Caffe Nero Careers UK | Barista & Assistant Manager Jobs
As one of the UK’s most beloved and fastest-growing coffee shop chains, Caffè Nero offers a passionate and creative career in the heart of the thriving café culture. Exploring Caffè Nero careers means joining a family-founded business renowned for its authentic Italian espresso, warm, inviting store atmosphere, and commitment to the art of coffee. In 2026, employment at Caffè Nero presents a unique opportunity to be part of a premium brand that values craftsmanship, community, and continuous growth, both in the UK and across its international estates. With ongoing hiring at Caffè Nero across its 1,000+ locations—from high-street flagship stores and travel hubs to local neighbourhood cafés—the company is seeking dedicated individuals for a wide range of Caffè Nero jobs. Whether you are drawn to the craft of being a Barista, the leadership of store management, the creativity of the support office, or the logistics of supply chain operations, a role here allows you to grow within a company that champions people development and a genuine love for coffee.
The expansion and ethos of the brand ensure opportunities are widespread and meaningful. Each café operates as a hub of the community, requiring teams skilled in genuine hospitality, coffee excellence, and operational efficiency. This makes 2026 an ideal time to pursue Caffè Nero careers, where you can build a rewarding career with a company that invests heavily in training, promotes from within, and fosters a supportive, team-oriented culture. You will be part of a team that takes pride in crafting the perfect coffee, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and upholding the brand’s reputation for quality and authenticity in a competitive market.
| Company Name: | Caffè Nero |
| Employment Type: | Full-time, Part-time, Permanent |
| Job Location: | London, EN, United Kingdom |
| Gender: | Both |
Caffe Nero Careers | Latest Shift Leader and Part time Jobs
A Brief Overview of Caffè Nero
Founded in 1997 by Gerry Ford, Caffè Nero was built on a simple vision: to create a European-style coffee house that focused on great coffee, comfortable surroundings, and a relaxed atmosphere. As a privately-owned company, its core values are deeply rooted in passion, family, integrity, and a relentless focus on quality—principles that have shaped its reputation as a premium, authentic alternative in the UK coffee shop market. The brand is distinguished by its unique, art-filled store designs, its commitment to sourcing high-quality coffee beans through direct relationships with growers, and its dedication to barista craft, setting it apart from more corporate competitors.
The company’s culture is people-focused, passionate, and deeply committed to training and development. Its focus on innovation is balanced with tradition, seen in its seasonal menu innovations, loyalty app development, and store design evolution, all while maintaining the core coffee excellence. Investment in people is paramount, with the renowned “Nero Academy” providing world-class training in coffee knowledge, customer service, and leadership, offering clear pathways from Barista to Store Manager and beyond. Every operational detail is guided by an unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction through authentic service and product quality—creating a “home away from home” where every visit feels special. Working at Caffè Nero means being part of a close-knit community that values craftsmanship and human connection over corporate speed.
Qualifications and Abilities
Success in Caffè Nero jobs is built on a foundation of passion, personality, and a willingness to learn, often outweighing the need for specific prior experience. The hiring requirements at Caffè Nero are designed to find individuals who embody the brand’s warm, authentic, and customer-focused ethos. Specific job qualifications at Caffè Nero vary by role, but a genuine enthusiasm for people and coffee is essential.
- Barista & Team Member Roles:No formal qualifications are required. Key attributes include a friendly, engaging personality, a passion for customer service, willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment, and flexibility for shifts (including early mornings, weekends, and evenings).
- Store Management & Supervisor Roles:Proven experience in hospitality or retail supervision/management is highly beneficial. Strong leadership, commercial acumen (managing labour, waste, GP), and a deep commitment to developing a team are critical. Internal promotion is common.
- Coffee Master/Trainer Roles:Extensive product knowledge, exceptional barista skills, and a passion for teaching and mentoring others. These roles are often filled by internally promoted, experienced baristas.
- Support Centre Roles:For positions in Marketing, Finance, Property, or HR at the London Support Centre, relevant degrees or professional experience in the specific field are typically necessary.
- Key Skills:Exceptional interpersonal skills, resilience, teamwork, a keen eye for detail in presentation and coffee quality, and a positive, can-do attitude are fundamental skills for Caffè Nero jobs.
Good Salary and Benefits
Caffè Nero employee benefits are structured to be competitive within the hospitality sector and reflect the company’s investment in its people. The working perks at Caffè Nero are designed to support well-being, foster loyalty, and make employment rewarding.
- Competitive Hourly Pay & Salary:Attractive pay rates, with clear progression pathways and competitive salaries for management roles.
- Generous Tips:A fair and transparent tronc tips system, shared equally amongst the team.
- Fantastic Discounts:Free drinks on shift and a 50% employee discount on food and drinks when off-duty.
- Nero Academy Training:Unrivalled investment in your development, from initial Barista certification to advanced coffee knowledge and leadership programmes.
- Pension Scheme:A workplace pension with company contributions.
- Career Progression:A stellar reputation for promoting from within, with a high percentage of Store Managers and Area Managers having started as Baristas.
- Holiday Pay:Paid holiday entitlement that increases with length of service.
- Cycle to Work Scheme:A tax-efficient bike purchase scheme.
What is the Process for Applying for Caffè Nero Careers?
The application process for Caffè Nero vacancies is welcoming and straightforward, designed to assess cultural fit and potential. To successfully apply for Caffè Nero jobs, follow these steps which emphasise personality and passion.
- Find Your Local Café:Visit the official Caffè Nero Careers website and use the store locator to find vacancies near you. You can also inquire in-store—often the best way to show initiative.
- Prepare to Show Your Passion:Think about why you want to work for Nero specifically. Prepare examples of your customer service ethic and team spirit.
- Online Application:Complete the simple online application form, which focuses on your availability and motivation. You can also apply in-person by asking for an application form from the Store Manager.
- Trial Shift/Interview:The cornerstone of the process. Successful applicants are almost always invited for a paid trial shift. This is a practical assessment of your interaction with customers and the team, followed by an informal interview with the manager.
- Offer & Onboarding:After a successful trial, a formal offer is made. You will then undergo the comprehensive “Welcome to Nero” induction and training programme at the Nero Academy or in-store.
Available Job Opportunities
| Job Title | Key Requirements | Location |
| Store Manager | Experience in hospitality management; strong leadership & coaching skills; commercial focus on GP and labour; passion for the brand. | London |
| Barista | Passion for coffee and people; no experience needed (full training provided); friendly, team-oriented attitude. | London |
| Shift Leader | Experience as a Barista; natural leadership ability; reliability and strong organisational skills; customer-focused. | London |
| Senior Marketing Manager, New Channels | First and foremost, strong UK FMCG Grocery experience is essential. This must be coupled with a solid understanding of the UK grocery market and its key drivers. | London |
| Assistant Manager | Multi-site hospitality management experience; strong commercial and people-development skills; extensive travel. | London |
| Marketing Executive | Degree or experience in Marketing; creativity; understanding of the hospitality/retail sector; digital marketing skills. | London |
Please note: The above table lists example roles. For the most current and comprehensive list of vacancies, always refer to the official Caffè Nero Careers website or inquire in-store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need previous barista experience to apply?
A: No, absolutely not. Caffè Nero is renowned for its training. They look for people with the right attitude—friendly, passionate about service, and eager to learn. All coffee craft skills are taught through their comprehensive academy training.
Q: Are the trial shifts paid?
A: Yes. All trial shifts at Caffè Nero are paid at the standard hourly rate for the role. They are designed to be a realistic preview of the job for both you and the manager.
Q: What are the opportunities for career progression?
A: They are exceptional. Caffè Nero has one of the strongest internal promotion cultures in the sector. Dedicated Baristas can progress to Shift Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Store Manager, and into Area Management or Support Centre roles. The training academy actively supports this journey.
Q: What is the employee discount?
A: Employees receive free drinks on shift and a 50% discount on all food and drinks when they are off-duty, in any Caffè Nero store.
Q: What is the work culture like in the stores?
A: The culture is typically described as supportive, team-oriented, and passionate. There is a strong focus on coffee quality and genuine customer connection rather than just transaction speed. It’s a sociable environment where teamwork is essential to create the welcoming “Nero” atmosphere.
