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Shift Lead - Downers Grove

Peet's Coffee · Downers Grove, IL · Part time

Posted Aug 28, 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 led coworkers who were also your friends. How did you handle giving them direction?

What they are checking: Whether they can step into authority without damaging relationships or playing favorites.

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

What they are checking: Whether they listen, make it right and leave the guest wanting to come back.

How do you keep the store clean and stocked when it is busy?

What they are checking: Whether they keep standards up during rushes rather than leaving a mess for the next shift.

Why do you want to lead at Peet's rather than stay a barista?

What they are checking: Whether they want to grow people and the store, not just get a title and a raise.

What would you do

You are running the shift and the espresso machine goes down during the morning rush. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep guests informed and the team calm while working the problem.

A barista is rushing drinks and quality is slipping. How do you bring it up in the middle of the shift?

What they are checking: Whether they can coach in the moment, briefly and kindly, while protecting coffee quality.

Two baristas are arguing behind the counter. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they separate the issue from the floor quickly and deal with it calmly after.

About the work

How do you set up positions at the start of a shift so the bar, register and food all run smoothly?

What they are checking: Whether they think about deployment and flow instead of letting people pick spots at random.

What steps do you follow to count a till and close out cash at the end of a shift?

What they are checking: Whether they handle money carefully and follow controls, since shift leads own the cash.

What would you want the next shift lead to know when you hand off the store?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate stock levels, issues and open tasks so nothing gets dropped between shifts.

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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 $18.75 and $19.25 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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