Shift Lead
Merchant is seeking an experienced, confident hospitality professional to help lead our team through high-volume brunch and dinner services.
We typically develop our Shift Leads through internal promotion. For this opening, we are expanding our search to experienced external candidates who can bring strong leadership, sound judgment, and a team-first mindset to Merchant.
Our dinner service runs Tuesday through Sunday, with brunch served Saturday and Sunday.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have substantial restaurant or hospitality experience
- Have previous leadership experience
- Be comfortable directing a busy dining room and expediting food
- Communicate clearly and remain composed under pressure
- Maintain high standards while leading with positivity and respect
- Strengthen team morale and cooperation across departments
- Be dependable, trustworthy, independent, and accountable
- Consistently prioritize the guest experience
Previous floor-management experience is preferred. Leadership experience is required.
*****Training and evaluation period********:
Because this position carries significant responsibility, candidates will begin with a 30-day paid training and evaluation period in a Lead Server/Bartender/Support capacity.
During this period, the candidate will train across multiple positions and become familiar with the workflows of Merchant’s front-of-house, bar, and kitchen teams. Our leaders must understand how each department contributes to a successful service and be capable of helping those departments work together.
At the conclusion of the 30-day period, the Merchant Management Team will evaluate the candidate’s performance, including:
- Leadership and decision-making
- Communication and teamwork
- Reliability and accountability
- Ability to manage the floor and pace of service
- Performance across assigned roles
- Guest-service standards
- Overall fit with Merchant’s culture
Successful completion of training does not automatically guarantee placement as a Shift Lead. Candidates who demonstrate the necessary leadership, operational knowledge, and cultural fit may be offered a part-time Shift Lead position, with additional Lead Server shifts available.
If the Shift Lead role is not the right fit, continued employment may be offered in a serving, bartending, hosting, or support position based on performance, experience, availability, and the restaurant’s staffing needs.
Shift Lead responsibilities
- Lead brunch and dinner services with confidence, urgency, and professionalism
- Promote a positive environment and keep the kitchen, bar, and front-of-house teams working in sync
- Direct the flow of service and respond calmly to changing needs
- Oversee floor checklists and hold team members accountable to Merchant’s standards
- Ensure company policies, procedures, and service protocols are consistently followed
- Serve as a reliable and trustworthy leader who communicates effectively with the management team
Guest experience
- Create an environment in which every guest feels welcomed and appreciated
- Keep the team focused on attentive, guest-centered hospitality
- Ensure food and beverages are served correctly and meet Merchant’s quality standards
- Address guest questions and concerns promptly and professionally
- Look for opportunities to add thoughtful, personal touches that build guest loyalty
Administrative support
- Manage OpenTable reservations and assist with the flow of seating
- Respond to voicemails and incoming online requests
- Print and prepare daily menus
- Complete required opening, service, and closing procedures
- Communicate important service information to staff and management
Schedule and position details
- Shift Lead position: Part-time
- Additional hours may be available in serving, bartending, hosting, or support roles
- Dinner service: Tuesday–Sunday
- Brunch service: Saturday–Sunday
- Reports directly to Merchant’s Assistant General Manager
- Expected compensation: $25–$40 per hour in the Shift Lead role
- Minimum hourly compensation of $16 per hour
Compensation philosophy
Merchant’s tips are shared among eligible hourly team members. This structure recognizes that an excellent guest experience depends on the combined work of our front-of-house, bar, kitchen, and support teams.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and can be counted on to lead with integrity, consistency, and respect.
Merchant is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.
**Essential Physical Requirements: By accepting this position, the employee acknowledges that they are able to perform the essential physical functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation. These functions include regularly lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds, including while going up and down stairs safely.
Pay: $25.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Restaurant Experience: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
