Shift Lead | Washington, D.C.

Blank Street•Washington, DC

11h•$20 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The Shift Lead is a hands-on floor leader who helps bring Blank Street’s mission to life by ensuring smooth store operations and creating a welcoming experience for customers and Baristas. Working closely with the manager, the Shift Lead leads by example, motivates the team, and helps set the store up for success in a fast-paced hospitality environment. The role includes explaining menu items and guiding customers, preparing drinks to recipe standards, and coaching Baristas on recipes and techniques. The Shift Lead opens and closes the store, runs operations when the General Manager is absent, prepares ingredients and stock for shifts, maintains service speed, manages inventory and waste, and helps resolve customer issues. The Shift Lead also maintains cleanliness, presentation, safety, and compliance standards; completes daily checks and troubleshoots equipment; trains new hires according to the manager’s onboarding plan; and supports the team as a reliable point of contact. The position is full-time, 30–40 hours per week over 4–5 days, with availability for two peak days and weekends and holidays.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience in a customer service leadership position, such as Shift Leader, Shift Supervisor, or Key Holder.
At least 18 years of age.
Able to lift 25+ lbs and stand for long periods.
Authorized to work in the U.S.; employment authorization is verified through E-Verify after acceptance of an offer and completion of Form I-9.
Availability that meets store needs, including 30–40 hours per week over 4–5 days and availability for two peak days.
Weekend and holiday availability.
Ability to guide and motivate a team, lead by example, and support others.
Strong hospitality orientation and care for customer and employee experiences.
Clear communication, teamwork, and a positive approach to supporting colleagues.
Ability to stay calm, focused, and organized in a fast-paced environment, including busy rush periods.
Attention to detail in presentation, compliance, and cleanliness.
Curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to learn products and operating procedures.

Nice To Haves

Customer service leadership experience in hospitality, coffee, or beverage.

Responsibilities

Explain menu items, including classic, signature, and limited-time drinks, and help customers choose products.
Prepare drinks according to recipe and preparation standards and model those standards for peers.
Coach Baristas on recipes, techniques, and latte art.
Open and close the store independently, completing required checklists and procedures.
Run the store when the General Manager is absent.
Prepare shifts by batching ingredients, stocking supplies, and keeping the counter organized.
Follow the shift plan, identify and address bottlenecks and stockouts, and manage speed of service.
Receive and organize stock, support inventory ordering and counts, and take ownership of these tasks when the General Manager is absent.
Reduce waste by preparing batches according to demand.
Greet customers, provide personal and warm service, and set a positive tone on the floor.
Resolve customer issues with care and escalate issues to the General Manager when needed.
Maintain cleanliness and presentation standards across the floor and back of house, and give peers feedback when standards slip.
Complete safety and cleaning checklists and troubleshoot equipment, escalating unresolved issues to the General Manager.
Carry out the General Manager’s onboarding plan and train new hires at each station during shifts.
Support and motivate peers, provide in-the-moment feedback, and serve as a point of contact when the General Manager is away.