Back of House/Kitchen Shift Lead

Workstream; San Clemente (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Chick-fil-A Outlets at San Clemente is seeking a Back-of-House/Kitchen Shift Leader to guide the kitchen team during shifts, ensuring top-level food preparation, cleanliness, and efficiency. You will assist with scheduling, monitor breaks, and uphold state and federal laws in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include leading the kitchen, overseeing food prep and presentation, managing shift operations, and ensuring ongoing cleaning and safety compliance while delivering exceptional

Qualifications

• Leadership to guide kitchen team during shifts.
• Strong understanding of food safety principles and sanitation.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Clear, professional communication with team and management.
• Willingness to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team during assigned shifts.
• Oversee cooking, assembly, and presentation per Chick-fil-A standards.
• Manage shift operations, workflow, and task prioritization.
• Assist with scheduling kitchen staff according to needs and laws.
• Ensure breaks are managed per state/local laws and coverage is maintained.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation throughout the shift; monitor equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Organization

Communication

Flexibility

Job description

Position Summary:

As a Back-of-House/Kitchen Shift Leader at Chick-fil-A Outlets at San Clemente, you will be responsible for leading the kitchen team during designated shifts to ensure the highest standards of food preparation, cleanliness, and efficiency. You will also assist with scheduling, manage breaks for team members in accordance with state and local laws, and ensure continuous cleaning throughout the shift while complying with all state and federal laws and Chick-fil-A standards.This position is a non‑exempt hourly position.

Responsibilities:

1. Leadership: Lead and motivate the kitchen team members during assigned shifts, providing guidance, direction, and support to ensure smooth operations and exceptional guest experiences.

2. Food Preparation: Oversee food preparation activities, including cooking, assembly, and presentation, to ensure adherence to Chick‑fil‑A recipes, quality standards, and food safety guidelines.

3. Shift Management: Manage shift operations effectively, including coordinating workflow, prioritizing tasks, and resolving any issues or challenges that may arise in the kitchen.

4. Scheduling Assistance: Assist with scheduling kitchen team members, considering business needs, employee availability, and labor laws, while ensuring adequate staffing levels to meet demand.

5. Break Management: Manage breaks for team members in accordance with state and local laws, ensuring that all team members receive appropriate breaks and meal periods during their shifts.

6. Continuous Cleaning: Ensure that cleaning tasks are performed throughout the shift to maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards in the kitchen area, including equipment, surfaces, and utensils.

7. Training and Development: Train new team members on kitchen procedures, safety protocols, and customer service standards, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to enhance performance.

8. Inventory Control: Monitor inventory levels, assist with inventory management tasks such as ordering and stocking, and minimize waste through proper portioning and rotation practices.

9. Equipment Maintenance: Ensure all kitchen equipment is properly maintained, cleaned, and serviced according to manufacturer guidelines, and report any maintenance issues promptly.

10. Compliance: Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, including food safety standards, health and safety guidelines, and labor laws, throughout all kitchen operations.

11. Communication: Maintain open and effective communication with management, team members, and other departments to coordinate activities, share information, and address any concerns or feedback.

Qualifications:

1. Previous kitchen experience required, with demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to lead and motivate a team effectively.

2. Strong understanding of food safety principles, sanitation practices, and kitchen operations, with a commitment to upholding high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

3. Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

4. Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with team members, guests, and management.

5. Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays, based on business needs.

6. Must be at least 18 years old and eligible to work in the United States.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The employee must be able to:

• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds such as cases of food items or kitchen equipment.


• Push or pull items such as kitchen carts and equipment.


• Interact with other staff members.


• Climb a step stool or ladder and reach above shoulders.


• Ability to frequently stand and walk; bend, stoop, squat, kneel and reach overhead. Reach above the head and reach forward. Stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle, or feel objects, equipment, or controls; use hand strength to grasp items; and to talk and hear.


• Frequently bend or twist at the neck and trunk.


• Ability to comply with California Retail Food Code

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Chick‑fil‑A Outlets at San Clemente is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Note:

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be adjusted as needed to meet the evolving needs of the business.

Most Chick‑fil‑A® Restaurants are operated by independent franchised business owners

who make all their own employment decisions and are responsible for their own

content and policies.

Working at a Chick‑fil‑A® restaurant is more than a job – it’s an opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a positive, people-focused environment. Most Chick‑fil‑A restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent, franchised Operators who invest in the future of their Team Members and give back to their communities.