Shift Leader

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

No overnight hours

Free meal

Employee discount

Career growth

Flexible scheduling

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(K) with match

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

Employee assistance program

Discounts on entertainment

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. seeks a Shift Leader to guide the team during shifts, ensuring fast, friendly service and adherence to brand standards. You will oversee opening/closing procedures, safety, and inventory control while driving a positive guest experience.

Responsibilities include coaching peers, managing breaks, and adjusting staffing for peak times. The role emphasizes training on new products and maintaining clean, compliant operations to deliver fire‑grilled experiences daily.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Must have EPL SPECS certification or 1+ year supervisory experience and pass EPL FSA.

Responsibilities

• Open and close restaurant procedures, including security and cash controls.
• Ensure speed and service metrics meet company goals.
• Lead breaks and staffing based on volume.
• Train team on new products and procedures.
• Maintain QSC and health-code safety standards.
• Greet customers and assist with orders; support shift as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Shift management

Food safety

Inventory management

Communication

POS system

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

POS system

Job description

Shift Leader

As a Shift Leader, 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, ensures 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 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**
• Paid sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible spending accounts, Legal Insurance, and Pet Insurance*
• Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more...
• Eligibility for these benefits is based on the number of average hours worked per week within a 12-month period.
• Eligibility begins after completing at least 12 months of employment, averaging 33 hours of work per week.

Why work for us?

When it comes to our people, our motto is: Let them cook. In fact, we see you as our secret ingredient. While our chicken is fire, it’s our people who set us ablaze. You’re the ones bringing the passion, ideas, and energy–the flavor–whether cooking in the restaurant or working in the support center. That’s why we take pride in providing a place where you can express, develop, and belong… all while enjoying a healthy balance. Here, fire‑grilled chicken makes flamin’ good careers.