The Sea Lion Dockside Bar is not your typical coffee shop, bar, or gift store—and we're not looking for a typical employee.
We are searching for a Closing Shift Lead who can confidently lead from the front lines, take ownership of the guest experience, and help drive the success of one of Newport's most unique businesses.
This is a leadership position for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can seamlessly transition between a specialty coffee bar, cocktail bar, and high-end retail gift shop while developing and motivating the team around them.
This is not an entry-level position. We are looking for a proven leader who can confidently run the business, lead a team, and make operational decisions independently when management is not on site.
About Us
The Sea Lion Dockside Bar combines specialty coffee, craft cocktails, local wine, and a curated gift shop all under one roof. We believe in creating memorable guest experiences while building a team culture focused on positivity, accountability, growth, and excellence.
Our motto is simple:
Stay Positive. Love Your Life.
Schedule & Availability Expectations
While this position's primary focus is leading and executing closing shifts, leadership means doing what's best for the team and the business.
The ideal candidate understands that there will be times when they are needed to:
- Cover call-outs and unexpected staffing shortages
- Work opening, mid, or closing shifts as business needs dictate
- Assist with special events, holiday weekends, and peak tourism periods
- Step into any area of the business when support is needed
We believe leaders should never ask their team to do something they wouldn't do themselves. The Closing Shift Lead, leads from the front and is willing to step up when the team needs them most.
What You'll Do
As a Closing Shift Lead, you are responsible for ensuring the business operates at a high level every day. This role combines leadership, hospitality, coaching, and operational excellence.
You will:
- Lead the closing team and oversee all end-of-day operations
- Deliver exceptional guest experiences across coffee, cocktails, wine, and retail
- Ensure all company SOPs, policies, and procedures are followed consistently
- Coach, train, and develop team members in real time
- Hold yourself and others accountable to company standards
- Ensure all daily checklists, cleaning tasks, and closing procedures are completed correctly
- Maintain a fully stocked, organized, and guest-ready environment
- Monitor inventory levels and communicate ordering needs proactively
- Resolve guest concerns professionally and confidently
- Support management in executing company goals, initiatives, and standards
- Assist with hiring, onboarding, and ongoing staff development when needed
- Serve as the leader on duty, capable of running all aspects of the business independently
What Success Looks Like
Success in this role is measured by more than showing up for a shift.
Successful Shift Leads:
- Complete all daily and closing checklists consistently
- Keep products stocked, rotated, and organized
- Ensure prep work is completed for the following day
- Maintain a clean, safe, and guest-ready environment
- Receive positive guest reviews and feedback
- Create a positive and productive team culture
- Train and develop support staff to continuously improve
- Identify problems before they become bigger issues
- Take ownership of challenges and provide solutions
- Leave the business better than they found it every day
The Right Person For This Role
This position is for someone who wants to build a career in hospitality leadership.
You should be comfortable:
- Leading a team during high-volume rushes
- Running a specialty coffee bar efficiently and accurately
- Running a cocktail and wine program with confidence
- Selling in a high-end retail environment
- Making decisions without constant supervision
- Coaching underperforming team members
- Creating a positive, accountable culture
- Taking ownership of the success of the business
You are not just responsible for your own performance—you are responsible for elevating the performance of everyone around you.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate:
- Has previous leadership or supervisory experience
- Leads by example and earns respect through action
- Is highly organized and detail-oriented
- Communicates clearly and professionally
- Can multitask and prioritize during busy shifts
- Thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment
- Takes pride in developing people
- Holds themselves and others accountable
- Is dependable and follows through on commitments
- Understands hospitality is about creating experiences, not just transactions
- Wants a long-term opportunity to grow with the company
This Position Is NOT For Someone Who:
- Needs constant supervision
- Avoids accountability
- Struggles with difficult conversations
- Only wants a summer job
- Wants to simply clock in and clock out
- Blames others for problems instead of finding solutions
- Is unwilling to lead by example
- Is uncomfortable giving feedback or coaching team members
Why Join Our Team?
We're building something special on Newport's Historic Bayfront and we're looking for leaders who want to grow with us.
This position offers the opportunity to develop skills in:
- Leadership & Team Development
- Hospitality Management
- Specialty Coffee Operations
- Craft Cocktail Service
- Retail Merchandising & Sales
- Inventory Management
- Business Operations
If you're looking for a place where hard work is valued, growth is encouraged, and your contributions directly impact the success of the business, we'd love to meet you.
We have invested heavily into building a unique business, an incredible team, and a strong culture. We are looking for someone who wants to be part of that journey for the long term—not someone simply looking for their next job.
Apply today and tell us why you're ready to lead.
Compensation
- $15.75–$16.50/hour DOE
- Tip Share
- End-of-Season Performance Bonus (based on KPI achievement)
- Growth opportunities within the company
Requirements
- Must be 21+ years old
- Ability to obtain or maintain an OLCC Service Permit
- Ability to obtain or maintain a Food Handler Card
- Weekend, evening, and holiday availability required
- Ability to lift 40 lbs and remain on your feet for extended period
Pay: $15.75 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
