating effective communication between team members, management, and the other departments.

Training & Development

• Conduct hands-on training sessions for trainees, covering essential barista skills such as safe use of equipment, coffee preparation, customer service, and café cleanliness.
• Teach and guide trainees who may lack self-confidence or experience, providing a supportive and encouraging learning environment.
• Develop individualized training plans for each trainee, tracking their progress, offering constructive feedback, and setting improvement goals.
• Collaborate with the Change Please Impact Team to understand each trainee’s unique situation, supporting their journey through the Change Please program.
• Serve as a mentor, providing guidance on career development, soft skills, and the values of Change Please.

Operations & Quality Control

• Oversee daily café or site operations, ensuring smooth service, cleanliness, and adherence to health and safety standards.
• Monitor and maintain high standards for drink quality, presentation, and consistency, following the agreed recipes and brand standards.
• Manage inventory levels, ensuring proper stock of supplies and minimising waste through accurate ordering.
• Ensure all food safety and hygiene protocols are strictly followed, and that the café or site appearance is consistently clean and organised.
• Report any equipment and site issues to the Retail & Operations Manager

Site & Shift Management

• Run shifts effectively, ensuring staff are following all procedures, including uniform and till processes.
• Complete and oversee daily, weekly, and monthly paperwork to ensure compliance with operational standards.
• Maintain accurate signage (e.g., tariffs, menus) and ensure quality displays in all areas of the site.
• Assist with scheduling and shift coverage as necessary to support consistent site operations.

Administrative & Reporting Duties

• Track and document trainee progress using our weekly trainee feedback form, maintain accurate training records and noting milestones and areas for development.
• Provide input on trainee performance reviews and readiness for additional responsibilities or potential acceleration to onward employment.
• Work closely with management to enhance training processes and recommend adjustments to improve effectiveness.
• Update and maintain training materials, scheduling training sessions to meet program objectives.

- Person specification

Essential Skills and Attributes

· Positive ‘Can-Do’ Attitude: Enthusiastic and proactive in tackling challenges.

· Barista Knowledge: Proven experience as a barista with strong skills in coffee preparation, understanding of equipment, and quality control.

· Training Ability: Skilled in providing high-quality coffee training, with a supportive and patient approach to teaching.

· Customer Service Excellence: Committed to delivering an outstanding customer experience that fosters a regular customer base.

· Multi-Tasking & Problem-Solving: Capable of handling multiple responsibilities and finding solutions in a fast-paced environment.

· Teamwork & Initiative: Able to work effectively both within a team and independently, adaptable to various roles and flexible with colleagues.

· Interpersonal Skills: Outstanding communication skills, with empathy and understanding for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

· Resilience & Follow-Through: Ability to see tasks through to completion, maintaining high standards even in challenging situations.

· Punctuality & Consistency: Reliable and punctual with regular, consistent attendance.

· Attention to Detail: Keen awareness of surroundings to maintain quality and safety.

· Health & Safety Adherence: Strictly follows health and safety guidelines, with a high standard of cleanliness.

· Commitment to Change Please Mission: Shares a passion for helping people develop personally and professionally within the Change Please community.

Preferred Skills and Experience

· Leadership Experience: Prior experience in training, mentoring, or leading teams within a café or similar environment.

· Operational Efficiency: Able to manage inventory, order supplies, and ensure efficient café operations.

· Organizational Skills: Strong in planning and organizing daily responsibilities with a proactive approach.

· Technical Familiarity: Knowledge of café management software and inventory systems (preferred).

· Certifications: Certification in coffee preparation or barista training is an asset.

· Health & Safety Knowledge: Familiarity with food and beverage health and safety regulations.

Weekly hours: 40 hours

Weekly schedule: Monday to Sunday, 5 shifts weekly

Salary: £ 14.20per hour

Location: our Retail site in central London

- A note about Change Please Job Descriptions

A job description is an outline of this role, setting out the main responsibilities and the skills, knowledge and experience required. It is not intended to be a complete detailed account of all activities involved. We would encourage anyone who has experience that would match this role and wants to join our movement to get in touch.

Change Please is a fast moving, developing business so roles need to be flexible, and we need flexibility from our latest Change-maker!

Change Please is an equal opportunities employer and, as such, we would encourage anyone, from any background, who feels they can excel in this role to come forward. We would always encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds or underrepresented communities.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £14.20 per hour

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Health & wellbeing programme

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekend availability

Application question(s):

• Do you have experience in managing a team? if Yes, please provide some example.
• DO you have experience in delivering coffee training ? if Yes, please provide examples.
• Do you have experience in running shifts in hospitality sites? if Yes, please provide examples.

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person