At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to deliver amazing cookie experiences and ensure smooth operations.
- Company: Join the fun-loving Insomnia Cookies community, where cookies and creativity collide.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, 50% employee discount, and guaranteed paid days off for birthdays!
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant team culture and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing brand that values your input and offers real career progression.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in retail or hospitality, with a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
We’re not just a cookie company – we’re a community of Insomniacs. We know our cookies are the most delicious around, but it’s our team members that make Insomnia Cookies an amazing place to be. Have a hunger to succeed? A passion for the sweeter things in life? Got big dreams and a ceaseless imagination? Then we want to get to know YOU!
Purpose of the Role
The Shift Leader supports the Store Manager in delivering the safe, efficient, and successful operation of the bakery during trading hours. Acting as the senior team member on shift, the Shift Leader leads the team to deliver exceptional customer experiences, strong operational standards, and consistent brand execution in line with Insomnia Cookies’ late-night, digital-first model. This role is ideal for a confident, people‑focused individual who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, leads by example, and takes ownership of shift‑level performance, team engagement, and operational delivery.
Business Context
Insomnia Cookies is a late‑night, digital‑first bakery delivering warm cookies to customers long after most bakeries have closed. The Shift Leader plays a critical role in ensuring each shift consistently delivers outstanding in‑store and delivery experiences, while operating safely, compliantly, and in line with brand standards. As the UK business continues to grow, Shift Leaders are key to embedding strong day‑to‑day routines, supporting the development of future leaders, and maintaining a positive, high‑performing culture within the bakery.
Key Focus Areas
- Shift Leadership: Lead the team during live trading, ensuring clear direction, pace, and accountability.
- Consistency and Standards: Deliver Insomnia Cookies brand, operational, and food safety standards on every shift.
- Operational Execution: Take ownership of shift‑level operations, resolving issues quickly and escalating where required.
- Customer Experience: Ensure every customer receives a consistently excellent Insomnia experience.
- Commercial Awareness: Support sales growth, labour efficiency, and cost control during shifts.
Key Responsibilities
- Commerciality & Shift Performance: Support delivery of store‑level sales and labour targets during assigned shifts. Use daily priorities and direction from the Store Manager to focus team effort.
- Drive Sales & Profit Protection: Execute company‑led promotions, LTOs, and product launches accurately on shift. Support profit protection by deploying labour effectively and minimising waste. Identify opportunities during shifts to improve sales or service and feedback to the Store Manager.
- People Leadership & Development: Lead, motivate, and support Cookie Crew and Delivery Drivers during shifts. Provide hands‑on coaching and feedback to improve skills, confidence, and performance. Support onboarding and training of new starters. Role model Insomnia Cookies values, behaviours, and customer‑first mindset. Address minor performance or conduct issues in the moment, escalating where appropriate.
- Marketing, Brand & Customer Experience: Deliver excellent in‑store and delivery customer experiences during every shift. Ensure marketing materials, LTOs, and new product launches are executed correctly. Act as a brand ambassador by maintaining high standards of service, product quality, and presentation.
- Operational Excellence & Compliance: Take responsibility for opening, closing, and late‑night trading procedures when on shift. Ensure compliance with health & safety, food hygiene, and operational standards at all times. Maintain a safe, clean, and well‑organised bakery environment. Complete required checks and records accurately. Escalate incidents, risks, or maintenance issues promptly to the Store Manager.
Candidate Profile
- Experience: Previous experience in a supervisory or senior team member role within retail, QSR, or hospitality. Experience working in fast‑paced, customer‑facing environments. Exposure to late‑night or delivery‑led operations is desirable.
- Leadership Style: Hands‑on, approachable, and confident leading teams during live trading. Leads by example and supports others through coaching and encouragement. Communicates clearly and calmly under pressure.
- Commercial Awareness: Understands the importance of sales, labour efficiency, and cost control. Able to prioritise actions during shifts to support store performance.
- Mindset & Traits: Energetic, reliable, and adaptable. Takes ownership of shift performance and team experience. Solve focused with the ability to manage competing priorities. Motivated to develop and progress within Insomnia Cookies.
Success Measures
- Consistent delivery of operational, food safety, and brand standards on shift.
- Positive customer feedback and service outcomes.
- Strong shift execution, pace, and team engagement.
- Effective support of Store Manager priorities and store targets.
- Demonstrated readiness for progression into Assistant Manager or Store Manager roles.
Sweet Perks
- Flexible work schedules – get work to work around you!
- Pension
- Holiday Pay
- Guaranteed paid day off for your birthday – Who wants to be at work on their birthday?
- Guaranteed paid day off for your child’s birthday or pet’s birthday and we’ll throw another one in for your significant other – We are that nice!
- 50% Employee Discount
- Employee assistance and wellness support
- Excellent training through the Cookie College
- Fun and exciting team environment
- Unrivalled culture and values – Work with the team not by yourself
- Enjoy a free cookie on every shift
- £13.21 - £13.21 an hour
About us: Insomnia Cookies was founded in a college dorm room by then‑student, Seth Berkowitz. Fast forward and Insomnia Cookies has become a cult brand in the US known for its rabid following of cookie lovers who crave Insomnia’s warm, delicious delivery all day and late into the night. With an expanding global footprint we are now here in the UK. We launched in Manchester in 2023, Sheffield in 2024 and are now coming to a city near you! Insomnia Cookies is revolutionising the cookie game by truly 'Imagining What’s Possible'!
Shift Leader - Newcastle - Part Time in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Insomnia Cookies UK Ltd
At Insomnia Cookies, we pride ourselves on being more than just a cookie company; we are a vibrant community that values each team member's contribution. Located in Newcastle, our Shift Leaders enjoy flexible work schedules, a supportive and fun team environment, and unique perks like guaranteed paid days off for birthdays. With excellent training opportunities and a culture that fosters personal growth, Insomnia Cookies is the perfect place for those looking to thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused role while making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Leader - Newcastle - Part Time in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Insomnia Cookies' culture and values. Show us you’re not just about cookies but also about being part of our community. It’ll help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership skills! As a Shift Leader, you’ll need to motivate your team. Think of examples from your past where you’ve led a group or resolved conflicts. We love seeing that hands-on approach!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about customer experiences! We want to hear how you’ve delivered exceptional service in fast-paced environments. Share those stories that highlight your ability to keep customers happy!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our cookie-loving family. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Leader - Newcastle - Part Time in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for cookies and your enthusiasm for being part of our Insomnia Cookies community.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience. If you've worked in fast-paced environments or have leadership experience, shout about it! We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for.
Show Your Love for Customer Experience:Since delivering exceptional customer experiences is key for us, share examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in the past. This will help us see how you can contribute to our mission of making every cookie moment special!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our amazing culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Insomnia Cookies UK Ltd
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand Insomnia Cookies' mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their products and unique selling points. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you align your answers with what they stand for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Shift Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully motivated a team or resolved conflicts. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you support others through coaching.
✨Emphasise Customer Experience
Insomnia Cookies prides itself on delivering exceptional customer experiences. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure every customer leaves happy. Think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Fast-Paced Scenarios
Given the nature of the role, be prepared to answer questions about how you handle pressure and competing priorities. Consider sharing a story that illustrates your ability to stay calm and focused during busy shifts, while still achieving operational excellence.
