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Shift Lead - Chicago - East 8th

Peet's Coffee · Chicago, IL · Part time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you ran a shift when the store was short a person. How did you set up the floor?

What they are checking: Whether they can reassign stations quickly and keep drinks moving instead of trying to cover every job themselves.

One of your baristas is great with customers but slow on bar during the morning rush. How would you coach them?

What they are checking: Whether they can give specific, kind feedback in the moment without embarrassing someone in front of guests.

Tell me about a time you had to tell a coworker who used to be your peer that they weren't doing something right.

What they are checking: Whether they can step into authority with friends on the team without becoming bossy or avoiding the conversation.

This is a part-time role with a flexible schedule. What does your availability look like, and how do you handle a last-minute call-out?

What they are checking: Whether they are reliable and have a plan for coverage, since a lead is the one people call when someone is missing.

Tell me about a time you turned around an unhappy customer.

What they are checking: Whether they listen first and fix the problem, rather than defending the store or rushing the person out.

What would you do

A regular says their latte tastes off and it's the third complaint about that espresso this morning. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they connect one complaint to a pattern and check dial-in or equipment before blaming the barista or the customer.

You're closing and the cash drawer is short twenty dollars. Walk me through what you do next.

What they are checking: Whether they follow a careful count and report it honestly rather than covering it up or accusing someone on a hunch.

A line is out the door, mobile orders are stacking up, and a customer asks you a long question about beans. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay warm with one guest while still steering the team through a backed-up rush.

About the work

How do you hand off a shift so the next lead walks into a clean, stocked store with no surprises?

What they are checking: Whether they think about counts, prep, cash and open issues as things the next person depends on.

Peet's talks about caring deeply about coffee. What do you know about coffee that you'd want to teach a new barista?

What they are checking: Whether they have real curiosity about the product, which is part of what a lead models for the team.

How do you keep food safety and cleaning tasks from slipping when the store gets busy?

What they are checking: Whether they treat sanitation and temperature logs as non-negotiable, even when speed is the pressure in the room.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Peet's Coffee.

Perk up your career with a bold new opportunity at Peet’s Coffee! We’re seeking passionate people to join our team as Shift Leads. Do you want to work with curious, authentic, and passionate people who care deeply about coffee, customers, and the continuous pursuit of better – if so, apply today! WHAT WILL FILL YOUR CUP Competitive Pay, Perks & Benefits: • Medical, dental and vision benefit options available. • Paid vacation (accrual following completion of 4 months of employment). • Free coffee/tea beverages and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount. • 401k with generous matching (must be 18 years old to qualify for 401k). • Employee Assistance program including useful resources for all employees. • Flexible part-time schedule. • The pay for this position is between $19.50 and $20.00 per hour. The specific hourly wage offered may fall anywhere within this range and will depend on factors including, but not limited to, local wage requirements, years of experience, and skills and abilities. Additionally, employees may earn an estimated average of $3.00 to $6.00 per hour in cash and electronic tips. Growth With Us: We believe careers are crafted. Whether you’re driven by people, process or purpose – Peet’s is a place where your growth journey can thrive – grow with us. Tuition scholarship opportunities with Oregon State University E Campus. Who We Are: Our purpose at Peet's Coffee is the pursuit of better, better coffee, for people and the planet. Our ambition is to become the chosen brand for coffee lovers around the world, and we know earning that place means an uncompromising focus on quality, craft and authenticity. As part of Keurig Dr Pepper and JDE Peet's, the world's leading pureplay coffee company, Peet's is growing as a global coffee brand anchored by a clear set of values that reflect who we are today and where we're going. We Dare to Amaze, Own It, Make It Simple, and Win Together challenging ourselves every day to do better than the day before. We've learned that the secret to great coffee is the people who make it, and we apply the same care in selecting and preparing our teams as we do when crafting the perfect cup. Purposeful Work: At Peet’s, we are committed to improving conditions in coffee communities around the world. With Enveritas, our non-profit partner, we work to assess and improve conditions on the farms where we source our coffees. WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL • Lead shifts with focus and clarity by managing task deployment and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations in a fast-paced environment. • Deliver exceptional customer experiences by modeling genuine engagement, a commitment to craft, high product quality, and friendly service - all while maintaining a clean and welcoming coffeebar. • Support a positive team environment by communicating clearly, collaborating effectively, and setting an example through accountability, professionalism, and reliability. • Ensure operational excellence by executing key responsibilities such as opening/closing routines, cash handling, inventory tasks, and visual updates during assigned shifts. • Embrace learning and change by actively developing skills, adapting to new priorities, and using sound judgment and problem-solving to keep shifts running smoothly. WHAT YOU WILL BRING Minimum Qualifications: • 1 year experience working in a leadership role and/or directing the work of others. • 1 year experience with POS/cash handling responsibilities in related industry. • Shift Leads are required to maintain a schedule availability of a minimum of three days a week or more that must also meet business needs (business needs can include early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights and/or holidays). • Must be legally eligible to work in the country where this job is located. • Must be able to comply with Peet's Employment of Minors policies and work with, among and/or direct the work of minors • Must be at least 18 years of age or older. • Perform various physical tasks during the work shift. (See Physical Requirements ) The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. Job responsibilities can change according to the operational needs of the business. To view the complete job description, which includes the essential duties for this role: Shift Lead Job Description At Peet’s, we believe in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome qualified applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, genetic information, uniform service, veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local ordinances. Peet’s is also committed to providing reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If you need assistance or accommodation, please contact employeerelations@peets.com . Brew Something Great Together: At Peet’s, we don’t just make coffee - we make community. Join a company that values coffee, culture, and continuous growth. Sound like your perfect blend? Apply today and start crafting your career at Peet’s.

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