Retail Shift Lead - Millennium Park Coffeebar

Worker Type:

Job Description:

Do you want to be an “Intelli?”  We do business differently to forge new paths in specialty coffee.  We are pioneers in the direct trade model for buying coffee and creating coffee partnerships all over the world.  We’re passionate about coffee, and that means we pay a bit more for coffee in order to buy direct and create long-term, collaborative relationships with our producers that grow exceptional coffee.

The starting wage for a Retail Shift Lead in Chicago is $18.63 per hour.  There is an extensive training program and a new hire generally should become full-bar capable within 90 days. After certification, the pay rate improves to $20.39 per hour. The position is eligible for tips.  These average $7.00 -10.00/hr.

Shift Leads in our Chicago coffeebars are part of the IBEW Local 1220 union. After a probationary period, employees are required to join the union and pay monthly dues.

Why should you want to work for Intelli?

• We’re serious about coffee and we provide comprehensive training so you can provide exceptional service and high-quality products.  You’ll improve your coffee knowledge exponentially and you’ll get to taste some of the best coffee in the world!

• We offer both paid vacation and sick time as well as 8 paid holidays.  

• We offer a full benefits package to anyone who consistently works more than 20 hours per week.  That means you’re eligible for medical/dental and vision insurance, as well as life insurance and disability coverage.

• You’ll get to work with some  people that have shared values of being hospitable, they believe in mutual respect and are curious just to name a few.

• We do our best to work around your schedule.  If you’re pursuing your education or have personal commitments, you won’t find us agreeing to your availability only to disregard it once you’re hired.

• Most shifts average about 7  hours.  That means you’ll have time to live your life and pursue your passions.   

• Our coffeebars are not open late night like most of the hospitality industry is. That means you still have a chance to meet up with friends after work and not miss out on the fun!

• We prefer to promote from within, and we nurture and identify potential in all employees.

Leadership and Operations

• Support, demonstrate, and ensure proper store procedures from all staff, to include cash handling, attendance, product standards, and all other operational best practices

• Adhere to all company policies and protocols, both behind the bar and at the front of the house, including those for cash handling and safety, while maintaining a clean and organized workspace so fellow team members can locate resources and products quickly

• Ensure that the company’s brand is properly reflected by keeping a well maintained, clean, well-organized, and stocked coffee bar

• Uphold the company’s standards regarding merchandising, inventory, and rotation of store products

• Offer relevant, thoughtful ideas and suggestions for improving operations

• Ensure adherence to the company’s dress code, as well as all health and safety requirements

Drink Quality/Education

• Prepare and serve coffee and tea beverages that adhere to the company’s freshness and quality standards ensuring that they consistently reflect the company’s recipe and presentation standards

• Complete the required training modules contained in the Retail Training Manual; Baristas are encouraged to pursue the completion of additional training modules

• Maintain coffee knowledge on current offerings and confidently and accurately communicate product information to customers

• Actively participate in coffee and tea tastings to further product knowledge and help identify any issues or deficiencies

• Educate customers and staff on all coffee and teas carried

• Assist in the training and development of new staff

• Attend training sessions to constantly advance education on coffee, tea, merchandise, and espresso bar skills; work with your Educator to further your barista skills

• Demonstrate an ongoing pursuit of education, training, and industry trends

Customer Engagement

• Ensure customers are warmly received and welcomed; engage the customers in a sincere and friendly manner, including greeting customers with a smile, thanking them for their patronage, and preparing drinks in an expedient manner

• Respond to questions, orders, and concerns with patience, confidence, and professionalism

• Engage customers about their drink preferences and tailor suggestions accordingly

• Facilitate easy dialogue with customers regarding other product offerings, including whole bean coffee, tea, complimentary food offerings, merchandise, as well as any current promotions.

• Participate in store-wide profit initiatives

• Offer strategic input or suggestions as to how to increase store profitability

• Demonstrate initiative with routine tasks

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED), AND experience in the specialty coffee, retail, hospitality, and/or customer service industries

Qualifications

• Ability to maintain a pleasant disposition and sense of urgency with helping customers

• Demonstrate a passion for coffee and tea

• Capability to interface and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and customers

• A logical and methodological approach to problem-solving

• Flexible, with the ability to multi-task in a highly demanding, stressful environment

• Maintain a calm demeanor during periods of high volume

• Ability to cooperate successfully as a member of a team

• Ability to communicate effectively with others, including giving and receiving feedback on the quality of services

• Communicate clearly, honestly, and promptly

• Ability to use available resources to answer questions

• Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality

• Strong cash handling skills

Language Skills

• Ability to read and speak English proficiently.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk and hear.

• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• At times, may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.

• Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding and register).

Work Environment

• Retail store environment.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Intelligentsia Coffee, Inc is an equal opportunity employer of all qualified individuals.We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving guests throughout our communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances.Intelligentsia is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us via email at pc@intelligentsiacoffee.com