Shift Leader – Smoothie King | $12–$16/hr + Tips

About the Role

Shift Leaders at Smoothie King perform all Team Member responsibilities while taking on additional leadership and operational duties. They provide guidance and direction to Team Members during shifts, ensuring Guest satisfaction, efficient store operations, and adherence to company policies and standards. When a manager is not present, the Shift Leader leads the shift and maintains store performance.

Pay & Benefits

• $12.00–$16.00 per hour, based on experience, qualifications, and leadership experience
• Employee discount
• Tip sharing
• Paid training
• Flexible schedule
• Uniform provided
• Free smoothie during assigned shifts
• Opportunities for advancement
• PTO for full-time Shift Leads
• Opportunities for increased responsibility and continued growth

Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Brand Standards

• Provide exceptional Guest service and ensure every Guest receives a positive Smoothie King experience
• Greet Guests, take orders, answer questions, and provide knowledgeable recommendations about Smoothie King products
• Communicate and execute a positive brand impression throughout the entire Guest experience
• Prepare smoothies, food, and other products accurately and consistently according to Smoothie King recipes, portioning, and quality standards
• Help resolve routine Guest concerns and escalate significant issues to management when appropriate
• Promote products through suggestive selling and help maximize sales opportunities

Shift Leadership & Operations

• Perform all Team Member responsibilities while serving in a leadership capacity during assigned shifts
• Lead assigned shifts and provide Team Members with clear direction, support, and expectations
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities based on store needs and ensure they are completed
• Set the pace for Guest service, productivity, cleanliness, teamwork, and sense of urgency
• Ensure consistency and high-quality preparation of smoothies, food, and Guest service throughout the shift
• Complete store opening and/or closing responsibilities and ensure all required procedures are followed
• Follow and enforce established POS and cash-handling procedures
• Assist Store Management with inventory, stocking, product organization, and identifying product shortages
• Communicate operational, staffing, equipment, inventory, or Guest concerns to Store Management
• Help maintain appropriate product preparation and stocking levels throughout the shift
• Work alongside Team Members and assist wherever needed to maintain efficient store operations

Team Leadership

• Lead by example and demonstrate the standards expected of all Team Members
• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to Team Members during assigned shifts
• Help train new and existing Team Members on Guest service, product preparation, cleanliness, food safety, and store procedures
• Provide clear and respectful feedback when expectations or standards are not being met
• Promote teamwork and help maintain a positive, fun, and welcoming work environment
• Maintain professionalism and composure during high-volume or challenging situations
• Hold Team Members accountable for completing assigned responsibilities and following store policies and procedures
• Escalate significant Team Member performance or conduct concerns to Store Management

Cleanliness, Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a clean, organized, stocked, and Guest-ready store throughout the shift
• Follow and enforce sanitary practices for food handling, preparation, equipment, and general store cleanliness
• Ensure Team Members follow food-safety requirements and proper product handling procedures
• Ensure compliance with Smoothie King operational standards, company policies, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Complete required cleaning, sanitation, stocking, and maintenance responsibilities and ensure assigned Team Member responsibilities are completed

Essential Functions

• Operates commercial blenders, POS/cashier systems, and other store equipment
• Maintains general knowledge of POS functionality and cash-handling procedures
• Regularly lifts and moves boxes and supplies weighing up to 55 lbs
• Frequently bends, reaches, scoops, lifts, carries, and performs repetitive movements throughout assigned shifts
• Must be able to stand and remain mobile for extended periods
• Must be able to work in a walk-in refrigerator and freezer with temperatures ranging from approximately 40°F to -10°F
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to common food allergens and food-preparation environments
• Must be able to communicate effectively with Guests, Team Members, and Store Management

Qualifications

• Must be extremely reliable, dependable, and punctual
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to provide direction and appropriately delegate responsibilities
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
• Strong Guest-service mindset
• Ability to work effectively and maintain a sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused during challenging situations
• Willingness to learn, develop, and take on additional responsibility
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of an assigned shift
• Previous restaurant, retail, customer service, or leadership experience is preferred
• Must be able to meet company requirements to independently open and/or close the store when scheduled

What Success Looks Like

A successful Shift Leader doesn’t simply complete their own responsibilities—they help ensure the entire shift is successful. They lead by example, communicate expectations, support their Team Members, take care of Guests, maintain store standards, and take ownership of problems when they arise. The goal is simple: great Guest experiences, a strong team, and a clean, efficient, well-run store every shift.