Student CEO (SCEO) - RADFORD UNIVERSITY

Saxbys•Radford, VA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student CEO leads all aspects of a Saxbys cafe operation at Radford University while gaining real-world entrepreneurial experience through Saxbys' Experiential Learning Platform. The role gives an undergraduate student ownership of a business and develops leadership skills in team development, community engagement, and financial management. This is a full-time, seasonal, hourly, non-exempt position working in person at the assigned cafe and overseeing one cafe. The position supervises an average of 15 direct reports. The Student CEO builds and leads a high-performing team of peers; establishes the cafe as a community cornerstone; manages sales growth, labor costs, inventory, profitability, and operating efficiency; and represents Saxbys on campus. The role collaborates with the Operations Lead on strategic initiatives and performance updates, with the Marketing Team on content and promotional efforts, and with the Recruiting Team on talent identification, development, and succession planning. Success is measured by achieving or exceeding budgeted revenue and Net Operating Income targets, developing at least 30% of cafe staff into Team Leads, and maintaining guest satisfaction metrics above 4.5/5. Candidates should be confident communicators, effective developers of individual contributors, skilled at prioritization, adaptable, capable of autonomous problem-solving, and financially astute.

Requirements

Must be an undergraduate student of the partner organization in good academic standing.
Must have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies.
Demonstrated leadership experience in academic, professional, or volunteer settings.
Ability to work 30–40 hours per week during cafe operating hours.
Ability to stand, walk, and smile for extended periods.
Ability to stoop and kneel.
Ability to push, pull, lift, or carry up to 35 lbs.
Ability to ascend or descend ladders, stairs, and ramps.
Support, exhibit, and promote Saxbys' Mission and Core Values in daily activities.

Nice To Haves

Prior Saxbys cafe experience.
Experience in customer service, hospitality, or retail.

Responsibilities

Build and lead a high-performing team of peers through recruiting, training, coaching, and performance management.
Create a positive work environment that reflects Saxbys' values and culture.
Establish the cafe as a community cornerstone through hospitality, partnerships, and initiatives.
Manage sales growth, labor costs, inventory, profitability, and operational efficiency while maintaining product quality and guest experience standards.
Represent Saxbys on campus and communicate its mission, values, and Experiential Learning Platform to stakeholders, guests, and potential team members.
Collaborate with the Operations Lead on strategic initiatives, provide regular updates on cafe performance, and implement feedback to improve operations.
Generate social media content, implement local marketing initiatives, and execute promotional campaigns in collaboration with the Marketing Team.
Assist the Recruiting Team in identifying, recruiting, and developing talent for cafe positions and future Student CEO succession planning.
Support, exhibit, and promote Saxbys' Mission and Core Values in daily activities.
Work toward cafe revenue and Net Operating Income targets, Team Lead development goals, and guest satisfaction goals.