Full-Time Head Barista / Manager

About the role

We’re looking for an exceptional Head Barista / Manager to lead our Highbury site, primarily taking ownership of our coffee programme behind the bar, across retail, and managing the day-to-day running of Profile alongside your Line and operational Manager. This is a rare, full-time senior opportunity to work closely with La Cabra, some of the best equipment in the industry and a friendly, skilled team, while building lasting relationships with the coffee community, our customers, clients and partners.

This is a customer-focused role and will suit someone who wants ownership, responsibility and impact. We’re looking for someone who brings energy and engages confidently with customers, while maintaining the high standards and attention to detail that define Profile.

A minimum of 2+ years' experience managing a high-volume speciality coffee shop and a strong barista background with excellent speciality coffee knowledge is required.

Responsibilities

Coffee & Retail - Lead on coffee quality, retail offerings, and relationships with our house roaster, La Cabra, and our guest roaster programme. Manage behind-the-bar coffee service, retail offerings and orders (including house espresso, guest espresso, hot filter, iced filter, pour-over and retail coffee selections)

Operations & Commercial Performance - Step confidently into any bar position, taking ownership of day-to-day operations, sales, costs and overall site performance. Implement workflow improvements and handle waste reduction initiatives

Team Leadership & Development - Show up for your team (Inclusively, supportively, and genuinely invested in their growth) by spotting individual development needs, build personalised plans with your Line Manager, and contribute to SOPs that raise the bar for standards for your team

Hospitality & Customer Experience - Deliver warm, attentive hospitality and create meaningful guest experiences that bring the menu and coffee programme to life

Sales, Events & Business Development - Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, roasters, and the wider coffee community, including coordinating and hosting guest shifts, collaborations, and pop-up events.

Health, Safety & Compliance - Keep the shop clean and welcoming, and uphold all health & safety, food safety, allergen, HACCP, COSHH and waste management standards every shift.

Equipment & Suppliers - Act as the primary liaison with technical suppliers regarding equipment servicing, maintenance, and repairs. Oversee daily equipment maintenance, train the team on proper care and monitor water quality

Management - At ease taking responsibility for all operational and commercial performance as the manager on shift, in the absence of your Line or Operational Manager.

About You

We're looking for someone who can take ownership. The successful candidate understands how people, product, hospitality, operations and commercial performance work together and takes responsibility on the floor as a confident, hands-on leader. You’ll lead with a focus on exceptional hospitality, people, quality and attention to detail while understanding the bigger picture, and are excited by the opportunity to help grow develop an established independent business working closely alongside the Directors to bring our coffee programme to life.

Requirements

A minimum of 2+ years' experience managing a high-volume speciality coffee shop.

Strong barista background with excellent speciality coffee knowledge, origins & different brewing methods

Confidence dialling in, texturing milk to silky perfection, and highly experienced in different brewing methods, roasting styles, equipment & machinery.       

Highly organised, detail-orientated and naturally pro-active.

Passionate about coffee, food, hospitality and service.

Strong communication and people-management skills.

60 minutes or less commute with a flexibility to work weekends, public holidays and the needs of the business.

Pay, Working Hours and Scheduling

The role is offered at a base hourly rate of £16.00 per hour, plus Tronc.

Full-time hours will be worked on a rota basis, with rotas published 2–4 weeks in advance. You will typically work 4–5 days per week, primarily across daytime opening shifts.

Full weekend availability is required.

Role Benefits

Free staff meals, tea and coffee on shift

Half-hour paid lunch break

25% retail discount 

Workplace pension with a 3% employer contribution

Work life balance : Shifts under 10 hours and evenings off

28 Days paid holiday (pro-rata for full time employees)

Company Socials: Coffee cuppings, summer socials and our annual Christmas party bringing everyone together to connect and have a great time!

Why Profile?

Profile is an independent specialty coffee shop in the heart of Highbury, built around exceptional coffee, thoughtful hospitality and a strong connection to the local community.

We've been fortunate to be recognised by London Coffee Guide, Indy Coffee Guide, TopJaw and GQ, while working with some of the best people and businesses across the coffee and hospitality industry.

The Head Barista / Manager will play a meaningful role working closely with the Directors, leading a brilliant team and helping shape a cafe that is an important part of the North London community. This is an opportunity to have real ownership, creative freedom and the potential to grow alongside the business.

Interested?

We hire for positive attitude across team culture, high-quality standards, and passion for curiosity.

Due to the number of applications, we can only respond to those that include all relevant information going forward to interview.

Please apply by email to [email protected] providing:

- A cover letter introducing yourself, relative experience and why you'd be a good fit for the role

- Your machinery, equipment and different brew methods knowledge

- Photos of your Latte art

- Available start date

We look forward to meeting you!

Work closely with La Cabra and some of the best coffee equipment in the industry - With a trip to the new La Cabra brew bar/roastery in Copenhagen, including flights and one night's hotel accommodation, following successful completion of probation and subject to business arrangements.

Lead Profile's annual La Cabra cupping in collaboration with their EU team.

Creative freedom to develop menus, events, workshops and collaborations (including our annual pop up at London Design Festival)

Significant autonomy and direct access to the Directors.

Opportunity for career progression as the business continues to grow.