Shift Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

Free meal during your shift

Employee discount on food

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(K) Plan with match and immediate v

Paid vacation

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. in Orange, CA is seeking a Shift Leader to guide the restaurant team during assigned hours, ensuring fast service, friendly hospitality, and strict adherence to brand standards.

You will open and close the store, supervise crew, manage inventory, train staff, handle cash operations, and uphold health and safety requirements. This role offers leadership growth in a dynamic, guest‑focused environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or preferred.
• Must have restaurant supervisory experience and pass EPL Food Safety Audit after hire.
• Ability to lead a team during shifts and ensure standards.

Responsibilities

• Open and close restaurant procedures, coordinate tasks for setup, food prep, and cleaning.
• Maintain service speed and customer satisfaction while ensuring health code standards.
• Train and support team members on products and procedures.
• Handle cash drawers, deposits, and audits; supervise shifts.
• Greet customers and assist with orders; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Shift management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

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

As a Shift Leader, you7re the one turning up the heat! You7ll lead your team to ensure exceptional service and smooth operations during your shift. With your passion and attention to detail, you7ll create fire-grilled experiences that keep guests coming back while growing as a leader. Ready to ignite your flamin7 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 7 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.

What7s 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, it7s our people

Who set us ablaze. You7re the ones bringing the passion, ideas and energy6the flavor6whether cooking in the restaurant or working in the support center. That7s why we take pride in providing a place where you can express, develop and belong E2 8 all while enjoying a healthy balance. Here, fire-grilled chicken makes flamin7 good careers.

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.