EXPERIENCED BARISTA & HOSPITALITY SUPERSTAR

EXPERIENCED BARISTA & HOSPITALITY SUPERSTAR

The Catlins Café and Bakehouse Takeaways is seeking a highly capable, experienced and reliable hospitality professional to join our team on a fixed term contract over the upcoming summer season.
We are looking for an applicant with a proven employment history in the hospitality industry, established barista skills and substantial practical experience within a commercial café or restaurant environment.

The successful applicant must demonstrate confidence, initiative and a strong understanding of professional café operations. They must be capable of working independently, managing competing demands and maintaining consistent standards of coffee preparation, customer service and general operations throughout busy trading periods.

Position Details

● Employment type:Fixed term contract for the upcoming summer season.
● Starting hours: 20 hours per week, with the potential for hours to increase throughout the busy season to full       time hours. Current desirable hours between 8.30-4.00pm
● Availability requirements: Monday to Sunday, across operating hours of 8:30am–7:00pm, extending to 8:00pm during peak summer periods.
● Work environment: A busy café and takeaway operation requiring flexibility, efficiency and a professional approach to hospitality.

This position requires existing industry experience. Applicants must meet all mandatory experience and availability requirements outlined below.

Mandatory Experience & Competency Requirements
1. Minimum One Year of Relevant Hospitality Employment
Applicants must have at least one year of hands on employment experience within an established café or restaurant environment. This experience must demonstrate practical involvement in commercial hospitality operations and an understanding of the standards and expectations associated within the industry.
2. Proven Professional Barista Competency
Applicants must have previous practical experience preparing coffee in a commercial setting and demonstrate confidence in operating professional espresso equipment, adjusting grinder settings, managing coffee extraction, texturing milk and consistently producing quality beverages during service.The successful applicant must possess established barista skills and be capable of preparing coffee to a consistent standard without requiring basic barista training.
3. Demonstrated Experience in Fast Paced Hospitality Operations
Applicants must have experience working efficiently during busy service periods, managing multiple orders, responding to customer requirements and maintaining accuracy, presentation and service standards under pressure.Applicants must have the ability to prioritise tasks, maintain composure and contribute to an efficient workflow during peak trading periods.
4. Comprehensive Understanding of Café Operations
Applicants must demonstrate practical knowledge of day to day café operations, including food and beverage preparation, customer service, cleaning and hygiene standards, food safety practices, equipment care, work station organisation and maintaining a clean and presentable working environment.
5. Ability to Work Independently and Take Initiative
The successful applicant must be capable of carrying out their responsibilities with minimal supervision. They must demonstrate sound judgement, effective time management, initiative and the ability to recognise and prioritise tasks without requiring constant direction. We are seeking someone who can confidently apply their existing knowledge and experience to the role from the get go.
6. Verifiable Hospitality Employment References
Applicants must provide relevant referees from previous hospitality employers who can verify their employment history and speak directly on your practical skills, work performance, reliability and professional conduct.
7. Professional Standards and Reliability
Applicants must demonstrate a strong work ethic, punctuality, accountability, effective communication and a professional approach to their responsibilities. The ability to work cooperatively within a team while maintaining high individual standards is also essential.
8. Full Availability for the Fixed-Term Period
Applicants must be available to work across the required operating hours, including weekdays, weekends , public holidays throughout peak summer trading periods. Flexibility is essential to accommodate changing business demands and increased trading activity throughout the summer season.

Applying
The successful applicant will bring proven practical experience, sound barista skills and the ability to maintain high standards without requiring basic training or ongoing supervision. They must be comfortable working in a demanding hospitality environment, demonstrate initiative and take pride in delivering quality products and professional customer service to our customers.

Applicants are welcome to apply in person or submit an application by email.
Please include:

● A current CV outlining relevant hospitality employment and experience.
● A cover letter detailing your barista skills, previous café or restaurant experience and suitability for the position.
● Contact details for relevant referees from previous hospitality employment and current employment.

Email: catlinscafe2025@gmail.com
Phone: 03 4158040
The Catlins Café and Bakehouse Takeaways