News & Stories
Meet our WA Starbucks Store Managers
Did you know that Starbucks recently joined the Western Australian coffee scene for the first time in October 2024?
Since then, the locals have been loving this new caffeinated pit stop. Between blended beverages, classic espressos, our range of merch and a selection of tasty bites on offer, they can’t get enough.
So, we thought we’d introduce you to some friendly faces you might be seeing a little more often; the WA Store Managers!
Next Stop: Starbucks Western Australia
Since opening our first Starbucks Australia store (many, many years ago!), Aussies have adored the hand-crafted delights on offer. But it wasn’t really fair that the west should miss out, right?
That’s why we made our next destination Western Australia. And since then, it’s been Frappuccinos® aplenty and Iced Shaken Espressos galore.
If you’ve already paid a visit to one of our WA stores, you might recognise the faces below. If not, why not get acquainted and then head in to say hi?
Introducing Sarah from Starbucks Murdoch
Q: Where did your Starbucks story begin?
A: I was travelling through New Zealand in 2019 and had moved to Rotorua for the last six months of my trip. I walked into Starbucks for a coffee and walked out with a job. 😊
Q: Can you tell us about a typical day in the life of a Starbucks Store Manager?
A: Each day is different, and that’s what I love most about being a Store Manager! I also love nothing more than being on the floor, interacting with our amazing customers and training our new Shift Supervisors.
Q: Why do you love Starbucks?
The culture and inclusivity!
Q: When did you visit Starbucks for the first time?
A: Back in 2018 in Dunedin, New Zealand. I wanted to try the Pumpkin Spice Latte for the first time.
Q: Go-to Starbucks order?
A: An extra strong, Tall Cold Brew with two pumps of White Mocha (shaken), then Brown Sugar Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam on top. It’s the best beverage, and you will not be able to convince me otherwise.
Q: Craziest custom drink you’ve ever made?
A: The craziest would have been the Polyjuice Potion Frappuccino from the ‘Starbucks Secret Menu’ in New Zealand. It was a blended Strawberry and Creme Frappuccino with Vanilla Syrup and a White Mocha and Matcha powder drizzle lining the cup.
Q: If you could make one seasonal drink all year around, what would it be?
A: The Gingerbread Syrup – for my cold brew!
Q: Best thing about working at Starbucks?
A: The team.
Q: Favourite snack while on break?
A: Salted Caramel Macarons.
Q: If your friends had to describe you as a Starbucks beverage, which one would it be and why?
A: I asked three people I work with and got the following:
Dawa: A Cappuccino because they’re the easiest drink to make and you’re so easy to work with.
Haley: A Cold Brew with a dash of cinnamon because of your energy – but just a little bit of sweetness.
Anna: An Iced Shaken Espresso because of the energy and vibes you bring, but also being the most wanted drink – everyone wants to work with you!
Want to meet Sarah? Head to the Murdoch store at 170 Murdoch Drive for a hand-crafted beverage made by one of our best!
Say hi to Analiz, Store Manager at Piara Waters
Q: Why do you love Starbucks?
A: I resonate a lot with Starbucks’ focus on culture and human connections. I also enjoy the opportunity to see partners (employees) journey from their ‘green bean’ phases when they begin, right through to roles like Assistant Store Managers, Store Managers and District Coffee Masters. It’s a place where you are seen as a person and not a number.
Q: What does your day-to-day look like here?
A: My typical day starts with me greeting the team and making my half-full Americano with three Blonde Espresso shots. Then, I’ll catch up with the partners and see where they’re at before jumping on the floor to help the team run the day!
Q: Tell us about your Starbucks story.
A: I started at Starbucks around eight years ago in Melbourne’s Elizabeth St store – it was the first time I had ever made a coffee. Later on, I moved to help open Werribee Starbucks for a few months before receiving a promotion.
Over the years, I’ve moved around the stores from Melbourne Central to 295 Swanston St to 117 Swanston St, each time improving my skills and moving into positions with more responsibility.
Seven months ago, I took a leap of faith and accepted a role as one of the Store Managers in the very first Starbucks Western Australia store. We were tasked with training 50 partners in a matter of months before the big launch!
Q: What’s the best part of your role?
A: The people. Hands down. I’ve met lifelong friends in this company and built networks and connections like no other.
Q: What’s your favourite Starbucks order?
A: A half-full Short Americano with three shots of Blonde Espresso. If I’m feeling wild, I’ll add a dash of almond milk.
Q: If you could make any seasonal drink all year around, what would it be?
A: The Honey Nougat range!
Q: Favourite Starbucks memory?
A: At a Starbucks store in Singapore, we experienced a live demonstration of coffee brewed with the Clover machine. We also got to taste it and it was beyond any of the other brews I’ve had before!
Q: Favourite break-time snack?
A: A Confetti Cookie dipped in my Americano 🙂
Q: What’s the craziest custom drink you’ve ever made?
A: A Venti Espresso Frappuccino with fresh cream instead of whole milk, extra ice, double blended, with an extra shot and caramel drizzle on top. Shaken. (I’m kidding.)
Q: Which beverage would your Starbucks team describe you as most like?
A: The Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, because I’m apparently a strong black coffee with a little added sweetness (but nothing overpowering).
Make a trip to the Piara Waters store to meet Analiz and try one of her classic half-full Americanos. You can find the team at 12 Erade Drive, Piara Waters.
We’d also love to give a shoutout to two other WA Store Managers – Amber, who works at the recently-opened Clarkson store and Mel, who heads up our fresh Ellenbrook venue!
Interested in working at Starbucks?
With the unbeatable Starbucks company culture, the chance to forge lifelong friendships and progress into leadership roles (plus, a free coffee every day!) it’s easy to understand why our Starbucks partners love working with us.
If you’re keen on joining the team, we’re always on the lookout for Baristas to Store Managers and every role in between.
Starbucks Australia careers are calling
Whether you’re after a position in one of our Starbucks Perth locations or elsewhere in the country, we’d love to hear from you.
No matter which store you join, you’ll receive free training and get the chance to work in an environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
If you’d like to apply, view our current openings on our website. Or visit us in-store to meet the team and introduce yourself.
Questions? Read our Career FAQs or get in touch if you can’t find the answer.
We can’t wait to hear from you!