Shift Leader

El Pollo Loco; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

401(k) Plan with match

Meal Discounts

Job summary

El Pollo Loco is seeking a dedicated shift leader to oversee daily restaurant operations and guest experiences. You will train and mentor Crewmembers, maintain standards, and ensure smooth service during all shifts.

This full-time position offers opportunities for career advancement from Shift Leader to Assistant Manager, with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences and meeting cost and quality objectives. Training and mentorship are provided.

Qualifications

• Experience as EPL Crewmember certified on all EPL SPECS positions or 1+ year of restaurant supervisory experience.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills; second language a plus.
• Must have Serve Safe Certificate at time of hire or obtain one, where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily restaurant operations and guest experience.
• Coach and direct Crewmembers; set priorities during shifts.
• Open/close the restaurant and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Contribute to cost and profit goals and promote internal career growth.

Skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Communication

Food safety

Education

High school diploma

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Job Description

Posted Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 7:00 AM

Have you ever envisioned leading a team to success or dared to help manage a million-dollar business? Well here’s your opportunity to live the dream! Put your team-building skills to the test and bring us your passion, energy and strong customer service skills. We’ll provide you with an awesome training program, great mentors and an exceptional team that will help you launch your career. The rest is up to you!

What’s in it for you!

We offer eligible Employees the following Benefits/Perks:

• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Basic Life and AD&D/Long Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement Program (General Manager and Assistant Manager only)
• Meal Discounts
• Provides oversight to Crew members in the absence of the General Manager or Assistant Manager. Coaches, directs, recognizes outstanding behavior, and establishes priorities for Crew members during their shift.
• Trains Crewmembers on policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with food safety, security, quality and cleanliness standards
• Opening and/or closing the restaurant
• Creating and ensuring superior guest experiences
• Contributing to the achievement of cost and profit goals

Requirements:

• Experience: Must be an EPL Crewmember certified on all EPL SPECS positions or have 1 or more years of restaurant supervisory experience.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred. Upon hire must pass the EPL Food Safety Audit (FSA) class.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal English communication skills (second language a plus)
• Competencies: Basic math and computer skills, and strong customer service skills
• Food Handler Card: Must have a Serve Safe Certificate at time of hire or obtain a Serve Safe Certificate, where applicable
• Work Hours: Full-Time hours, plus some Overtime may be expected
• Career Advancement/Career Plan: We promote heavily from within, so from a Shift Leader you can develop to become an Assistant Manager, General Manager, Area Leader, and beyond!
• Work Attire: EPL logo’d shirt will be provided, black slacks and no-slip shoes required

C ompany & Culture

For over 35 years El Pollo Loco continues to dominate the market in delivering the best citrus-marinated fire-grilled chicken. We opened our first restaurant in 1980 in Los Angeles, and today we are over 450 restaurants strong and still growing!From our products to our people, we’re truly amazing!

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.