Shift Leader

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(K) Plan with match and immediate v

Paid vacation

Employee discount on food

Flexible Scheduling: Full-Time or Part

No overnight hours

Free meal during your shift

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. is seeking a Shift Leader in Los Angeles to supervise daily restaurant operations during shifts, ensuring fast, friendly service and adherence to company standards. You will lead the team, manage opening/closing duties, and coordinate tasks for peak performance.

The role emphasizes coaching staff, maintaining safety and quality, and delivering exceptional guest experiences while supporting growth opportunities within the company.

Qualifications

• Leadership and team supervision capabilities are required.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to maintain guest satisfaction.
• Experience supervising a restaurant shift and coordinating tasks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily restaurant operations during assigned shifts.
• Manage opening/closing procedures and inventory checks.
• Ensure safety, hygiene, and QSC standards are met.
• Coordinate tasks and breaks among team members.
• Train and support staff on new products and procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

Supervisory experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 4:00 AM

As a Shift Leader, you2re the one turning up the heat! You2ll lead your team to ensure exceptional service and smooth operations during your shift. With your passion and attention to detail, you2ll create fire-grilled experiences that keep guests coming back while growing as a leader. Ready to ignite your flamin2 good career? Apply now!

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
• P rioritize 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.

What2s 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**
• 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, it2s our people

Who set us ablaze. You2re the ones bringing the passion, ideas and energynd energythe flavoror whether cooking in the restaurant or working in the support center. That2s why we take pride in providing a place where you can express, develop and belong0 all while enjoying a healthy balance. Here, fire-grilled chicken makes flamin2 good careers.

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The pay range identified is the hourly or salary rate El Pollo Loco expects to pay for the posted position. This range does not include any benefits or bonus opportunities that might be available for the position based on position and eligibility criteria. Individual pay will vary based on a variety of factors including years of experience, industry experience, education, geography, etc.