Shift Lead - West Loop

Levain Bakery; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,929 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Parental Leave

Paid Time Off

401K with Company Match

Commuter Benefits

Bike-Share Reimbursement

Job summary

Levain Bakery is seeking a Shift Lead to oversee daily operations, supervise team members, and uphold Levain’s renowned service standards. You will open/close the bakery, support baking production, and ensure tasks are completed with care and efficiency.

Ideal candidates bring at least 2 years in food service or retail, strong communication, reliability, and a people-forward approach. A passion for hospitality and the Levain experience is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in food service, QSR, or retail with supervisory experience preferred.
• Open availability: mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead with curiosity and compassion, supervising team members and fostering a positive culture.
• Set shift tone, ensure tasks are completed, and uphold service standards.
• Mentor staff with feedback and coaching to improve performance.
• Oversee customer service, ensure accuracy and hospitality across shifts.
• Maintain store operations, cash handling, and safety protocols.

Skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Tools

Toast POS

Job description

Competitive triathletes and passionate bakers, Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald left their careers to open a small bread shop in New York City in 1995 — Levain Bakery.

Competitive triathletes and passionate bakers, Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald left their careers to open a small bread shop in New York City in 1995 — Levain Bakery.

One day, they baked a BIG chocolate chip walnut cookie as energy for triathlon training. At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from around the world, hungry for “the cookie.”

From the start, Pam, Connie, and the team baked everything fresh on-site each day, donating the day’s leftovers to charity — and we still do, nearly 30 years later. Today, Levain has bakeries across the country (with more to come!), plus ecommerce gift boxes to treat cookie lovers in every state.

Our Vision

To give rise to lifelong memories

Our Mission

To bring together people who treat their work and the craft of baking and all who come to visit with great care.

Core Values

• Welcome All- We are all in it together
• Work Hard and Be Kind- We pull our weight, we do our best, and take care of each other
• Lead with Heart- We operate with empathy and integrity
• Rise Up- We take initiative to make things better
• Savor It- We are present and find the fun!

The Role

Shift Leads, aka Cookie Leads, collaborate with General Managers and Assistant General Managers to oversee shifts and supervise team members. Shift Leads provide on-the-ground support and ensure retail, baking production, and cleaning needs are met. Shift Leads also assist with other tasks throughout the bakery, including ordering supplies and opening/closing the bakery each day. The ideal Shift Lead candidate has strong problem-solving instincts and a knack for motivating and coaching employees.

What We’re Looking For

• People-forward attitude with exceptional customer service skills; Be proactive and empathetic in assisting customers and team members
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills; team-oriented with a positive attitude
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and care: be adaptable, flexible, and patient
• Must be reliable, responsible, and punctual
• Ability to remain calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment when troubleshooting issues: be consistent, patient, and even keeled
• Strong attention to detail in customer interactions and product knowledge
• Embody and promote the values and standards of Levain Bakery

Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Supervision

• Lead with curiosity and compassion by showing care for your co-workers and build meaningful connections that broaden your perspective
• Set the tone for each shift by maintaining a positive, can-do attitude
• Supervise team members and support them when challenges arise, while fostering a respectful, goal-oriented, and team-oriented work culture
• Act as a mentor by providing feedback and coaching to identify areas of improvement
• Continuously participate, contribute, and collaborate to improve product knowledge and customer service skills

Customer Service

• Greet customers with a warm and welcoming demeanor
• Ensure every guest receives consistent, accurate, high-quality service that reflects Levain’s brand standards
• Foster strong, lasting relationships with customers to enhance their sense of belonging and connection to our community surrounding the bakery
• Resolve customer issues promptly and courteously and operate with empathy

Operations

• Supervise the success of shifts by ensuring daily tasks are completed, customer orders are fulfilled accurately, and DOH food safety standards are consistently met
• Act as designated keyholder for bakery; responsible for opening and closing the store
• Oversee cash handling and bank deposits daily
• Consistently adhere to established protocols and maintain the highest standards of excellence to ensure all baked goods meet Levain Bakery’s quality standards
• Adept knowledge of Toast POS system
• Ensure all in-store and third-party delivery (3PD) orders are accurate and safely prepared
• Maintain cleanliness in all areas of the store, including customer areas, restrooms, and workspaces
• Manage weekly inventory checks: place, track & receive deliveries of ingredients, paper products, and chemicals
• Delegate restocking, cleaning, and organizational tasks to the team

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of food service, QSR, or retail experience, with 1 -2 years supervisory experience preferred (depending on location)
• Open availability: ability to work mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to lift/push 25-50 pounds
• Stand/walk for an 8-hour shift (excluding a ½ hour break); some locations require walking up and down stairs
• Read and communicate in English, both verbally and in writing
• Utilize basic computer skills (Email, Microsoft Office)
• Must have valid DOH Certification & additional regional required food handlers’ certifications

Compensation & Benefits

• $21.25-24.25/hour + tips + up to 15% quarterly bonus potential
• Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
• Employer-funded Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• Additional supplemental benefits: Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Bike-Share Reimbursement
• 14 Weeks Fully Paid Parental Leave
• Two Weeks of Paid Time Off
• 401K with 3.5% Company Match

We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.