SHIFT LEAD

The person who keeps the shift moving, the standards visible, and the team supported.

Reports to

General Manager

Classification

Nonexempt; part-time or full-time based on business needs

Location

Assigned Fat Miilk café; may support other locations as needed

The role

The Shift Lead is a working leader responsible for the quality, pace, and tone of an assigned shift. This role supports the General Manager by directing the floor, protecting product and hospitality standards, completing daily operational responsibilities, and helping newer team members build confidence. A strong Shift Lead notices what is needed, communicates early, and keeps the team aligned without losing warmth or composure.

What you’ll own

• Open or close the café according to checklist, cash, security, sanitation, and readiness standards.
• Assign stations and breaks, adjust deployment as volume changes, and keep service moving with accuracy and urgency.
• Verify beverage quality, recipe execution, presentation, ticket accuracy, prep levels, cleanliness, and guest-facing details throughout the shift.
• Support guest recovery within authority, document material concerns, and escalate safety, employee, equipment, or service issues to the General Manager.
• Complete shift reports, cash counts, waste logs, temperature/safety checks, inventory observations, and other assigned documentation accurately and on time.
• Support receiving, stocking, prep, counts, and inventory organization; communicate low stock or variance before it affects service.
• Guide Training Baristas and Baristas through station standards, opening/closing procedures, product knowledge, and company systems.
• Participate fully on bar, register, handoff, dishes, prep, and cleaning as the business requires.
  

How you'll lead

• Lead through example: arrive prepared, stay aware of the full floor, and take ownership of both visible and behind-the-scenes work.
• Give clear, respectful in-the-moment direction and recognize when an issue requires manager involvement.
• Protect an inclusive and professional environment; interrupt and report conduct that conflicts with Fat Miilk standards.
• Communicate a concise shift handoff so the next team understands wins, risks, inventory, maintenance, and follow-up needs.
  

What we’re looking for

• Previous barista or hospitality experience with demonstrated reliability and strong station performance; leadership experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of espresso, phin coffee, batch brew, tea beverages, food safety, sanitation, and guest service—or the ability to master these through training.
• Clear communication, situational awareness, emotional steadiness, and willingness to make timely decisions.
• Ability to coach peers respectfully and uphold standards consistently, including with friends or more-tenured coworkers.
• Availability for opening, closing, weekend, holiday, training, and meeting coverage based on store needs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and regularly bend, reach, lift, and carry café supplies and equipment consistent with the role.
  

What success looks like

• Shifts begin and end prepared, organized, clean, accurate, and properly handed off.
• The team understands assignments and receives timely direction without unnecessary confusion.
• Products remain consistent and guest concerns are handled calmly, within authority, and with proper documentation.
• Operational reports and cash procedures are accurate, and issues are escalated early.
• Newer team members feel supported while still being held to clear standards.
  

Schedule and compensation

• Schedule: Varies by business need. Must be available for a mix of opening, closing, weekend, holiday, meeting, and training shifts.
• Compensation: Compensation will be based on experience, availability, and the scope of the role. Specific details will be communicated in the written offer letter.
  

Employment standards

This position is subject to Fat Miilk’s Employee Handbook and all current company policies. Employment is at will. Team members are expected to maintain punctual and regular attendance, record time accurately, protect confidential information, follow safety and food-handling requirements, treat coworkers and guests with dignity and respect, use personal phones only as permitted, and care for company property. Reasonable accommodations are available in accordance with applicable law.