Shift Leader

PONZU LLC; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking an experienced Restaurant Shift Leader to oversee front-of-house operations during busy service, lead by example, and support the service team.

You will assign stations, monitor guest satisfaction, handle coaching, ensure accurate POS entries, and coordinate with kitchen to maintain timely service while complying with safety and alcohol policies.

Qualifications

• Front-of-house leadership experience preferred.
• Ability to manage during busy shifts.
• Experience with Toast POS is preferred.
• Available evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead front-of-house operations during shifts.
• Assign sections, opening/closing duties, breaks.
• Support service team with hosting, running food, and bussing.
• Monitor service quality, ticket timing, and guest satisfaction.
• Resolve guest concerns professionally and escalate when needed.
• Coordinate with kitchen and sushi bar for timely service.
• Ensure accurate POS entries for orders, discounts, and payments.
• Oversee cash handling and shift reporting procedures.
• Uphold food safety and responsible alcohol service.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Team coordination

Education

California Food Handler Card

RBS certification

Tools

Toast POS

Job description

RESTAURANT SHIFT LEADER (Hourly Rate + Tips)

Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar – Costa Mesa, CA

Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar is seeking an experienced and hospitality-focused Restaurant Shift Leader to join our team. This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who can lead by example, support the service team, and help maintain smooth restaurant operations throughout each shift.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead front-of-house operations during assigned shifts.
• Assign sections, opening and closing duties, side work, and employee breaks.
• Maintain a strong floor presence and assist with serving, hosting, running food, bussing, and other duties as needed.
• Monitor service quality, table maintenance, ticket timing, and guest satisfaction.
• Resolve guest concerns professionally and notify management when additional support is required.
• Coordinate with the sushi bar and kitchen to maintain accurate and timely service.
• Ensure all orders, modifications, complimentary items, discounts, voids, and payments are correctly entered into the POS system.
• Support employee training and provide respectful, real-time coaching.
• Monitor attendance, uniforms, conduct, cleanliness, and compliance with restaurant policies.
• Complete opening, closing, cash-handling, and shift-reporting procedures.
• Follow food safety and responsible alcoholic beverage service requirements.

ATTITUDE AND PROFESSIONAL DEMEANOR

• Maintain a positive, calm, and professional demeanor throughout every shift, including during busy or stressful situations.
• Lead by example through respectful communication, appropriate body language, and a solution-focused attitude.
• Treat guests, coworkers, kitchen staff, vendors, and management with professionalism and respect.
• Avoid arguing, gossiping, complaining, displaying frustration, or using negative or confrontational language in front of guests or employees.
• Handle disagreements privately and professionally without disrupting restaurant operations.
• Remain approachable and supportive while holding employees accountable to restaurant standards.
• Accept coaching and feedback professionally and make the necessary improvements.
• Keep personal matters from negatively affecting service, teamwork, or the workplace environment.
• Help create a welcoming, respectful, and team-oriented atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Previous restaurant serving or leadership experience required.
• At least one year of shift-lead or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during busy service periods.
• Experience with Toast POS is preferred.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Valid California Food Handler Card required.
• RBS certification required when serving alcoholic beverages.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule