Tea Master Barista

As a Tea Master / Barista you will be the builder of our drink program, developing new tea recipes, refining brewing processes, and scaling a tea menu that fits our vibe and pace. You will collaborate with the floor team and management to launch seasonal drinks and raise in-store standards. Your Growth & Impact Expand your craft knowledge through hands-on menu development and tasting sessions with peers. Build a visible portfolio of signature drinks that customers ask for by name. Strengthen leadership skills by coaching junior baristas and sharing best practices. Broaden your network across Malaysian F&B through pop-ups, events, and supplier relationships. Elevate your career readiness for supervisory or specialty beverage roles in cafes and boutique tea houses. Responsibilities Beverage Craft & Quality Prepare tea-based and coffee-based drinks to consistent recipes, controlling extraction, temperature, and timing for each cup. Create and test new tea blends and seasonal drinks, recording recipes and brewing parameters for repeatability. Maintain sensory checks and tasting notes to ensure flavour quality across shifts. Manage milk steaming and latte art techniques to meet our presentation standards. Guest Experience & Service Serve guests with a warm, knowledgeable approach that explains drink options and brewing methods. Handle orders, upsells, and special requests accurately while keeping service times efficient. Resolve simple guest concerns professionally and escalate operational issues to shift lead when needed. Keep the front counter and display area welcoming and stocked with promotional materials. Operations & Training Run daily opening and closing checks, including equipment start-up, cleaning, and calibration. Track inventory of teas, coffee, milk, and perishables and notify managers when stocks run low. Follow food safety and hygiene routines, and assist in basic equipment maintenance. Train and mentor new hires on drink preparation, POS use, and service flow. Requirements Qualifications & Experience Minimum 2 years of experience as a barista or in a tea-focused role in a cafe or specialty beverage outlet. Preferably some experience developing drink recipes or running tasting panels. Basic food handling or hygiene certification is preferred but not mandatory if you have relevant experience. Flexible to work shifts, weekends, and occasional events as business needs require. Hard Skills & Knowledge Strong practical knowledge of tea brewing methods and coffee extraction techniques. Competence with commercial espresso machines, grinders, kettles, and scales. Familiarity with POS systems and basic stock counting procedures. Understanding of food safety, allergen awareness, and proper cleaning protocols. Soft Skills & Qualities Friendly, patient communicator who enjoys customer interactions and explaining menu choices. Attention to detail and consistency in drink preparation and presentation. Willingness to teach others and receive feedback to improve service and product quality. Calm under busy service pressure and comfortable working in a fast-paced cafe environment.