Shift Leader

Tropical Holdings Illinois, LLC; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Flexible scheduling

Healthy environment

Promotion opportunities

Team culture

Benefits package

401(k) match

Job summary

SERVE Hospitality Group in IL is seeking a Shift Leader to guide a fast-paced cafe team and elevate guest experiences. You will supervise crew, deliver friendly service, and ensure operations run smoothly across every shift.

Ideal candidates bring energy, strong communication, and a hospitality mindset. You’ll train teammates, handle opening/closing, and help maintain a clean, safe cafe environment while upholding brand standards and workflows.

Qualifications

• Leads, supports, and motivates crew during shifts.
• Delivers friendly, accurate, and efficient service.
• Maintains a clean, safe cafe and follows food safety guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and motivate crew members throughout your shift.
• Deliver friendly, accurate, and efficient customer service.
• Prepare smoothies and food items following recipes and brand standards.
• Maintain a clean and safe café environment, ensuring full compliance with food safety guidelines.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with restocking and organization.
• Execute opening and closing procedures with consistency and accuracy.
• Provide real‑time coaching and assist with training new team members.
• Promote an upbeat, hospitality‑driven atmosphere where team members feel supported.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Communication

Coaching

Punctuality

Flexibility

Work authorization

Fast‑food/leadership experience

Job description

About this position

Company Overview

At SERVE Hospitality Group, it’s more than smoothies—it’s about serving smiles, one guest at a time. Built on hospitality, connection, and community, every interaction is a chance to brighten someone’s day.

SERVE Hospitality Group proudly operates 30+ Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations and is rapidly growing. As a fast-scaling, multi-unit franchisee, we’re expanding this nationally recognized brand with bold energy and purpose. Backed by a strong development pipeline and committed internal capital, we’re building a culture-driven, high-performance business that blends speed, discipline, and operational excellence.

About the Role

Join a people‑first team where leadership, energy, and positivity set the tone. As a Shift Leader, you’ll guide and support crew members, elevate the guest experience, and ensure smooth, efficient operations throughout every shift. This role is a key step in our internal growth pathway and is perfect for those who love leading by example in a fast‑paced, upbeat environment.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive hourly pay of $15 - 17 per hour plus tips! *Compensation is based on availability and experience*
• Work-life balance with flexible scheduling and consistent closing times (9 pm).
• Clean, healthy environment – no fryers, no grease, just fresh ingredients.
• Career growth opportunities with clear internal promotion pathways.
• Fun, fast-paced atmosphere with room for creativity.
• Employee perks with paid training, team rewards, and exclusive discounts.
• SERVE benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, plus a 401(k) with 4% company match (eligibility based on tenure, age, and hours requirements)

Key Responsibilitie s:

• Lead, support, and motivate crew members throughout your shift.
• Deliver friendly, accurate, and efficient customer service.
• Prepare smoothies and food items following recipes and brand standards.
• Maintain a clean and safe café environment, ensuring full compliance with food safety guidelines.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with restocking and organization.
• Execute opening and closing procedures with consistency and accuracy.
• Provide real‑time coaching and assist with training new team members.
• Promote an upbeat, hospitality‑driven atmosphere where team members feel supported.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Motivated team players with strong energy, initiative, and a positive attitude.
• Excellent communicators who connect easily with guests and coworkers.
• Customer‑service minded individuals who take pride in delivering a great experience.
• Strong coaching ability to guide and motivate team members.
• Reliable and punctual team members with dependable work habits.
• Comfortable being active, including standing and walking throughout shifts.
• Flexible with scheduling, including evenings and weekends.
• Legally authorized to work under State and Federal guidelines.
• Quick‑service or leadership experience preferred, but not required — we provide thorough training.

SERVE Hospitality Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The pay range for this role is: 15 - 17 USD per hour(IL-045 Waukegan)