Job Description
Shoe Doctor is looking for a Shoe & Sneaker Cleaning Technician to support our cleaning operations and customer-facing intake during scheduled shifts.This role is ideal for someone who:Already understands how to clean things well Has a working knowledge of shoes, fashion, and major sneaker brands Learns quickly, takes feedback well, and wants to build a real technical skillset You do not need to be an expert in shoe restoration on day one.We provide training on shoe-specific materials, techniques, and standards.However, this is not an entry-level retail role.We're looking for someone who can build toward professional-level speed and consistency over time.This is an independent contractor position with clearly defined expectations and growth milestones.As a 1099 contractor, you are responsible for your own taxes, withholdings, and reporting.Shoe Doctor Chicago does not withhold income or employment taxes.Core Responsibilities Cleaning & Restoration (Primary Focus) Clean and restore customer footwear using approved tools, products, and techniques.Work with a variety of materials including leather, suede, nubuck, mesh, canvas, and synthetics.Apply general cleaning principles (chemical selection, agitation control, moisture management) to footwear-specific use cases.Perform self-checks on work quality before submitting for final inspection.Learn and follow Shoe Doctor Chicago's documented processes and standards.Communicate status, issues, and shift outcomes clearly to managers or leads during and after shifts (e.g., what was completed, what's in progress, and any problems encountered).Attend required training sessions (in person or virtual), including occasional off-site or partner locations if needed.May occasionally support off-site or partner locations (e.g., locker hubs, third-party drop-offs, or events) for pickups, deliveries, or service execution.Growth & Performance Expectations During the first 1-3 months, focus on learning materials, techniques, and quality standards while building speed.By approximately months 4-6, demonstrate the ability to consistently clean an average of 3 pairs per hour while meeting quality standards.Progress toward completing work that requires minimal corrective detailing (5-10 minutes or less per pair) during inspection.Speed is developed over time -- quality and judgment come first.Long-term consistency is non-negotiable.Workflow & Organization Set up and maintain an organized workstation that supports efficient workflow.Manage multiple pairs at once without losing track of process steps or quality.Maintain cleanliness and organization in both cleaning and reception areas during assigned shifts.Log completed work and note any issues or exceptions as required.Customer Interaction (Secondary Responsibility) Greet customers and assist with drop-offs and pickups when scheduled in a front-facing shift.Communicate clearly and confidently about services, timelines, and care expectations.Demonstrate familiarity with sneaker brands, styles, and basic shoe culture to build trust with customers.Answer basic customer questions related to order status or services during assigned hours.Required Qualifications Basic working knowledge of cleaning -- whether through personal experience, past jobs, detailing, hospitality, garment care, or similar hands-on work.Comfort working with water, cleaning agents, brushes, and repetitive manual tasks.Ability to juggle multiple pairs at different stages of cleaning while maintaining quality, organization, and consistent throughput -- even with interruptions.Familiarity with shoes, fashion, and major sneaker brands (e.g., common Jordan models, popular silhouettes, general brand awareness).Strong learning agility -- able to absorb new techniques, apply feedback, and improve quickly.Organized, dependable, and able to manage multiple priorities during a shift.Reliable and punctual, with the ability to commit to agreed-upon shifts.Preferred (Nice to Have) Experience with textiles, fabrics, apparel care, detailing, or material-sensitive cleaning.Background in customer service, retail, hospitality, or other customer-facing roles.Personal interest in sneaker culture, fashion, or footwear beyond casual wear.Contract Role Details This is a 1099 independent contractor position.Contractors are responsible for managing their workflow during scheduled shifts while meeting agreed-upon quality and progression expectations.Training and standards are provided; consistent improvement and accountability are expected.Who This Role Is NOT For This role is likely not a good fit if:You are not interested in developing a technical skill over time.You dislike repetitive, hands-on work.You prefer a purely customer-service or retail-focused role.You are uncomfortable receiving direct feedback on speed, quality, or consistency.Why Join Shoe Doctor? We're building more than a sneaker cleaning shop -- we're building a reputation