Barista Trainer

Change Please Ireland is a charity which launched in August 2024. We are part of a global coffee brand which started in London in 2015 and we put 100% of our profits into employment programmes for people at risk of homelessness.

What makes our programme unique is we have mental health support intertwined within our programme. We work with charities to create employment pathways for work-ready individuals and support them into sustained employment. Our mission is to tackle homelessness through the power of support, employment, social enterprise and great tasting coffee!

Our aim is to create an eco-system of businesses that come together to empower people to break the cycle of homelessness.

We work with organisations to bring their social value commitments to life and create meaningful impact for diverse and marginalised communities.

Role Objective

The 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.

Location

Dublin – Retail Sites

Reporting

The role will report to the Retail & Programme Manager with regular contact and interaction with all members of the Impact team as well as the extended business.

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 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 operations, ensuring smooth service, cleanliness, and adherence to health and safety standards.
• Monitor and maintain high standards for drink quality, presentation, and consistency, adjusting recipes and techniques as needed.
• 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’s appearance is consistently clean and organised.

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, maintaining accurate training records and noting milestones and areas for development.
• Provide input on trainee performance reviews and readiness for additional responsibilities or potential promotion.
• 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.

Essential Skills and Attributes

· Head Barista Experience: Proven experience in a Head Barista role with responsibility for operational standards, team training, and quality control. Strong expertise using traditional espresso machines and commercial grinders, including dial-in adjustments and troubleshooting (bean-to-cup only experience is not sufficient).

· Technical Skills: Advanced espresso preparation and milk texturing skills, with the ability to demonstrate high-quality latte art and train others effectively.

· 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

· SCA Certification in Barista Skills is a plus.

· 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.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: €15.79 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Work Location: In person