Shift Lead

Take 5 Car Wash; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Whistle Express is seeking a Shift Lead to set the standard on the lot and lead the team when management is off-site. The role is fast, physical, and highly visible, demanding ownership and accountability to keep the site clean, the team performing, and guests leaving satisfied.

The ideal candidate will guide the crew, open and close procedures, and handle challenges with composure, ensuring safety and quality throughout each shift.

Qualifications

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Able to work outdoors in a fast-paced environment.
• Physically active and attentive to detail.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and provide a positive experience.
• Answer questions about services, wash options, and memberships clearly.
• Promote unlimited wash memberships and other offerings.
• Educate customers on wash packages and services available.
• Observe interactions to identify opportunities to improve service.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Team management

Operations oversight

Safety awareness

Job description

The crew follows your lead. Make it worth following. As a Shift Lead at Whistle Express, you are the standard-setter on the lot. You know the site, you know the crew, and when management is not on-site, you are the one running it. This is not a babysitting role. It is a leadership role for someone who takes ownership seriously and holds the team to the same standards they hold themselves to. The work is fast, physical, and visible. At the end of a good shift, you will know it - because the site is clean, the team delivered, and every guest left better than they arrived.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Engagement

• Greet customers as they arrive and provide a positive, friendly experience.
• Answer customer questions about services, wash options, and memberships clearly and courteously.
• Promote unlimited wash memberships and other offerings to drive engagement and sales.
• Educate new customers on the variety of wash packages and services available.
• Observe customer interactions to identify opportunities to enhance service and provide feedback to the team.

Operations & Safety

• Direct vehicles safely into the wash tunnel, ensuring proper positioning for a smooth process.
• Prepare vehicles for washing by checking for loose items and removing obstacles as needed.
• Monitor equipment during operations, identifying and reporting any malfunctions or issues.
• Follow and enforce all safety protocols to protect customers, team members, and equipment.
• Assist team members in resolving operational issues quickly to keep the site running efficiently.

Team Leadership

• Serve as a key holder and perform opening and closing procedures accurately and on time.
• Lead the team during shifts, providing direction and support in the absence of the Site Leader or Assistant Site Leader.
• Delegate tasks to team members to ensure smooth site operations throughout the shift.
• Monitor team performance and provide guidance or feedback as needed to keep operations on track.
• Handle unexpected challenges or staff issues during the shift, escalating to leadership when necessary.

Attention to Detail

• Inspect each vehicle before and after the wash to ensure it meets Whistle’s quality standards.
• Uphold the “Sparkle Assurance” by checking for missed spots, streaks, or any other issues.
• Report any equipment or operational issues that could affect wash quality.
• Provide feedback or guidance to team members to help maintain consistent wash quality.
• Continuously look for ways to improve processes to exceed customer expectations.

#LI-DNI What We’re Looking For

Ownership is not assigned here. It is demonstrated. You lead by example. The crew watches how you work. Make it worth watching. You hold the line. The standard does not flex based on who is watching. You are a team-first operator. You share the win, and you own the loss. You are physically active and comfortable working outdoors at a pace. Prior leadership or team experience is a plus. The right instincts matter more than the title. Run it like you own it. Do it like it matters. The best version of this industry is still being built. The people building it start here. If you show up like you own it every shift, there is a place here for you.

#LI-DNI Base Pay Range

If you’re ready to take the wheel and drive performance across a growing territory, we want to hear from you.

Take 5 Car Wash is part of the nation’s largest car wash network, with almost 500 locations across the U.S. and still growing. Known for being fast, friendly, and convenient, we’re also committed to being a great place to work. At Take 5, people come first - both our team members and our customers. Do you bring a positive attitude and enjoy being part of something bigger? We’re looking for driven, outgoing individuals who are ready to make an impact. Start your career with Take 5 today. We believe in growing our team from within and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experience levels. Learn with us, grow with us - we’re ready to invest in your success.