Lead Associate

Lead Associate Chocolate Smiles Cary, NC Job Details Full-time $17 - $20 an hour 14 hours ago Qualifications Food production Customer communication Shift management Attention to detail Food service Retail management Full Job Description The Lead Associate is a senior, front-of-house position that sits at the heart of everything we do. You'll be the face of Chocolate Smiles — the person customers trust, the person the team looks to, and the person ownership relies on to keep standards high and operations running smoothly every single day. This role comes with real responsibility. You'll direct fellow team members, own the customer experience, and serve as the key communication link between the team and ownership. Over time, as trust is earned, this role is expected to evolve into a management position. In a small shop, no two days look exactly alike. Depending on the day, you may be on the floor with customers, working alongside our Chocolate Maker in production, or handling both. We're looking for someone who embraces that variety — a true jack of all trades who takes pride in whatever the shop needs most that day. A willingness to learn the craft of chocolate making is not just a plus — it's part of the job. Monday through Saturday availability required. Shifts rotate — you won't work all six days every week. Schedule varies by season. This is a year-round, full-time commitment. What You'll Do Serve as the primary point of contact for customers — welcoming, educating, and delivering a warm, memorable experience at every interaction Drive sales through confident product recommendations, upselling, and helping customers find the perfect gift Operate the register accurately and professionally, handling cash and transactions with care Create beautiful, thoughtfully assembled gift boxes, custom orders, and wrapped presentations that reflect our brand Assist with ribbon work, decorating, and finishing touches that make our products shine Maintain merchandising and showroom displays — keeping the shop visually appealing, organized, and on-brand Direct and support fellow team members on the floor — prioritizing tasks, maintaining standards, and keeping the team focused Work alongside our Chocolate Maker in production — learning techniques, assisting with batches, and stepping in where needed Grow your knowledge of the chocolate-making craft over time, with the goal of being able to support or cover production when necessary Serve as a reliable communication bridge between staff and ownership — sharing updates, flagging concerns, and helping translate ownership's vision into daily operations Support the onboarding and training of new team members, reinforcing our standards and expectations Monitor inventory levels, flag low supplies, and help maintain accurate stock records Learn, follow, and actively help strengthen our existing processes and procedures Maintain a clean, welcoming shop environment throughout your shift What We're Looking For Significant experience in specialty retail, customer service, bakery, floral, chocolate, confectionery, or a related specialty food environment — this role requires a seasoned professional, not someone just starting out Demonstrated leadership experience — shift lead, team lead, key holder, assistant manager, or similar role where you were responsible for people and outcomes A genuine love for working with customers and a natural, confident presence on the floor Comfort and skill with cashiering, POS systems, and cash handling An artistic eye and steady hands — experience with decorating, gift wrapping, ribbon work, or visual presentation is a strong plus A hands-on spirit — someone who is comfortable in a kitchen or production environment and genuinely curious about learning the craft of chocolate making Prior experience in chocolate, confectionery, or pastry production is a meaningful advantage, though a strong willingness to learn carries real weight too Process-minded and detail-oriented — someone who takes pride in doing things right, consistently, without being told twice A proactive, clear communicator who keeps ownership informed and doesn't let things fall through the cracks Someone who is genuinely looking to grow with a company — not looking for a temporary position or seasonal work Comfortable in a small business environment where flexibility, initiative, and ownership of your work are expected Able to stay active and on your feet throughout your shift Reliable transportation and a consistent, professional schedule

Pay:

$17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person