Shift Lead

Whistle Express Car Wash; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Whistle Express Car Wash in San Jose, CA is seeking a Shift Lead who sets the standard on the lot and runs the site when management isn’t on-site. This is a leadership role for someone who takes ownership, keeps the team aligned with our standards, and ensures the guest experience is strong.

You’ll lead during fast-paced shifts, engage customers, oversee wash operations and safety, and mentor teammates to deliver a spotless, efficient service.

Qualifications

• Prior leadership or team experience is a plus.
• Physically active and comfortable working outdoors at a pace.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and provide a positive, friendly experience; promote services and memberships.
• Direct vehicles into the wash tunnel and ensure safe, efficient operations.
• Lead the shift, delegate tasks, and supervise team performance to maintain site operations.
• Inspect vehicles pre- and post-wash to uphold Whistle Express quality standards and report issues.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer engagement

Safety awareness

Outdoor work

Leadership experience

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

Most places give you a job. Whistle gives you something to own.

Just a heads-up: if we ever need your personal details for a real job offer, we’ll only ask for them safely through our official HR platform.

Keep shining, and thanks for wanting to be part of our team!

We share the responsibility for creating the best experience for our customers, team members, and facilities.

Be Curious

We have a drive to learn, grow, challenge, and explore better ways of doing things.

Take Accountability

We take ownership of our actions, commitments, and results.

Show respect

We value every person by listening openly, communicating honestly, and treating others with dignity.

Pursue Excellence

We set the bar high, sweat the small stuff, and pursue continuous improvement -together.