Coffee beans and ground coffee in a portafilter

SHIFT LEADER WANTED!

La Boulangerie Humboldt Park and Ravenswood are seeking an experienced and passionate Shift Leader to join our growing company. Our mission is to bring authentic French baking into everyday life. We are a close-knit team that takes pride in our craft, and we are looking for a natural leader who shares our commitment to quality, hospitality, and operational excellence.


This is a hands-on leadership role at the heart of our daily operations — ideal for someone who leads by example, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes genuine pride in developing their team and delivering an exceptional customer experience.

About the Role


As a Shift Leader, you will be the on-floor leader during your shift, responsible for the smooth operation of our Front of House (FOH), Back of House (BOH), and Baker teams simultaneously. You will set the tone for the shift, hold the team accountable to La Boulangerie standards, and step into any position as needed to keep operations running seamlessly. This is not a desk role: you will be present, visible, and actively leading from the floor at all times.



Responsibilities


Team Leadership & People Management:
  • Supervise and support FOH, BOH, and Baker staff throughout the shift
  • Manage team scheduling and attendance, including monitoring clock-in and clock-out records
  • Enforce company conduct standards including the no-phone policy consistently and professionally
  • Provide regular, constructive feedback to team members on performance and adherence to company standards
  • Document performance and conduct incidents accurately and on time through formal written disciplinary reports
  • Step into FOH, BOH, or Baker positions as needed to maintain operational continuity
  • Maintain payroll costs at or below 21% of store revenue


Operational Oversight:
  • Conduct thorough shift walkthroughs at the start of and throughout each shift
  • Verify FOH opening and setup tasks including lobby preparation, display case stocking, labeling, and supply restocking
  • Ensure BOH staff complete kitchen opening and closing procedures accurately and on time
  • Monitor BOH production throughout the shift for accuracy, efficiency, and quality
  • Ensure the Baker is executing production schedules, proofing cycles, and baking rounds according to daily requirements
  • Verify baking station cleanliness, display case dating, labeling, and presentation standards throughout the shift
  • Ensure food service containers are rotated daily in accordance with company standards


Inventory, Production & Financial Management:
  • Manage stock levels proactively and place kitchen and CAV orders in a timely manner
  • Anticipate production needs and initiate new baking runs before inventory reaches critically low levels
  • Oversee BOH inventory management including grocery orders and incoming delivery sign-off
  • Ensure the Baker maintains FIFO standards and updates the online stock system accurately
  • Verify cash drawer accuracy daily and complete bank deposits every two days without exception
  • Actively drive upselling and coach team members on revenue growth techniques


Customer Experience & Online Reputation:
  • Deliver and enforce a consistently high standard of customer service across all three teams
  • Address customer concerns, complaints, and feedback professionally and promptly
  • Actively encourage and drive positive Google reviews, leveraging high-traffic opportunities such as weekend brunch service
  • Serve as the central communication point between FOH, BOH, and Baker throughout the shift
  • Follow up on all operational concerns and stock updates communicated by team members



Requirements


  • Minimum 2 years of experience in a food service or café environment
  • Prior supervisory or leadership experience required
  • Food Handler Manager certification required (ServSafe preferred)
  • BASSET certification for On and Off Premise required
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Familiarity with POS systems and inventory management tools
  • Ability to provide constructive feedback and hold team members accountable professionally and fairly
  • Knowledge of food safety, allergen protocols, and sanitation standards



Physical Requirements


  • Prolonged periods of standing and moving throughout the store
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
  • Exposure to the kitchen environment, including heat, cold storage, and sanitation chemicals



Schedule


  • Full-Time
  • Monday through Sunday (5 days per week, rotating schedule)
  • Shifts typically run between 6:00 AM and 4:00–6:30 PM, depending on location
  • Weekend availability required
  • On-site



Pay


  • $25.00 per hour



Benefits


  • 401(k)
  • Free lunch
  • Paid time off


TO APPLY: Please send your resume and a brief description of why you would be a great fit to humanresourcecav@gmail.com