Shift Lead/Key holder

PJ's Coffee; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing management and leadership training

Employee discounts

Prize opportunities through contests

Awards and recognition

Job summary

A coffee retailer in New Orleans is seeking a reliable Shift Lead to oversee daily operations and maintain high customer service standards. The ideal candidate will manage opening and closing procedures, supervise staff, and ensure the café remains a welcoming space for patrons. Previous management experience, team spirit, and a passion for coffee are essential. Join an energetic team in a vibrant café environment where customer satisfaction is a priority.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in front-of-house operations.
• Management experience is required for shift lead roles.
• Coffee shop experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve beverages to café standards.
• Supervise staff during shifts.
• Open and close the café as needed.
• Lead and support baristas during shifts.
• Handle cash management and transactions.

Skills

Customer service

Team player

Basic math skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS system

Job description

Benefits/Perks

• Ongoing Management and leadership training opportunities
• Employee retail and shift discounts
• Prize opportunities through national contests
• Local, regional, and national awards and recognition

About PJ's Coffee

Phyllis Jordan, a pioneer in the coffee industry, founded PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans in 1978 and demonstrated that better beans, superior roasting techniques, and pure passion for the art of coffee making mattered. In 2008, the company was purchased by New Orleans natives and brothers, Paul, Steven, and Scott Ballard. PJ’s Coffee serves a wide variety of hot, iced, and frozen coffee beverages using only the top 1% of Arabica beans, as well as organic tea and fresh breakfast pastries. PJ’s Original Cold Brew™ Ice Coffee is brewed daily using a special cold‑drip process that protects the flavor and strength of the beans while producing a coffee that is two‑thirds less acidic – a process and technique developed by its founder and used for more than 40 years at all PJ’s locations. Bags of whole bean coffee and single‑serve cups of PJ’s Coffee are available for sale in‑store and online. With more than 145 operating stores, including four international locations, PJ’s Coffee continues to grow in the U.S. and abroad. pjscoffee.com or follow PJ’s Coffee on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Job Summary

We are looking for a reliable, motivated, and service‑oriented Shift Lead / Key Holder to join our café team. The Shift Lead plays a vital role in ensuring smooth daily operations, maintaining excellent customer service standards, and supporting the management team in achieving store goals. This position involves opening and closing the café, supervising staff during shifts, overseeing product quality, and ensuring a welcoming and efficient environment for both customers and team members. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, lead by example, and bring a positive, hands‑on attitude to every shift.

Responsibilities (General)

• Prepare and serve coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and other beverages to café standards
• Greet customers warmly and provide menu recommendations as needed
• Operate coffee machines, grinders, and other café equipment safely and efficiently
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the café, including workstations and seating areas
• Handle cash and process transactions accurately using POS systems
• Restock supplies and assist with inventory management
• Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines
• Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth daily operations

Responsibilities (Shift Lead)

• Open and/or close the café, ensuring all operational procedures are completed accurately and securely
• Lead and support baristas and other team members during shifts to maintain high service and product standards
• Assist in training, coaching, and motivating staff to deliver excellent customer experiences
• Handle cash management, including register balancing and deposit preparation
• Monitor inventory and restock supplies as needed to support smooth operations
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and compliance with health and safety guidelines
• Resolve customer concerns quickly and professionally
• Communicate effectively with management regarding staffing, supplies, and operational needs

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Have knowledge of service and food and beverage, generally involving at least 1 year of FOH operations.
• Team player
• Management experience is required for shift lead positions.
• Coffee shop experience is preferred.
• Possess excellent basic math skills and have the ability to operate a cash register or POS system.
• Basic problem‑solving and conflict resolution skills are needed.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work flexible shifts.
• Strong organizational and multi‑tasking skills.
• Passion for coffee, customer service and fostering a positive work environment.