Chick-fil-A Shift Leader

Chick-fil-A, Inc.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Chick-fil-A, Inc. is seeking a Shift Leader to join our restaurant leadership team in New York. This role oversees daily operations, supports Team Members, and helps deliver an exceptional guest experience with professionalism, urgency, and teamwork.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while explaining priorities and guiding staff during busy periods. A flexible schedule including weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Proven leadership and communication abilities.
• Strong reliability, professionalism and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Team Members throughout assigned shifts.
• Oversee daily restaurant operations and ensure quality and hospitality.
• Set clear expectations and provide direction to the team.
• Coach and develop Team Members with real-time feedback.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety, and speed of service.
• Resolve guest concerns and create a welcoming environment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Dependability

Customer service

Team development

Job description

Shift Leader

Position Overview

We are looking for motivated, dependable, and people-focused individuals to join our leadership team as Shift Leaders.

Shift Leaders play an important role in the day-to-day success of our restaurant. This position is responsible for helping lead restaurant operations, supporting and developing Team Members, and ensuring we consistently deliver an exceptional experience to every guest.

They set the tone for the shift through their attitude, communication, urgency, professionalism, and willingness to step in wherever needed. This role requires someone who can balance taking care of people with achieving strong operational results.

Shift Leaders may support various areas of the restaurant based on business needs, including both Front of House and Back of House operations.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support Team Members throughout assigned shifts
• Help oversee the execution of daily restaurant operations
• Set clear expectations and provide direction to the team
• Coach, encourage, and develop Team Members through real-time feedback
• Help ensure proper team positioning and deployment based on business needs
• Maintain high standards for hospitality, food quality, cleanliness, safety, and speed of service
• Create a welcoming environment for guests and help resolve concerns when necessary
• Identify operational challenges and respond with urgency and good judgment
• Hold Team Members accountable to restaurant standards and expectations
• Communicate important shift information, opportunities, and concerns to other leaders
• Support opening, closing, and other operational responsibilities as assigned
• Lead by example by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and a strong work ethic
• Help create a culture where Team Members feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow

What We’re Looking For

The ideal Shift Leader is someone who takes ownership and understands that leadership is more than having a title. We are looking for individuals who are willing to serve their team, make decisions, have difficult conversations when necessary, and consistently model the standards they expect from others.

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Dependability and consistency
• A positive and professional attitude
• Ability to remain composed in a fast-paced environment
• Confidence making decisions and providing direction
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to coach, motivate, and develop others
• A commitment to accountability and high standards
• Strong attention to detail
• Willingness to learn and support multiple areas of the restaurant
• A genuine desire to serve both our guests and our team

Growth & Development

We believe leadership is developed through experience, coaching, feedback, and continued learning. Shift Leaders will have opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their operational knowledge, and prepare for additional leadership opportunities within the organization.

This is more than running a shift. We are looking for leaders who want to take ownership, develop people, create exceptional experiences, and contribute to a culture of excellence.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or restaurant experience preferred
• Must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead, coach, motivate, and hold Team Members accountable
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Must be dependable, punctual, and consistent
• Ability to maintain professionalism during challenging or high-pressure situations
• Willingness to learn and become proficient in multiple areas of restaurant operations
• Must be able to work collaboratively with other members of the leadership team
• Must demonstrate a strong commitment to food safety, cleanliness, quality, and hospitality
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform the physical responsibilities associated with restaurant operations
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including mornings, evenings, Saturdays, and holidays as applicable
• Must be willing to complete all required training and leadership development
• Food Handler/Food Protection certification may be required based on position and operational needs
• Must consistently demonstrate integrity, ownership, accountability, and a servant-leadership mindset

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.