Shift Lead

Groundwork Coffee; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Groundwork Coffee in Santa Monica is seeking a Shift Lead who performs all barista duties while helping create a welcoming store environment for guests and teammates. This role promotes healthy team dynamics and applies shift planning to ensure excellent hospitality.

Ideal candidates have 2 years of barista experience, strong English communication, and a valid ServSafe certification. This position contributes to store operations and guest satisfaction daily.

Qualifications

• ServSafe certification and English fluency required.
• 2 years of barista experience.
• Ability to perform math and operate POS accurately.

Responsibilities

• Open and close the store.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized store environment.
• Handle cash with accuracy and follow proper procedures.
• Communicate store needs to supervisor and team.
• Coach and provide feedback to staff for service quality.

Skills

ServSafe certified

Barista experience

Mathematical ability

Computer skills

English fluency

Data analysis basics

Education

ServSafe certification

Tools

POS system

Retail software

Job description

ABOUT US

Groundwork Coffee specializes in batch-roasted, certified organic coffees and artisanal teas. From our humble roots as a rare book store and cafe back in 1990, Groundwork would go on to become one of the first certified organic coffee roasters in Southern California, as well as the largest organic coffee roaster in Los Angeles. A truly local pioneer in fair trade and fairly traded coffee and tea sourcing, we remain committed to sustainable business practices, including maintaining direct relationships with growers and importers who promote responsible coffee and tea production. From the ground up, Groundwork is steadfast in its commitment to the values of quality, sustainability and community.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Shift Leads perform all of the job responsibilities of the Barista, while taking on an active role in creating and maintaining a positive store environment for guests and team members. They promote and foster healthy working relationships and can effectively communicate with all levels of the organization. They uphold Groundwork standards and apply shift planning and deployment to prioritize daily tasks to ensure great hospitality for our communities. Shift Leads actively engage team members in best practices to consistently meet and exceed both store and individual goals.

ROLE PRIORITIES

Shift Leads are knowledgeable in coffee, tea, and drink preparation and consistently encourage this knowledge in their team members. They are expected to model professionalism at all times, ensuring excellence is achieved and maintained in all guest interactions and by offering operational support to co-workers and management staff through strong servant‑leadership skills.

RETAIL OPERATIONS

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized store environment.


• Maintain accurate cash handling and follow proper procedure for securing store funds.


• Responsible for opening and closing the store.


• Maintain a minimum availability of 30 hours and communicate scheduling needs to supervisor in a timely manner.

COMMUNICATION

• Communicate store needs and needs of guests to the Assistant Store Team Lead and/or Store Team Lead.


• Ensure availability of merchandise and services by communicating with the Store Team Lead.


• Maintain operations by coordinating and enforcing company policies and procedures.


• Maintain the stability and reputation of the store by complying with legal requirements.


• Identify guest needs by establishing rapport with potential and actual guests.


• Provide coaching and feedback in the moment when opportunities arise.


• Communicate respectfully and directly to all team members and guests.

PROACTIVITY

• Contribute to team effort through execution of program initiatives.


• Ensure staff’s adequate knowledge of products, procedures, and service standards.


• Personally commit to looking ahead and plan for shift quality and experience.


• Set an example for staff through consistent performance and adherence to quality standards.

ROLE QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Possess a valid ServSafe certification or equivalent Food Handlers card.


• 2 years of barista experience.


• Must be able to effectively complete and communicate tasks with team and leadership.


• Must be able to perform math computations (add, subtract, divide, and multiply).


• Must be able to perform basic computer skills and navigate operation applications.


• Ability to work and think independently and make quality decisions in the absence of a supervisor


• Ability to read, analyze and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Fluent in spoken and written English.


• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics.

COMPETENCY - KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Adapting to Change: Quickly grasps the underlying reason for change and can shift gears comfortably.


• Willingness to learn: Continually searches for ways to expand personal knowledge of industry trends and products.


• Time Management: Uses time effectively and efficiently. Concentrates efforts on important priorities.


• Action-Oriented: Seizes opportunities and works hard. Full of energy when it comes to things that are typically viewed as challenging.


• Takes Initiative: Makes decisions and takes action in a timely manner - sometimes with little direction, incomplete information, and under tight deadlines and pressure.


• Integrity and Trust: Is direct and truthful. Presents the truth in an appropriate and helpful manner. Keeps confidence and admits mistakes. Does not misrepresent for personal gain.


• Hospitality: Spends the extra effort to create a welcoming environment and put others at-ease. Practices empathy and is aware of and patient with the team and guests. Always has the guests in mind and uses first‑hand customer information for improvements. Builds effective relationships with guests to gain their trust and respect.


• Effective Communicator: Can communicate clearly, respectfully, and succinctly; effectively relays messages both verbally and in writing.


• Self-Awareness: Knows personal strengths, gains insight from mistakes and actively seeks feedback.


• Self-Management: Personally committed to and actively works to continuously improve.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Busy, tight quarters, often warm/hot.


• While performing the duties of this job the employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration.


• The noise level in the work environment and job sites can at times be loud.