Shift leader Jobs in Huntsville, AL

Every day, we go to work hoping to do two things: share great coffee with our friends and help make the world a little better. It was true when the first Starbucks opened in 1971, and it’s just as true today. Our mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. Today, with more than 15,000 stores in 50 countries, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. And with every cup, we strive we bring both our heritage and an exceptional experience to life.

About the Role

Cup of Joe Cafes is looking for an energetic, guest-obsessed Shift Lead to join our team at our Starbucks licensed store in the cafeteria at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, AL. One of Alabama’s largest hospital campuses, this location keeps doctors, nurses, staff, and visitors fueled around the clock — and it’s one of our highest-volume spots. If you love leading a fast-moving team, thrive in a high-energy environment, and take pride in delivering an exceptional Starbucks experience on every shift, we want to hear from you.

As a Shift Lead, you will be the floor leader when the Store Manager is off-site. You will own the guest experience, keep the team operating at its best, and make real-time decisions to keep the store running smoothly — all while staying side by side with your team on the floor.

What You'll Do

• Lead the shift from the floor — directing workflow, supporting baristas, and delivering a consistently excellent Starbucks experience to every guest

• Open or close the store, including cash handling, safe counts, and end-of-day reporting

• Maintain product quality and consistency by coaching the team on drink craft, recipes, and Starbucks brand standards in real time

• Manage shift staffing — deploying team members where they are needed most, adjusting positions as volume changes throughout the day

• Handle guest concerns with confidence and care, turning a difficult moment into a reason to come back

• Complete daily tasks including inventory checks, cleaning standards, and stocking to keep the store guest-ready

• Train and support new team members, modeling the behaviors and standards that make our store stand out

• Communicate clearly with the Store Manager on shift notes, team performance, and any operational issues

Who You Are

• You have at least 1 year of experience in a supervisory or lead role in food service, retail, or hospitality

• You lead by example — you don't ask your team to do anything you wouldn't do yourself

• You stay calm and focused when the rush hits and can hold the floor together under pressure

• You are genuinely warm with guests and partners alike — hospitality isn't a script for you, it's just how you operate

• You are reliable, punctual, and understand that a shift lead's presence sets the tone for the entire team

• You pick up on details — whether it's a drink quality issue, a guest who seems frustrated, or a team member who needs a word of encouragement

• You're comfortable with the tech side of the role: POS systems, scheduling tools, and daily reporting

• Starbucks experience is a plus but not required — we can teach the craft; we can't teach the attitude

• You're comfortable following Starbucks appearance standards (solid black top, black or khaki bottoms, slip-resistant shoes, apron provided) — full dress code shared at interview

What We Offer

$16 – $17/hr base pay + tips (avg $2.50 – $3.00/hr) — most shift leads take home $18.50- $20.00/hr

Medical, dental, and vision insurance available for full-time employees

1 free drink per shift in your reusable cup + 50% off additional drinks

PTO available for full-time employees

College Tuition Assistance

50% off food items every shift

Quarterly performance bonuses for attendance & standards

30% off retail merchandise including packaged coffee

$500 Coffee Master certification bonus

Flexible scheduling — we work around your life

Real growth path — we promote from within

Keep Alabama’s largest hospital campus fueled — meaningful work on every single shift

A family-run company where you're known by name, not a number

Starbucks recognition programs and brand training

401(k) retirement plan available

Requirements

• Must be 18 or older

• Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 lbs

• Available for a mix of morning, midday, and closing shifts including weekends

• Must be authorized to work in the United States

• Food handler certification required (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)

About Cup of Joe Cafes

Cup of Joe Cafes, LLC is a Starbucks licensed operator with locations across the Gulf Coast and Southeast. Our Huntsville Hospital Cafeteria location sits at the center of one of Alabama’s busiest medical campuses — serving doctors, nurses, staff, and visitors who count on a quality cup of coffee around the clock. We run a high-volume operation with a small-business mentality: every team member matters, every guest interaction counts, and we genuinely invest in the people who show up for us.