Senior Shift Lead / Assistant Manager

About the Role

The Senior Shift Lead is the operational leader of the shift and a development role for future store leadership. This position focuses on execution, accountability, labor performance, and food safety standards at a higher level. Senior Shift Leads are responsible for running high-performance shifts, protecting labor targets, ensuring food safety compliance, and reinforcing systems across the store.

Responsibilities

• Shift Leadership & Accountability
  • Lead all shifts with full operational ownership when the GM and AGM are not present.
  • Set clear labor, sales, and service expectations at the beginning of each shift.
  • Run structured shift huddles that include sales targets, SPLH goals, and focus priorities.
  • Actively coach Team Captains and Crew Members during shifts.
  • Hold team members accountable to positioning, script usage, and checklist completion.
  • Document performance concerns and communicate them to the GM.
• Labor & Performance Management
  • Actively manage labor to meet SPLH targets.
  • Make real-time staffing decisions, including breaks and early cuts.
  • Monitor ticket times and speed of service metrics.
  • Support upselling and ticket average improvement.
  • Assist in reviewing Daily Business Review metrics when assigned.
• Food Safety & Operational Standards
  • Ensure strict compliance with labeling, dating, and rotation standards.
  • Perform daily food safety walk-throughs.
  • Confirm opening and closing checklists are completed accurately.
  • Identify operational issues before they become problems.
  • Ensure equipment is functioning and report maintenance issues promptly.
• Cash & Inventory Controls
  • Support accurate cash handling and deposits.
  • Perform drawer audits when assigned.
  • Assist with weekly inventory counts and variance checks.
  • Report unusual inventory or waste trends to the AGM or GM.
• Guest Experience Leadership
  • Model “Serve to Inspire” standards at all times.
  • Resolve guest issues confidently and professionally.
  • Ensure strong first impressions and proper greeting scripts are followed.
  • Protect store reputation through consistent hospitality standards.
• Development & Culture
  • Train and mentor new Team Captains.
  • Support rookie development and skill sign-offs.
  • Reinforce company standards, culture, and mission daily.
  • Seek feedback and actively work toward AGM readiness.

Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of guest service experience in a restaurant or retail environment.
• Minimum 6 months of proven shift leadership experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage labor and team performance.
• Strong communication and coaching skills.
• ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience reviewing P&L or Daily Business Review reports.
• Experience training new hires or leading structured training.
• Interest in long-term leadership growth.

Essential Functions

• All essential functions required of a Crew Member and Team Captain.
• Ability to lead shifts independently.
• Ability to make real-time operational decisions under pressure.
• Ability to manage labor, service speed, and food safety simultaneously.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Pay

$17.00 – $21.00 per hour including tips. Quarterly incentive bonus eligibility.

Benefits

• Free smoothies.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Team lunches and parties.
• Fitness challenges and fun activities.

We champion a diverse and inclusive workforce that is representative of the guests we serve. At Smoothie King, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.