Shift Lead

Marugame-Udon; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Marugame Udon in Cupertino is seeking a part-time Shift Lead to guide Crew Members, uphold food quality, and ensure a positive guest experience. The role combines front-of-house and back-of-house responsibilities with a focus on omotenashi, speed, and teamwork.

The candidate will lead by example, coach staff, and maintain operations during busy periods. Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, and weekends is required to support staffing needs and ensure smooth daily performance.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a fast casual or quick-service restaurant preferred.
• Reliable and punctual with strong attendance history.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to coach, motivate, and direct others.
• Excellent communication skills for both guests and team members.
• Strong multi-tasking abilities and ability to think quickly under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead Crew Members during shifts and delegate tasks based on business needs.
• Ensure exceptional guest service with warmth, friendliness, and urgency.
• Oversee station setup, prep levels, and food quality; monitor cleanliness and safety.
• Provide corrective coaching and training across stations; maintain brand values.
• Manage cash handling, POS activity, and shift paperwork; ensure accurate reporting.
• Communicate shift goals and updates clearly to team; escalate issues as needed.
• Support opening/closing procedures and ensure compliance with safety policies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Multi-tasking

Reliability

Attendance

Education

No formal education required

Job description

Job Title: Shift LeadDepartment: OperationsReports To: Manager / General ManagerJob Type: Part-Time, Non-ExemptCompany Overview:Marugame Udon is a fast-growing international brand serving handmade Sanuki Style udon and crispy tempura. We are searching for a team player that can join our value-based team in the pursuit of our vision of “Creating moments of joy through the culture of Omotenashi and the comfort of handcrafted udon” here in the US market. Marugame Udon currently has 22 restaurants located in California, Hawaii, and Washington.Position Overview:The Shift Lead plays a key role in daily restaurant operations by leading Crew Members, upholding food quality and service standards, and ensuring a consistent, positive guest experience. Shift Leads set the tone for the shift by modeling professionalism, communicating clearly, and maintaining our core values of omotenashi (exceptional hospitality), speed, quality, and embracing differences. This position supports both front-of-house and back-of-house operations and requires strong leadership, adaptability, and operational knowledge.Key Responsibilities:Leadership and People ManagementDelegate tasks based on business needs and team strengths.Effectively manage employee breaks in compliance with federal and state law.Motivate Crew Members during busy periods to maintain speed, accuracy, and hospitality.Provide corrective coaching and constructive feedback to team members with assistance from management team with the Red Book.Assist with training and cross-training employees across multiple stations.Maintain a positive and supportive work environment; resolve conflicts calmly, fairly, and consistently.Model reliability, professionalism, and the brand’s core values.Guest Experience and Customer ServiceEnsure each guest receives exceptional service with warmth, friendliness, and urgency.Support Crew Members to help ensure hospitality is being provided to all guest from every station within the restaurant.Display composure during rushes and guide team members to perform efficiently.Resolve guest complaints or concerns promptly, professionally, and with empathy.Step into station roles (cashier, expo, prep, tempura, etc.) to support flow.Operational ExecutionLead opening and/or closing procedures, ensuring readiness, safety, and compliance.Oversee station setup, prep levels, and food quality throughout the shift.Maintain product freshness, accuracy, and adherence to recipes and standards.Ensure cleanliness and sanitation standards are met in all areas of the restaurant.Monitor speed of service and adjust tasks or station assignments to improve flow.Perform shift paperwork, communication logs, and operational checklists.Cash Handling and POS OversightPerform accurate cash-outs, drawer counts, and safe drops.Complete deposits according to company policies and procedures.Monitor POS activity for accuracy and assist with basic troubleshooting issues.Ensure team members follow proper cash-handling procedures.CommunicationCommunicate shift goals, priorities, and station assignments clearly in pre-shift meeting.Relay updates, policy reminders, and operational instructions to Crew Members.Maintain professional communication with guests, team members, and management.Provide clear direction during busy periods to support efficiency and safety.Safety, Compliance and Knowledge RequirementsEnforce food safety standards and proper hygiene practices.Ensure adherence to cleaning and sanitation protocols throughout the shift.Follow and enforce restaurant opening and closing procedures.Understand basic safety protocols (equipment safety, emergency procedures.)Apply basic employment law principles when assigning tasks or enforcing policies.Ensure all team members follow company policies consistently and fairly.Adaptability and Problem-SolvingStay calm under pressure, especially during peak hours.Quickly assess and respond to operational challenges (staffing gaps, guest issues, equipment problems).Adjust labor deployment and task assignments to match business volume.Maintain a solutions-oriented mindset and encourage the same in team members.Qualifications:Previous experience in a fast casual or quick-service restaurant preferred.Reliable and punctual with strong attendance history.Strong leadership skills with ability to coach, motivate, and direct others.Excellent communication skills for both guests and team members.Strong multi-tasking abilities and ability to think quickly under pressure.Professional and positive demeanor aligned with the brand’s values.Ability to follow and enforce company policies, standards, and safety procedures.Must be able to communicate in basic English.Must be at least 18 years of age or older.Physical RequirementsAbility to stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours)Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.Frequent walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, and repetitive motions.Work in a warm kitchen with hot equipment.Availability and Work ExpectationsAbility to work morning, mid and closing shifts.Must be available to work weekends and holidays as needed.Must be able to work 3 – 5 shifts per week.Flexibility to cover shifts or adjust schedules to support staffing needs.ADA NotificationAbility to sit and/or stand for long periods of time, using hands, and reaching with arms.Regular communication (hearing/speaking).Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. on occasion.Routine office duties include computer keyboard use and long periods of looking at a computer monitor.Vision requirements include ability to focus and close vision.EEO StatementThe Company is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.E-VerifyThis employer participates in E-Verify. Upon hire, employment eligibility will be verified through the E-Verify system.