XO BARBERS
XO Barber
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JOB SUMMARY
Reports to: XO Barbers General Manager
Location: London – 176 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8ER
Salary: Competitive salary to be discussed at interview
Start Date: November 2026
Hours: 12-16 hours per week starting across four peak hour shifts with opportunity to extend and grow
ABOUT US
Onwards & Upwards is a charity created to directly tackle the cycle of reoffending driven by the barriers to unemployment faced; our purpose is clear and our plan is simple. We will break the cycle of reoffending by starting sustainable social enterprises which train and employ ex-offenders. These must be organisations that people are proud to work for, provide personal and professional development, that operate in high demand sectors, and that showcase the talents and potential of ex-offenders as employees to businesses and society at large.
Our plan in the long-term is to launch, test, and grow a range of social enterprises that all follow this model – of training, supporting and employing ex-offenders in positive environments that are part of a community, with aspirational brands, and with full support for people to grow and move on with their lives.
Our second venture is XO Barbers – where we train people to become qualified barbers and then aim to find them meaningful jobs in the barbering sector. XO Barbers is so proud of its graduating first two classes, as well as having completed four courses in Brixton Prison and to date, cutting 256 heads!
XO Barbers relies on a steady stream of models and clients to allow us to train as much as we possibly can. We currently have a busy website, strong social media, and are building a strong profile in the sector. We, one day, hope to be the destination for a fantastic haircut in the city, and this role will be pivotal in building our reputation as the best bunch of barbers in the business!
THE ROLE – XO BARBER
176 Blackfriars Road is still a new adventure for us, as we’ve only been in situ since December 2025. It has been our training hub since January 2026, and now it is time to make it our first barbershop.
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The space already has some beautiful fixtures and fittings, and it is in standout building. Our staff will be matching the style, giving people a one-off and professional experience.
We are looking for someone who, first and foremost, is a great barber. Someone that knows their style, and knows that they’re really good. Secondly, we would like someone who is already working in this busy area and is able to bring their knowledge of the clientele and what the neighbourhood wants.
Thirdly, we need a person that loves and understands what we do. Yes, we’re a barbershop but the blokes are our product. We need someone that is able to support, mentor, demonstrate and uplift, all whilst getting people swiftly in and out of the chair!
Starting out part-time working Tuesday to Friday afternoon to evening, we hope this role will grow rapidly in terms of responsibility and hours.
Primary Responsibilities
- Supervision and at times management of the barbering space.
- Supporting the daily transition from training to trading centre.
- Overseeing consultation and haircuts for walk-ins and booked clients, whilst managing delivery on your own column.
- Supporting front of house as needed.
- Communication with General Manager in regards to resources needed, breakages, and client issues (complaints).
- Ensure that all work is carried out in compliance with health and safety requirements, ensuring any incidents are reported and accidents resolved.
- Knowledge and use of Booksy and our Point of Sale system (training will be delivered on site).
- The role will also require pitching in, taking on responsibilities and opportunities for organisation wide projects, and taking initiative to complete what needs doing.
THE PERSON
Our hope is to find an energetic, organised, and positive team player, similarly comfortable working independently. It is a very varied role and one that needs calm focus as well as spontaneity and initiative. A desire to build skills will be key, as you will be completing a lot of varied cuts!
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As a rough guide the sorts of skills/qualities we are looking for are:
- An excellent reputation from your clients and the ability to attract clients to XO Barbers.
- A strong set of barbering skills, with willingness to grow into new areas.
- An excellent reputation.
- Perfect punctuality, professionalism, and person skills, letting others learn this from you.
- Excellent organisational skills – every day can be very different but the delivery must always be the same.
- Use of and ability to train on IT systems – Booksy and POS (point of sale) will be used consistently.
- Strong communication and teamwork – a good balance of speaking and listening.
- Ability to manage workload – prioritising and balancing focus between cutting, supervising, and at times managing the space.
HOW TO APPLY
If you would like an informal conversation before applying, have any specific questions, or would like the chance to come and talk through in person please do email Benji at benji@xobarbers.com.
To apply please send an up-to-date CV and one 150 word Expression of Interest covering your suitability for the role to maria@onwardsandupwards.uk. We will be reviewing applications as they come in so do please register your interest so we can invite you in for a trade test.
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to provide two references.
We are particularly interested in improving the diversity of our team. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled and experienced people, particularly from candidates with lived experience of the criminal justice system and those from black and minoritised backgrounds, who are underrepresented in the sectors we are working in.
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