Job title: Full-Time Shift Lead
Location: Canon Drive
Reports to: Cafe Manager
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Wage: $19.42/hr + tips ($23.50 - $28.50/hr approximately)
The Shift Lead is responsible for supporting daily cafe operations while helping lead the team through busy and fast-paced shifts. This role acts as a key support partner to café leadership by driving hospitality standards, maintaining operational flow, coaching team members, and ensuring consistency in service and product quality. Shift Leads help set the tone on the floor through accountability, communication, and a hands-on leadership approach.
What You'll do
Customer Service & Hospitality
- Lead by example in delivering exceptional hospitality and upholding Alfred service standards at all times.
- Provide confident, solutions-oriented leadership during shifts to ensure smooth and efficient cafe operations.
- Create a welcoming environment for guests while serving as a role model for customer engagement and professionalism.
- Address guest questions, concerns, and escalated situations thoughtfully and in alignment with Alfred Hospitality standards.
- Maintain a strong understanding of all cafe offerings, including beverages, food items, and service standards, while supporting team knowledge and development.
Team Leadership & Development
- Foster a collaborative, team-oriented culture built on accountability, communication, and recognition.
- Support onboarding and training efforts through coaching, feedback, and reinforcement of operational standards.
- Develop barista product knowledge, including coffee and tea origins, flavor profiles, and preparation techniques.
- Build strong relationships with team members by understanding individual motivations, strengths, and opportunities for growth.
- Assist management with staffing support, floor coverage adjustments, and shift flow decisions.
- Delegate responsibilities effectively and ensure tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
- Support performance accountability and policy adherence in partnership with management.
Cafe Operations
- Oversee daily cafe operations to ensure quality, consistency, cleanliness, and operational excellence.
- Maintain an organized, stocked, and sanitary cafe environment throughout opening, mid, and closing shifts.
- Ensure all food and beverage items are prepared according to Alfred standards for quality, presentation, and timeliness.
- Support inventory management, product organization, and receiving deliveries.
- Manage register operations, cash handling procedures, tip distribution, and employee timekeeping.
- Conduct daily temperature logs and ensure compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
- Utilize operational communication tools, including Slack, email, and Daily Cafe Logs, to maintain alignment across teams.
- Anticipate cafe and guest needs by proactively monitoring the floor and adjusting workflow as needed.
Workplace Standards & Compliance
- Promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for both guests and employees.
- Complete and document incident reports for employee or guest injuries and communicate incidents to management promptly.
- Follow all company policies, procedures, and operational guidelines outlined in the Employee Handbook.
- Support additional responsibilities and operational needs as assigned.
Qualifications
- Previous cafe, coffee, or restaurant experience preferred, but not required.
- Passion for hospitality and creating exceptional guest experiences.
- Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while maintaining composure under pressure.
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn and grow.
- Flexibility to attend occasional trainings or team meetings outside of regularly scheduled shifts.
- Maintain reliable attendance and consistent availability, including a minimum commitment of three shifts per week.
- Full-time employees must maintain an average of 30 hours per week to retain full-time status.
Physical Requirements
- Lift and carry up to 20 pounds without assistance.
- Move quickly and efficiently throughout the cafe in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintain strong close-range vision and attention to detail for drink preparation, cash handling, and order accuracy.
- Bend, squat, reach, and perform cleaning, stocking, and other operational tasks as needed.
- Remain on feet for extended periods throughout scheduled shifts.
- Comfortably operate a POS system, cash register, or tablet device to accurately process customer orders and payments.
- Demonstrate the hand dexterity and coordination needed to safely and efficiently operate espresso machines, steamers, grinders, and other cafe equipment while preparing beverages to company standards.
Benefits & Perks
- Wage: $19.42/hr + tips ($23.50 - $27.50 per hour approximately)
- Medical, Dental, & Vision coverage
- Paid time off accruals
- 401(k) eligibility after 12 months of employment
- Free shift drinks and employee discounts
- Growth and advancement opportunities
- Open Path Collective - Therapy Membership Reimbursement
- Employee referral bonuses
- Creative and collaborative team culture
About Alfred
Alfred first opened in 2013 on Melrose Place with a singular vision: to become the neighborhood coffee shop of LA. Fueled by consistent innovation, everyday excellence, and creative partnerships, Alfred delivers a whole experience – all part of our ongoing mission to invite everyone into our world and give them every reason to stay. With more than 20 locations across Los Angeles and beyond, Alfred continues to set the bar for coffee culture worldwide.