Shift Leader

McDonald's United Kingdom; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Skills for life

Employee Assistance Programme

Exclusive discounts

Overnight pay premium

Recognition and rewards

Free meals on break

Career development

Job summary

McDonald's is seeking a Shift Leader to drive operational excellence and foster a positive guest and team experience in our restaurant. You will lead by example, coach colleagues, and ensure high standards of hospitality, cleanliness and service across shifts.

Flexibility is essential, with availability across weekdays and weekends, and shifts including early mornings, afternoons, evenings and overnights. Values guiding our work include Serve, Inclusion, Integrity, Community and Family.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in retail, hospitality or customer-focused environments.
• Demonstrates strong leadership and coaching abilities.
• Delivers personalised service and resolves issues calmly.

Responsibilities

• Lead shift planning and staffing based on forecasted demand.
• Coach and motivate team to deliver hospitality and quality service.
• Ensure compliance with safety, food safety and company policies.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Customer service

Communication

Job description

Come join the McDonald’s Experience

Looking for a role where your positivity, hospitality, and teamwork make a real impact? At McDonald's, we're not just serving food, we're creating moments. As a Shift Leader, you'll be at the heart of our restaurants customer experience, leading your team to deliver great hospitality, clean spaces, and friendly service.

This role requires availability to work shifts across various days and times. To meet the criteria for this role, you will be required to be available to work within Weekdays and Weekends, working shifts across Early Mornings, Afternoons, Evenings & Overnights. Please only apply if you are able to meet these requirements.

What We Stand For

At McDonald’s, our employees are at the heart of everything we do. McDonald’s is built on five core values: Serve, Inclusion, Integrity, Community, and Family. These values guide how we work together, how we treat our customers, and how we support each other. We’re committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where opportunity is open to all.

What does a day as a Shift Leader look like?

As a Shift Leader, you are a key driver of operational excellence and team engagement. You’ll lead by example, inspire high performance, and ensure every shift runs smoothly while delivering an exceptional customer and employee experience. Your leadership will reflect our core values, fostering a culture of trust, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Your ability to build trust-based relationships through active listening, feedback, coaching, and providing recognition will be key to creating a positive work environment. As a role model, you will align your decisions and actions with our Values, ensuring they guide every aspect of your leadership. You will embody behaviours that positively impact the customer and employee experience, demonstrating flexibility, approachability, and a commitment to both customer satisfaction and team well‑being. Key Responsibilities include:

Pre-Shift Preparation

• Strategically plan for shift success based on forecasted sales, guest counts, and staffing levels. Analysing data to determine decision making.
• Conduct pre-shift walk-throughs using checklists to prioritize and delegate tasks.
• Ensure food safety, health & safety, and maintenance standards are met.
• Review stock levels, menu updates, and promotional offers with the team.

During the Shift

• Optimise team positioning and assign area leaders to manage Production, Assembly, and Service zones. Problem solve and engage the team in implementing solutions to barriers.
• Monitor operations and customer flow, adjusting in real-time to maintain service quality.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks and safety concerns proactively.
• Provide on-the-spot coaching, feedback, and recognition to motivate team members.
• Ensure compliance with labour laws, youth worker regulations, and safety protocols.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food safety, and hospitality throughout the shift.
• Engage with customers and delivery partners to enhance the overall experience.

Post-Shift Wrap-Up

• Review shift performance against goals and identify areas for improvement.
• Communicate key insights and handover notes to the incoming Shift Leader.
• Complete administrative tasks (e.g., waste tracking, corrective actions).
• Celebrate team successes and recognize outstanding contributions.

Position Requirements:

This position is open to people who have experience of managing and leading teams within the retail, hospitality, business or a customer focused environment. We’re looking for individuals who:

• Display Leadership and role model customer focused behaviours to delight customers
• Provide a delivery of personalised service and connect with our customers
• Lead by example
• Adapt to customer needs through your team
• Answer customer queries, keeping up to date with knowledge on our food and promotions
• Use of initiative, confidence and problem solving when interacting with colleagues and customers
• Treat all colleagues and customers with courtesy and respect.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a rewards and benefits package designed to support you both at work and beyond, including:

• Skills for life – Learn transferrable skills that will help you grow, whether you’re full or part time.
• Employee Assistance Programme – Access counselling, mental health support, and helpful resources whenever you need them.
• Exclusive discounts – Save on shopping, travel, gym memberships, and more.
• Premium pay for some overnight hours – Extra reward for some of those late-night hours.
• Recognition and rewards – From Employee of the Month to long-service awards, we celebrate your contributions.
• Free meals on your break – Choose a meal from our restaurant menu while you recharge. (Can differ depending on location)
• Career development – Opportunities for career growth through, training, clear progression pathways and apprenticeships to help you build your future.
• And many other great benefits specific to your restaurant.

Additional role information: