Job Description

Where tree-to-cup hospitality meets world-class coffee.

At Qima Cafe, we bring one of the world's most extraordinary coffee journeys directly to London. Part of Qima Coffee - recognised globally for our pioneering sourcing, genetics research, and farmer-first approach - Qima Cafe is a space where storytelling, craft, and hospitality meet in every cup and plated dessert.

We're looking for an experienced and inspiring Guest Experience Lead to join our team. This is a leadership role at the heart of the cafe, where you'll take ownership of the front-of-house experience and ensure every guest leaves with a memorable story to share. From driving sales of high-margin items to coaching the team in real time, you'll play a central role in shaping how Qima Cafe delivers hospitality as we expand our flagship site and launch new concepts.

What you'll do

- Lead the FOH team on the floor, ensuring warm, attentive, and efficient service throughout every shift.

- Drive sales by championing upselling of brunch, plated desserts, and retail items.

- Conduct daily service briefings, keeping the team aligned on promotions, seasonal launches, and daily priorities.

- Train and mentor staff in upselling, guest etiquette, and complaint handling.

- Collaborate with barista and kitchen teams to introduce new menu items and retail products, creating guest-facing talking points and upsell scripts.

- Act as first responder to guest complaints, ensuring quick and thoughtful recovery.

- Oversee FOH stock, consumables, and daily readiness.

What we're looking for

- Proven leadership experience in hospitality, ideally in specialty coffee or premium casual dining.

- A natural host with strong communication skills and a guest-first mindset.

- Ability to coach and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment.

- Commercial awareness with a track record of boosting sales and ATV.

- Passion for hospitality that balances warmth, craft, and efficiency.

- Ambition to grow into higher operational leadership roles as Qima Cafe scales.

What we offer

Competitive pay with performance-based incentives (through our tronc system and team bonuses).

A leadership role with clear progression opportunities across the Origins 1450 ecosystem (spanning coffee sourcing, roasting, advisory, and impact).

Hands-on training in coffee, hospitality, and sales excellence.

Opportunities to contribute to retail launches, seasonal menus, and guest experience projects.

Staff discounts across the group.

A chance to be part of a mission-driven company that values craft, impact, and storytelling.

Location: Covent Garden & Warren Street, London
Hours: Full-time

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 16.00-17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

Company events Employee discount Employee mentoring programme Profit sharing Referral programme Store discount UK visa sponsorship
Application question(s):

Are you available to work weekends and evenings?
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person