About the Role: Responsibilities, Skills, and Requirements
Introduction
Ever dreamed of being the person who makes someone’s day with a perfectly poured flat white? Or the friendly face that turns a quick coffee break into a genuine moment of connection? If so, we’ve got a spot for you. We’re looking for a Head Barista and a Waiter/Waitress to join the growing family at 20UR Café, located in the vibrant Makani Mall, Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi. This isn’t just another service job — it’s a chance to be part of a café that’s quickly becoming a local favorite, where quality and hospitality go hand in hand.
About the Company
20UR Café isn’t your run-of-the-mill coffee shop. We’re a place where the aroma of freshly ground beans mingles with laughter and conversation, where regulars are greeted by name, and where the team genuinely enjoys working together. We pride ourselves on a culture that values craftsmanship, warmth, and a little bit of fun — because let’s be honest, coffee is serious business, but that doesn’t mean we can’t smile while we do it. We’re in a growth phase, which means there’s real room for you to make your mark, grow your skills, and help shape what we become next.
What You’ll Be Doing (Responsibilities)
For the Head Barista:
- Own the espresso bar like it’s your personal stage — dialing in, tasting, and perfecting every shot that goes out.
- Lead and inspire the front-of-house team, setting the pace and the standard for service.
- Keep the coffee station spotless, stocked, and ready for anything, from the 7 a.m. rush to the afternoon lull.
- Train and mentor junior staff on latte art, brewing techniques, and the little details that make a big difference.
- Manage inventory for beans, milk, and syrups — because running out of oat milk mid-morning is simply not an option.
For the Waiter/Waitress:
- Greet guests with a genuine smile and make them feel at home from the moment they walk in.
- Take orders accurately and efficiently, even when the café is buzzing and you’ve got six tables going at once.
- Serve food and drinks with care, checking in on guests to make sure everything’s just right.
- Keep your section tidy and welcoming, clearing tables and resetting them for the next guest.
- Work hand-in-hand with the kitchen and barista team to keep the whole floor running smoothly.
What You’ll Bring (Qualifications)
Must-Haves:
- Previous experience in the same or similar position — we’re not looking for someone to learn on the job here.
- Excellent customer service skills — you genuinely enjoy making people happy, and it shows.
- A presentable, professional appearance and demeanor that reflects our brand.
- A team-player mindset with a strong sense of responsibility; we win together and we hustle together.
- For the Head Barista role: solid specialty coffee knowledge, from latte art to brew ratios, plus proven experience managing a team.
Nice-to-Haves:
- Familiarity with POS systems and cash handling.
- Basic knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
- A knack for remembering regulars’ orders — trust us, they’ll love you for it.
Not sure you tick every box? We’d still love to hear from you. Sometimes the right attitude beats a perfect resume.
Why You’ll Love Working Here (Benefits & Perks)
- A supportive, close-knit team that feels more like a second family than coworkers.
- The chance to grow with a café that’s expanding — your ambition won’t go unnoticed here.
- Competitive salary and tips that reflect your hard work.
- Flexible scheduling that respects your life outside work.
- Free coffee on shift, obviously — plus the opportunity to taste and learn about new beans and brewing methods.
- A lively, modern work environment in one of Abu Dhabi’s up-and-coming shopping destinations.
At the end of the day, we want you to come to work feeling excited, leave feeling proud, and maybe even pick up a new skill or two along the way. If this sounds like your kind of place, we’d love to meet you. Send your CV to our WhatsApp and let’s start this conversation.
Common Interview Questions and Tips
To help you prepare and feel confident, here are some questions you might encounter during the interview process for this role.
Walk me through how you’d handle a morning rush where the line is out the door, three drinks are backed up, and a regular is waiting for their usual — what does your prioritization look like in that moment?
For the Head Barista role: describe your process for dialing in a new batch of beans. What variables do you adjust first, and how do you know when you’ve nailed it?
Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult or unhappy customer. What did you say, and how did you turn the situation around?
How do you keep your cool when the café is understaffed and you’re juggling both barista duties and floor service? Give me a real example of how you managed that.
For the Head Barista: how would you go about training a new junior team member on latte art and brewing techniques? What’s your approach to giving feedback without crushing their confidence?
Imagine a colleague is consistently showing up late and leaving the team short-handed. How would you handle that as a teammate — and how would you handle it differently if you were the Head Barista?
What does great customer service mean to you, beyond just taking orders and delivering food? Can you share a moment where you went the extra mile for a guest?
For the Head Barista: walk me through how you manage inventory for beans, milk, and syrups. How do you forecast what you’ll need, and what’s your system for avoiding those mid-morning oat milk emergencies?
Describe a time you made a mistake on the job — maybe a wrong order or a botched pour. How did you own it, and what did you learn from it?
What do you think makes a café feel welcoming and warm, not just efficient? How would you contribute to that vibe at 20UR Café?
For the Waiter/Waitress role: how do you keep track of multiple