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JOB DETAILS

Shift Lead - University

CompanyVerve LLC
LocationPalo Alto
Work ModeOn Site
PostedOctober 5, 2026
About The Company
Verve Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee company based out of Santa Cruz, CA. The company was founded in 2007 with the goal of sourcing the finest coffees in the world and sharing them with our community. Since opening, Verve has expanded to ten cafe locations between Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Tokyo. We have a state-of-the-art roasting facility, and an incredible team of people that are supporting Verve's coffee program across the country. We believe the coffee experience is our responsibility from seed to cup. Coffee is our craft, our ritual, our passion. It drives us and inspires us. With this simple truth and responsibility, we are bridging the gap from Farmlevel to Streetlevel. We Are Verve. We custom craft the future of coffee. www.vervecoffee.com
About the Role

POSITION:  Shift Lead

CLASSIFICATION:  Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO:  Cafe Manager + Assistant Manager 

LOCATION: University


Position Summary

At Verve Coffee Roasters, we believe the coffee experience is our responsibility from seed to cup. Coffee is our craft, our ritual, our passion. It drives us and inspires us. With this simple truth and responsibility we are bridging the gap from farmlevel to streetlevel. We seek an enthusiastic person to join us in continuously raising the bar on our coffee and culinary offerings.


Join our team as a Shift Lead, and you'll be surrounded by knowledgeable baristas, culinary pros, and supportive colleagues while being instrumental in leadership & the delivery of superior coffee and food pairings.


Key Responsibilities

  • Ensure that superior products are being served to customers

  • Maintain positivity and enthusiasm at all times

  • Support staff with product knowledge and education 

  • Promote an excellent experience for both employees and customers

  • Anticipate & proactively address customer and store needs

  • Handle cash with flawless accuracy

  • Promote teamwork and excellent communication within the café

  • Provide on-the-job education and mentoring

  • Cafe cleanliness


Qualifications and Requirements

  • Plan and execute Lead Guide throughout shift

  • Maintain Shift Lead Communication Log

  • Ensure kitchen and bar crews produce superior products

  • Direct work flow on the floor during the shift

  • Check in all deliveries and file invoices appropriately

  • Ensure that side work and Hot Corners are addressed each shift

  • Provide change for registers, count previous deposits, take deposit to bank, maintain backup bank

  • Food service training

  • Prior supervisory experience (preferred)

  • Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)

  • Strong organizational and detail-oriented skills

  • Experience handling cash (preferred)

  • Ability to collaborate effectively within a team

  • Logical and methodical problem-solving skills

  • Ability to multitask and adapt in a demanding and occasionally stressful environment

  • Ability to give and receive constructive feedback

  • Availability for a minimum 30-hour work week

  • Available to work weekends and holidays

  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time


Physical Requirements

The following physical demands outline the requirements necessary for employees to effectively carry out the essential functions of this position. During the performance of duties, employees are expected to engage in regular communication, auditory perception, and reading tasks. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill essential job functions. 


This role is dynamic and involves prolonged periods of standing (or being on one's feet for up to 8 hours), walking, bending, stooping, and crouching throughout the shift. Additionally, employees will be required to lift products and packaging overhead and may frequently handle items weighing between 25 and 50 pounds. Essential vision capabilities for this role encompass close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Furthermore, adept finger and wrist dexterity are essential for successful performance in this position. 


Benefits and Compensation

  • Available to all employees

    • Competitive Hourly wage

    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Physical and mental health, financial and legal coaching available at no cost to the employee 

    • Free coffee with every paycheck and 30% employee discount on all merchandise, whole bean, beverages, and food items

    • Continuing coffee education classes

    • Mentorship and positive work environment

    • Paid sick time

  • After 60 days of employment

    • Healthcare Benefits (for full-time employees working over 30 hours per week) including medical, dental, vision and 401k

  • Holiday Pay after 90 days of employment. 

    • Eight observed holidays per year 


Compensation will be commensurate with experience and location.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. Job responsibilities can change according to the operational needs of the business. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. 


Verve Coffee Roasters is committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment that recognizes and celebrates diversity as an integral component of building a trusted brand and a successful team.  Candidates who can contribute to this mission are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.  Verve  is an equal-opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, and discharge will be based on competence, performance, and business needs. Verve does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender   identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Key Skills
LeadershipCustomer serviceCash handlingTeam managementMentoringCommunicationProblem solvingMultitaskingFood serviceInventory managementWorkflow directionConflict resolutionOrganizationAttention to detail
Categories
HospitalityFood & BeverageRetailManagement & LeadershipCustomer Service & Support
Benefits
Competitive hourly wageEmployee assistance programFree coffeeEmployee discountContinuing coffee education classesMentorshipPaid sick timeHealthcare benefitsMedical insuranceDental insuranceVision insurance401kHoliday pay
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Shift Lead is responsible for overseeing daily cafe operations, ensuring high product quality, and maintaining a positive customer experience. They also provide mentorship to staff, manage workflow, and handle administrative tasks like cash deposits and inventory.
📋Job Type
direct
💰Salary Range
$20 - $23
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
175
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
30 hours
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