Barista Customer Service Associate

Job Description

Overview of the Role

As a Barista & Customer Service Associate for Al-Futtaim Retail (Marks & Spencer), you will be the face of our “Aspirational Hospitality.” Your mission is to blend technical coffee expertise with premium retail standards, ensuring every guest experiences the unique quality that sets our café apart from the competition. You will manage a fresh, high-standard counter environment while proactively driving sales through product knowledge and genuine engagement.

Job Duties

• Master the Art of Presentation: Prepare food and beverage products with a focus on visual flair, quality, and efficiency, adhering strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Maintain Brand Excellence: Execute “Ready to Trade” and product specification checklists to ensure opening and closing standards are flawlessly met.

• Champion “Clean as You Go”: Implement rigorous hygiene principles across all kits, counters, and seating areas to ensure a pristine environment.

• Drive Commercial Success: Actively monitor sales targets and use upselling techniques to promote “Perfect Partner” pairings and seasonal deals.

• Educate the Palate: Conduct targeted product tastings to increase customer awareness and highlight the “Marks & Spencer Point of Difference.”

• Manage Inventory Integrity: Perform bi-weekly stock counts, record waste accurately, and ensure the cold chain/frozen temperature requirements are never compromised.

• Omnichannel Support: Assist customers across all shopping modes, including takeaway, menu orders, and specialized “Call and Collect” services.

• Ensure Safety & Compliance: Execute Date Expired Food (DEF) processes and hot food temperature due diligence to maintain a 100% safe and legal working environment.

Requirements

• Dynamic Personality: A friendly, confident, and polite demeanor with the ability to build instant rapport with a diverse public.

• Technical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of F&B retail, fast-moving stock, and nutritional content.

• Physical Resilience: Ability to remain on your feet for a minimum of 8 hours and perform occasional heavy lifting.

• Communication Mastery: Excellent verbal English skills to explain product origins, price ranges, and competitive advantages.

• Team Synergy: A proven ability to work harmoniously within a high-pressure, multicultural team.

• Safety Conscious: High level of personal and food hygiene, including valid F&B certification.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma required; Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

• Experience: 4-5 years of solid experience in the Food & Beverage (F&B) or premium retail sector.

• Track Record: Proven ability to achieve sales goals and maintain accountability in a fast-paced environment.

• Linguistic Skills: Strong English communication; Additional languages ​​are a plus for the Sharjah market.

Job Data Table