Student CEO (SCEO) - PURDUE UNIVERSITY

Student CEO (SCEO) - PURDUE UNIVERSITY

West Lafayette, IN

Accepting applications for Spring 2027 and future semesters!

Reports to: Operations Lead

Classification: Full-time, seasonal

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Type: Hourly

Scope: 1 cafe

Location: In-person at assigned cafe

Job Summary: The Student CEO leads all aspects of a Saxbys cafe operation while gaining real-world entrepreneurial experience through Saxbys' Experiential Learning Platform. This role provides undergraduate students with unparalleled ownership of a business while developing leadership skills across team development, community engagement, and financial management.

What You Will Own

• Team Development: Build and lead a high-performing team of peers through effective recruiting, training, coaching, and performance management to create a positive work environment that embodies Saxbys' values and culture.
• Community Leadership: Establish the cafe as a community cornerstone through exceptional hospitality, meaningful partnerships, and impactful initiatives that demonstrate Saxbys' commitment to making life better.
• Financial Management: Drive cafe profitability by managing sales growth, labor costs, inventory, and overall operational efficiency while maintaining Saxbys' high standards for product quality and guest experience.
• Brand Representation: Serve as the face of Saxbys on campus, effectively communicating the company's mission, values, and Experiential Learning Platform to stakeholders, guests, and potential team members.

Who You Will Support

• Operations Lead: Collaborate on strategic initiatives, provide regular updates on cafe performance, and implement feedback to continuously improve operations.
• Marketing Team: Generate content for social media, implement local marketing initiatives, and execute promotional campaigns to drive cafe awareness and sales.
• Recruiting Team: Assist in identifying, recruiting, and developing talent for both cafe positions and future Student CEO succession planning.

Who You Will Supervise

This position will supervise around 30 direct reports depending on the size of the cafe that semester

What Success Looks Like

• Cafe achieves or exceeds budgeted revenue targets
• Cafe operates at or above budgeted Net Operating Income
• 30%+ of cafe staff are developed into Team Leads
• Guest satisfaction metrics consistently above 4.5/5

Where You Excel

• Confident Communicator
• Developer of Individual Contributors
• Master of Prioritization
• Adaptable to Change
• Autonomous Problem Solving
• Financial Acumen

What You Have Done

• Completed at least one year of undergraduate studies
• Prior Saxbys cafe experience preferred
• Demonstrated leadership experience in academic, professional, or volunteer settings
• Experience in customer service, hospitality, or retail preferred

What is Required

• Support, exhibit, and promote Saxbys Mission and Core Values in all daily activities.
• Must be an undergraduate student of the partner organization in good academic standing
• Ability to work 30-40 hours per week during cafe operating hours
• Physical requirements:
• Able to stand, walk, and smile for extended periods of time
• Able to stoop and kneel
• Push, pull, lift or carry up to 35 lbs
• Ascend or descend ladders, stairs, ramps