Kitchen Shift Leader — Lead, Coach & Ensure Quality

Chick-fil-A; Machesney Park (IL); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals

College scholarships

401k

Insurance

Bonuses

Job summary

Chick-fil-A Machesney Park is seeking a Kitchen Shift Leader to head our back-of-house team in a fast-paced restaurant. You’ll organize a shift, coach staff, protect food safety, and keep production moving during busy periods, working hands-on with the team.

We value dependable attendance, clear communication, and high standards while treating others with respect. Prior Chick-fil-A experience isn’t required, but leadership experience is essential.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in a restaurant, commercial kitchen, or similar food-service operation.
• Experience leading a team, directing shift activities, or coaching employees.
• Ability to give concrete examples of directing others and solving operational problems.
• Commitment to servant leadership and respectful, clear feedback.
• Willingness to work different shifts, including Fridays and Saturdays.
• Ability to follow written procedures and maintain standards during rushes.
• Dependable attendance and on-time reporting to scheduled shifts.
• Ability to perform essential kitchen tasks (standing, bending, lifting, etc.).
• Ability to work around heat, noise, and changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead shift execution by positioning staff, setting priorities, and adjusting coverage as needed.
• Ensure food quality and safety, following recipes, timing, labeling, and rotation.
• Coordinate kitchen production to anticipate demand and maintain stock.
• Coach team members, provide direction, and address performance concerns promptly.
• Coordinate with front-of-house to align product availability and priorities.
• Maintain cleanliness and readiness of stations, storage, and equipment.
• Help prevent waste and uphold food quality without compromising safety.
• Complete opening and closing checklists and shift handoffs thoroughly.
• Escalate staffing, equipment, safety, or performance issues to leadership when needed.

Skills

Leadership experience

Team coaching

Communication

Attendance

Flexible shifts

Servant leadership

Shift execution

Food safety awareness

Punctuality

Problem solving

Job description

Chick-fil-A Machesney Park is seeking a Kitchen Shift Leader to head our back-of-house team in a fast-paced restaurant. You’ll organize a shift, coach staff, protect food safety, and keep production moving during busy periods, working hands-on with the team.

We value dependable attendance, clear communication, and high standards while treating others with respect. Prior Chick-fil-A experience isn’t required, but leadership experience is essential.