Shift Leader

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 22,041 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

No overnight hours

Free meal during shift

Employee discount on food

Career growth opportunities

Flexible scheduling: FT/PT

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan with match

Paid vacation

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. in Lancaster, CA, is seeking a Shift Leader to guide the team during your shift, ensuring fast, friendly service and consistent quality.

You will be responsible for opening/closing, training crew, managing cash handling and deposits, and monitoring safety and QSC standards while assisting guests with orders and growth within the company.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Must be certified on EPL SPECS positions or have 1+ year of restaurant supervisory experience and pass EPL FSA after hire.
• Demonstrates food safety awareness and host leadership on shift.

Responsibilities

• Manage opening and closing procedures; coordinate crew tasks for setup, prep, and cleaning.
• Ensure service speed and cleanliness; enforce safety and QSC standards.
• Prioritize tasks, manage breaks, adjust staffing based on volume.
• Train and support team on new products and procedures.
• Handle cash registers, deposits, and audits; verify catering orders.
• Greet customers and assist with orders; maintain guest satisfaction.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Food safety

Shift management

Education

High school diploma or GED

EPL SPECS certification

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**