Shift Supervisor

About Emma’s Torch

Emma’s Torch is a non-profit social enterprise that empowers refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking through culinary training, job placement support, and professional development. Through our paid, full-time culinary apprenticeship programs, students gain hands-on experience while working in our social venture businesses, including our cafes, catering operations, and CPG production.

We believe in celebrating the talent, resilience, and potential of our students and honoring our namesake, Emma Lazarus, whose words on the Statue of Liberty continue to inspire our mission.

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Position Summary

The Shift Supervisor is a hands-on team leader responsible for supporting daily café operations, guiding baristas, and ensuring a welcoming and efficient service environment. Reporting to the Café Manager, this role serves as a key bridge between leadership and front-line staff, helping translate operational standards into consistent day-to-day execution.

This role is highly interactive and requires strong hospitality instincts, attention to detail, and the ability to lead calmly under pressure. The Shift Supervisor works alongside the team during service, reinforcing standards, maintaining flow, and stepping in wherever needed to support operations.

The ideal candidate is a dependable, service-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced café setting and is excited to contribute to a mission-driven organization.

Key Responsibilities1. Execute Café Operations (60%)

• Prepare and serve coffee, tea, and food items according to established recipes and standards.
• Deliver warm, efficient customer service and create a consistently welcoming café environment.
• Process transactions accurately using POS systems (cash and card).
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and sanitation of all workstations throughout service.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations at all times.
• Monitor equipment functionality and escalate maintenance needs promptly.
• Communicate proactively with BOH to ensure alignment and service readiness.
• Manage prep lists and support service flow to minimize wait times and bottlenecks.
• Maintain awareness of inventory levels and communicate stock needs to management.
• Contribute to daily sales performance through product knowledge, efficient service, and natural upselling.
• Suggest and execute promotions, specials, and in-store initiatives.

2. Lead Shift Execution & Team Support (25%)

• Own overall shift performance, including service quality, pace, and team coordination from open to close.
• Act as the on-shift decision-maker, adjusting staffing, station coverage, and workflow in real time.
• Provide clear direction to baristas during service and ensure strong, consistent communication across the team.
• Maintain a calm, organized environment during high-volume periods.
• Address and resolve guest and operational issues as they arise; escalate more complex concerns when needed.
• Ensure all service standards and workflows are upheld consistently throughout the shift.

3. Support Café Leadership (15%)

• Support onboarding and training of new baristas on café systems, standards, and expectations.
• Reinforce operational procedures and ensure consistent execution of café systems.
• Assist with inventory processes, including receiving deliveries and maintaining organized storage.
• Oversee cash handling procedures and ensure accuracy and accountability.
• Ensure opening and closing procedures are completed fully and correctly.
• Provide real-time feedback to team members and communicate performance or operational concerns to the Café Manager.
• Identify and share opportunities to improve service, efficiency, or team performance.

Requirements & Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a barista, server, or in a similar customer-facing role.
• Previous experience in a fast-paced café or food service environment preferred.
• Hands-on experience with espresso and brewing equipment.