Lead Barista
Based in Leiden, starting October '25
Wakuli. Impacting the world with exciting coffee.
While consumers are paying too much for low-quality coffee, farmers are earning below what they need to sustain their livelihoods.
That's why we are all about selling the best coffee. Not just in taste, but also in fair pay for the farmers we work with. Our beans are traceable to the farm and poured by us in your cup or freshly delivered at home through your mailbox. We are a no-nonsense, ambitious start-up with a profound mission: impacting the world with exciting coffee.
We are building the new coffee brand of the 21st century with a team of like-minded innovators and investors from all over the world.
Your role
The search is on for our new Lead Barista for our location in Leiden!
You thrive working alongside a team to deliver the best possible coffee experience . You will support and work closely together with the Store manager to bring Wakuli's promise of accessible specialty coffee to the streets.
You’re eager to take the next step, enthusiastic, want to learn, and ready to dive deeper into the world of coffee, sustainability, and people management.
Does this sound great to you?
Keep reading.
What You’ll Do
You as a Lead Barista
During your working days, you'll be behind the bar — welcoming guests, brewing coffee, sharing the Wakuli story, and ensuring the store is clean and filled with positive energy.
In addition to your regular bar shifts, we ask that you take on a few extra responsibilities.
Additional responsibilities:
Act as shift lead
Assign daily tasks and make sure they are completed.
Solve minor issues on the floor and escalate when needed.
Scheduling
Build and maintain the weekly roster for your store.
Ensure proper shift coverage based on availability and store needs.
Team training & coaching
Train new baristas in service standards, coffee quality and Wakuli culture.
Coach team members on the job and provide regular feedback.
Stock & inventory
Monitor stock levels and place weekly orders (with store manager approval).
Support with monthly inventory counts and ensure stock accuracy.
Store hygiene & safety
Uphold hygiene and safety standards (HACCP).
Ensure a clean, safe and compliant store environment.
What You Bring
At least 2 years of experience in retail or hospitality
Fluent in English and preferably Dutch
Strong knowledge of, or willingness to quickly learn about, specialty coffee
Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence
Available for at least 18 hours per week (3 shifts) — including at least one shift on Saturday or Sunday, and willing to start early (some shifts begin at 6:30 AM)
What We Offer
The opportunity to make a real difference in the world
A pioneering environment with a lot of responsibility and a steep learning curve — we offer ongoing training and knowledge sharing
The best coffee and direct access to all relevant information, including connections with our farmer partners around the world
Talented, international, and impact-driven colleagues (110+ people from 22+ countries) with strong team spirit
€18.48 per hour (incl. holiday pay), depending on experience, with plenty of room to grow into a full-time position and potentially become our next Store Manager
What We Value
At Wakuli, we do everything we can to make great coffee accessible to everyone. Our core values are:
Exceptional service: Top-level service, even under pressure. The bar feels like a neighborhood café where people can relax.
Attention to detail: A clean environment, delicious coffee, and up-to-date knowledge about the origins of our products create an experience worth returning for.
Respect: We work in a team where everyone feels respected and safe to speak their mind.
We make each other better: We give each other feedback on a regular basis in order to make everybody better.
Are you passionate about coffee and people — and want to make a real impact?
Send us a message and let’s have a cup of coffee together!
