Part-Time Senior Service Associate (Barista)

About the Role

At Plain Vanilla, we believe great coffee, good food and genuine hospitality make a difference. We’re looking for a passionate Senior Service Associate (Barista) who takes pride in crafting quality coffee, creating memorable guest experiences and supporting the team in delivering a great café experience.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your barista skills, take ownership of daily café operations and help guide junior team members while upholding Plain Vanilla’s standards of quality, service and presentation.

What You'll Be Doing

1. Coffee & Beverage Craft

• Prepare quality espresso-based beverages, from dialling in espresso and pulling consistent shots to steaming milk and creating well-textured lattes and cappuccinos.
• Take pride in beverage quality, consistency and presentation, with an eye for detail in every cup.
• Maintain coffee equipment and your workstation to ensure a clean, organised and efficient bar.

2. Shift & Café Operations

• Lead assigned shifts confidently, ensuring smooth daily operations, consistent service quality and adherence to company standards.
• Oversee store opening and closing procedures, maintaining cleanliness, hygiene and tidiness across the café.
• Handle unexpected operational issues proactively and escalate matters when necessary.
• Support the execution of in-store events and activities to ensure smooth operations and a positive guest experience.

3. Product Quality & Inventory

• Maintain the quality and presentation of our coffee, beverages and food offerings.
• Monitor stock levels, support ordering and stock takes, and minimise product waste and inventory discrepancies.
• Ensure products and merchandise are displayed according to brand standards.

4. Guest Experience & Team Development

• Serve customers with warmth and professionalism, providing attentive service and thoughtful recommendations to create a welcoming café experience.
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude and presentable appearance, setting a good example for the team and upholding Plain Vanilla’s brand image and service standards.
• Guide and mentor junior team members, sharing your knowledge and helping them develop their coffee-making and service skills.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment.

What We're Looking For

• Must be able to commit to work for at least 4 months.
• Must be able to work a minimum of 18.5 hours per week (including 1 day on the weekend).
• At least 2 years of experience in F&B or retail, preferably in a café or specialty coffee environment.
• Hands-on coffee-making skills and a genuine interest in espresso, milk texturing and beverage quality.
• Knowledge of bakery and brunch offerings is an advantage.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to manage shifts and support teammates.
• A proactive mindset, strong work ethic and willingness to keep learning.
• Good command of spoken English.

Career Growth & Development

We believe in recognising our team's growth and contributions, with opportunities for career advancement and pay progression as you develop your skills, gain experience and grow with us.

Additional perks if you join us! 

Our staff benefits include:

• 30% staff discount
• 2 free cupcakes every month
• 1 free drink everyday

If you love making great coffee, enjoy taking ownership and want to grow your skills in a café environment that values quality and hospitality, we’d love to meet you!

*Do note that Plain Vanilla is a non-halal establishment.