Cafe Matcha FT Shift Lead

Los Angeles, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $22.00 - $28.50

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Flexible

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

Paid Time Off

401(k) eligibility

free shift drinks

Employee Discounts

growth opportunities

Therapy membership reimbursement

Employee Referral Bonuses

Collaborative team culture

Job Description

Cafe Matcha is a vibrant and innovative cafe concept by Alfred, a renowned coffee establishment that first opened in 2013 on Melrose Place in Los Angeles. Alfred has grown to become a neighborhood favorite with over 20 locations across Los Angeles and beyond. Known for its dedication to excellence, creativity, and community engagement, Alfred has set a high standard in coffee culture worldwide. Cafe Matcha carries forward this legacy with a special focus on matcha, blending the nostalgic vibe of retro diners with a modern, artistic approach to matcha sourcing, preparation, and beverage craftsmanship. The cafe aims to make matcha approachable, elevated, and enjoyable for all, welcoming both seasoned matcha lovers and those new to the beverage.

This opportunity is for a full-time Shift Lead at Cafe Matcha, located within this innovative cafe environment. Reporting directly to the Cafe Manager, this non-exempt role offers an hourly wage starting at $22, supplemented by tips, averaging between $24.50 and $28.50 per hour. The Shift Lead plays a critical role in fostering a positive, efficient, and guest-focused atmosphere. This position is suited for individuals who are passionate about delivering exceptional hospitality, knowledgeable about tea culture, particularly matcha, and thrive in team-oriented, fast-paced settings. The Shift Lead is not only responsible for guiding the team through each shift with professionalism and enthusiasm but is also pivotal in ensuring the highest standards of product quality, cleanliness, and operational efficiency.

Key responsibilities include leading shifts with positivity and urgency, nurturing team development through training and coaching, managing daily cafe operations, and maintaining safety and compliance standards. The role demands strong leadership skills, a commitment to excellent customer experiences, effective communication, and the ability to manage both people and processes simultaneously. This position also requires collaboration with management to address staffing needs and operational challenges, ensuring the cafe runs smoothly throughout each day.

Overall, the Shift Lead at Cafe Matcha is an ambassador for the cafe's culture and values, driving the team towards excellence and making every guest visit memorable. This is an exciting opportunity for hospitality professionals who want to develop their leadership skills in a creative, supportive, and rapidly growing cafe brand that values innovation, quality, and community.

Job Requirements

Lift and carry up to 20 pounds without assistance
Move quickly and efficiently throughout the cafe in a fast-paced environment
Maintain strong close-range vision and attention to detail for drink preparation, cash handling, and order accuracy
Bend, squat, reach, and perform cleaning, stocking, and other operational tasks as needed
Remain on feet for extended periods throughout scheduled shifts
Comfortably operate a POS system, cash register, or tablet device to accurately process customer orders and payments
Demonstrate the hand dexterity and coordination needed to safely and efficiently operate espresso machines, steamers, grinders, and other cafe equipment while preparing beverages to company standards

Job Qualifications

1-3 years of leadership experience in cafe, restaurant, or hospitality setting
Passion for hospitality and creating positive customer experiences in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment
Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
Ability to thrive in a collaborative team setting while working efficiently under pressure
Interest in matcha, tea, and specialty beverage culture
Flexibility to attend quarterly team meetings, trainings, or company events that may occasionally take place outside of regular scheduled shifts
Maintain reliable attendance and consistent availability, including a minimum commitment of three shifts per week

Job Duties

Lead each shift with positivity, urgency, and professionalism while setting the standard for hospitality and service
Deliver exceptional guest experiences and resolve customer concerns with confidence and care
Support and coach team members in real time, providing feedback, recognition, and guidance
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment
Share and promote knowledge of matcha, tea preparation, and Cafe Matcha products
Assist with onboarding and training new team members
Support ongoing development of baristas through coaching, product education, and operational reinforcement
Delegate responsibilities effectively and ensure tasks are completed to standard
Communicate staffing or operational needs to management as they arise
Oversee daily cafe operations to ensure quality, consistency, cleanliness, and efficiency
Prepare and serve beverages and food according to Cafe Matcha standards
Maintain a clean, organized, stocked, and guest-ready environment throughout each shift
Support inventory management, product receiving, and replenishment
Manage cash handling, opening and closing procedures, and daily operational checklists
Ensure food safety, sanitation, and health standards are consistently maintained
Utilize communication tools including Slack, email, and daily shift logs to support operational alignment
Follow all company procedures related to food safety, sanitation, hygiene, and cafe organization
Report safety hazards, incidents, or operational concerns to the Management