Shift Lead - Fairfield

Sally’s Apizza; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental Insurance

Flexible schedule

Health insurance

Paid sick time

Referral program

Vision insurance

Job summary

Join Sally's Apizza in Fairfield, Connecticut as a Daytime Shift Lead. You will oversee restaurant operations during the day, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and effective team management. Key responsibilities include cash management, staff training, and maintaining a hospitable environment. Ideal candidates will have strong knowledge of restaurant procedures and excellent communication skills. Benefits include health insurance, flexible schedules, and paid sick time. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about maintaining the quality of New Haven style Apizza, embracing our core values in hospitality and team spirit.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a similar role is preferred.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage a team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations during daytime shifts.
• Open the restaurant and prepare for service.
• Manage cash handling procedures and staff training.

Skills

Knowledge of restaurant operations and front-of-house procedures

Proficiency in POS systems (Toast or similar)

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure

Job description

FIND YOUR FIRE!
Sally's Apizza, renowned for its New Haven Style Apizza since 1938, is expanding our locations and corporate team nationwide! Famous for its distinctive tomato sauce and chewy, crispy crust with an iconic oven-kissed char, Sally’s draws pizza fans from around the world. We hand‑craft authentic pizza in custom-designed ovens, using the original recipes. With a commitment to sharing exceptional pizza with all, we're on a mission to spread our passion far and wide. With Sally's growth, comes new opportunities from management to corporate roles. We offer coaching, training, and promotion within, giving you a path to pursue your future career goals.

THE ROLE

The Daytime Shift Lead plays a key leadership role in ensuring the smooth execution of daytime restaurant operations while upholding the culture, standards, and guest experience that define Sally’s Apizza. This position serves as the on‑shift leader responsible for setting the tone of service, maintaining operational consistency, and ensuring that every guest interaction reflects warmth, attentiveness, and the true spirit of hospitality. The Daytime Shift Lead may also serve as the Key Holder, responsible for safely and efficiently opening the restaurant, ensuring operational readiness, and upholding security and cash‑handling standards before management arrival.

AS THE DAYTIME SHIFT LEAD YOU WILL

• Oversee daily operations during assigned daytime shifts to ensure an exceptional guest and team experience.
• Arrive early to open the restaurant and prepare for service.
• Unlock doors, disable alarms, and manage safe access using assigned codes and keys.
• Count and distribute cash drawers and petty cash, reconciling against previous totals.
• Complete all steps on the opening checklist, ensuring the restaurant is fully operational and guest‑ready.
• Conduct a morning walk through to confirm cleanliness, setup, and maintenance readiness.
• Ensure TVs, music, lighting, and ambiance are properly set.
• Print and confirm daily staffing and prep lists.
• Communicate opening updates or issues to the oncoming manager.
• Follow all safety and cash handling protocols as trained during opening procedure shadow shifts.
• Conduct pre‑shift meetings with staff to review priorities, updates, and service expectations.
• Maintain presence on the dining room floor to monitor flow of service, guest satisfaction, and team performance.
• Responsible for cash management and/or cash handling procedures, including collecting and reconciling funds from servers and bartenders.
• Complete a structured training program consisting of approximately 5–10 training shifts conducted with the General Manager prior to final approval.

OPERATIONAL OVERSIGHT

• Understand and manage comps and discounts in accordance with company policy.
• Perform manager‑level functions in the POS system, including voids, discounts, and time adjustments.
• Schedule and track employee breaks to maintain compliance and ensure proper coverage.
• Confirm all team members are clocked in/out correctly; process timecard amendments when needed.
• Enter shift notes in the closing log to document key updates and operational feedback.
• Communicate shift updates, callouts, and incidents to the General Manager or closing manager.

GUEST & TEAM SUPPORT

• Serve as the primary point of contact for front‑of‑house staff during daytime hours.
• Lead by example, fostering a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and respect.
• Address and resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally.
• Support training and onboarding of new team members.

CULTURE & BRAND

• Fully understand and embody the Sally’s Apizza culture, including its historical evolution and legacy in New Haven Apizza tradition.
• Promote company values through daily actions, communication, and leadership presence.

ROLE COMPETENCIES

Experience & Skills

• Strong knowledge of restaurant operations and front‑of‑house procedures.
• Proficient in POS systems (Toast or similar).
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure.

Functional Expertise

• Organized and detail‑oriented with a hands‑on approach.
• Ability to manage priorities and support a fast‑paced team environment.
• Comfortable making operational decisions and providing clear direction.

Communication

• Leads pre‑shift meetings with clarity and motivation.
• Communicates effectively across all levels — hourly team, management, and guests.

Integrity

• Demonstrates honesty, accountability, and fairness in all interactions.
• Acts as a role model for professionalism and reliability.

Guest Experience & Hospitality

• Leads by example through proactive table touches, ensuring guests feel welcomed and attended to.

Work Environment

• Fast‑paced restaurant setting.
• Daytime schedule with flexibility for weekends or holidays as needed.
• Active, on‑your‑feet role requiring constant engagement with guests and staff.

Benefits are available for full‑time positions!

• Dental Insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Details: Full Time, In‑Person, Day, Evening & Weekend availability.

SALLY’S CORE VALUES

• Obsession for Apizza: True passion for the uncompromised quality and tradition of New Haven Apizza. Strive for excellence and bring your personal best to work every day.
• Commitment to Our Guests: Demonstrate warmth and care while creating memorable moments of hospitality for all guests.
• Strength of Character: Take pride in your job and use your best judgment to do what is right and fair even when no one else is looking. Actively seek to build trust with colleagues and guests.
• We Are Hungry: We are a teaching company filled with people who are hungry for knowledge and growth. Our hunger is insatiable, and we crave honest feedback to strengthen our skills and hold each other accountable.