Shift Leader

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

No overnight hours

Free meal during your shift

Employee discount on food

Excellent career growth potential

Flexible Scheduling: Full-Time or Part

Part-Time hours

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(K) Plan with match

Paid vacation

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. in Costa Mesa is seeking a Shift Leader to guide the team during your shift, ensuring fast, friendly service and smooth operations.

You will manage opening/closing, uphold safety, train staff, handle cash and orders, and help keep guests satisfied while supporting growth as a leader.

This role requires a high school diploma and 1+ years of restaurant supervisory experience, with EPL SPECS certification or audit completion as a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred.
• Must have 1+ years of restaurant supervisory experience and pass the EPL Food Safety Audit (FSA) class after hire.
• Must be certified on all EPL SPECS positions or have equivalent supervisory credentials.

Responsibilities

• Oversee opening and closing procedures, coordinate tasks for setup, food prep, and cleaning.
• Maintain service speed and customer satisfaction; ensure cleanliness and QSC safety standards.
• Prioritize tasks, manage breaks, adjust staffing based on sales volume, and guide shift operations.
• Train and support team members on new products and procedures.
• Handle cash drawers, deposits, phone orders, and catering verifications; ensure compliance during shifts.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Food safety knowledge

Communication

Shift management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

As a Shift Leader, you’re the one turning up the heat! You’ll lead your team to ensure exceptional service and smooth operations during your shift. With your passion and attention to detail, you’ll create fire-grilled experiences that keep guests coming back while growing as a leader.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Shift Leader oversees the daily operations of the restaurant during assigned shifts and in the absence of the General Manager or Assistant Manager, ensuring exceptional customer experiences and that team members adhere to company standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage restaurant opening and closing procedures, including security protocols. Coordinate crew tasks for setup, food prep, and cleaning. Conduct inventory checks and update the inventory system. Handle food deliveries, ensuring accuracy in inventory records.
• Ensure customer service and speed of service metrics meet company goals and standards. Maintain restaurant cleanliness according to EPL and health code safety standards. Ensure adherence to safety practices and Quality, Service, Cleanliness (QSC) standards
• Prioritize team members' tasks during shift. Ensure that break policies are followed for self and others by communicating with team members about breaks and serving as a breaker, as needed. Adjust shift staffing based on sales volume for productivity. Monitor and adjust food production, consulting with the Area Leader for guidance as needed.
• Train and support team members on new products and operational procedures.
• Manage restaurant operating duties such as assigning and opening cash registers, handling phone calls, verifying catering orders, and overseeing company funds. Conduct safe and cash drawer audits, prepare deposits, consult with the Area Leader for support and guidance in ensuring compliance with operational procedures while on the shift.
• Continuously strive to meet or exceed customer expectations and satisfaction. Greet and assist customers with their orders in a friendly and helpful manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management to support restaurant operations.

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required.

Education/Work Experience

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred. Must be certified on all EPL SPECS positions or must have 1 or more years of restaurant supervisory experience and pass the EPL Food Safety Audit (FSA) class after hire.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive pay
• No overnight hours
• Free meal during your shift
• Employee discount on food
• Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within)
• Flexible Scheduling: Full-Time or Part-Time hours
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance*
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting (must be at least 21 to participate)
• Paid vacation**