Hey everyone, I just got a job as a Starbucks Team Leader in one of the new stores opening in British Columbia! I don't start my orientation until March 4th because I had a vacation planned , I was already pleasantly surprised about how they handled my vacation and worked with me to make sure it wasn't a problem. Anyway I feel like I haven't got much of an idea as to what I would really be doing on a day to day basis so I thought maybe I could get some information from you guys.
So if anyone knows what kind of things a Starbucks Team Leader does every day I'd love to hear. Do they spend a lot of time making drinks? Do I work anywhere else in the store? I just haven't been able to find a lot of information so I'd appreciate it. Thanks a lot!
Yes, most of your day will consist of making drinks. You'll also be responsible for ordering supplies and scheduling. On top of that, you'll need to build their new sets and provide frequent training to your team members, as Starbucks is constantly coming out with new drinks and promotions. Stay on top of those promotions! Sometimes, Target Starbucks don't participate in regular Starbucks promotions. Make sure your team knows which is which. I'd recommend a communication binder so your team can help you out by letting you know what you're running out of, and you can let your team know of any new promotions, in case you don't see them one-on-one.
Each day, one person (this should probably be you, if you're working) will fill out something called a brand walk. You basically walk your area and make sure everything is up to Starbuck's standards. Specific cleaning lists should be done each day, week and month. I would recommend delegating the big cleaning projects (like cleaning the espresso machine) to your team, but make sure you are fully comfortable with the cleaning as well. If you take on too much, you'll over work yourself.
If I had to guess, I would say you'll have plenty of team members under you in the beginning, so you'll be able to focus on the other stuff (ordering, schedules), but as time goes on, and Target establishes themselves, you could possibly find yourself alone for most of you shifts. As you build trust in your team, I would teach them all how to order, in case you're sick one day (make sure they know the order schedules). Recognize the hell out of them as you teach them this stuff though, or they'll think you're taking advantage of them (also, don't take advantage of them, you should be doing most of the ordering, but they can help out).
Starbucks puts a HUGE importance on making connections with the guests that come to you. You'll want to make sure you have a team willing to do that, or they will not succeed. You'll want to memorize names, drinks, and faces as quickly as possible. Always make the drink right for the guest. If they forgot to order decaf, but they want it, remake it.
You probably won't spend a whole lot of time outside of Starbucks unless you fight for it. If you really want to get out to the rest of the store, make it very well known. To start out, I would recommend getting a good handle on GSTL-ing (front end supervisor) and the other Food Service team lead's job. You can branch out from there.
Good luck. I worked in Starbucks for quite a while, and I am currently a team lead, though I've never been a
Starbucks team lead. I would be happy to answer any questions for you.
