Shift Leader

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Red Bluff (CA); On-site; USD 22,041 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

No overnight hours

Free meal during your shift

Employee discount on food

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(K) plan with matching

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. in Red Bluff, CA is seeking a Shift Leader to oversee daily restaurant operations during shifts, ensuring exceptional guest service and adherence to EPL standards.

You will open/close, train teammates, manage inventory, handle cash, and coordinate with the Area Leader to maintain safety and quality. This role offers competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and benefits as outlined by the company.

Qualifications

• Education/Work Experience required: High school diploma or GED preferred; one+ years supervisory restaurant experience and pass EPL Food Safety Audit after hire.

Responsibilities

• Open/close procedures including security and cash handling, coordinating tasks for setup, prep and cleaning.
• Ensure service speed and guest satisfaction meet company standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and QSC safety standards.
• Lead and train team members on new products and procedures.
• Oversee cash drawers, deposits, and compliance with operational procedures.
• Greet customers and assist with orders to support a positive guest experience.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Food safety

Inventory management

Cash handling

Shift scheduling

Education

High school diploma or GED

Restaurant supervisory experience

FSA food safety class completion

Tools

Inventory system

EPL SPECS certification

Job description

OPENING SOON! LATE DECEMBER 2026

As a Shift Leader, you’ll turn up the heat, leading your team to deliver exceptional service and smooth operations throughout the shift. With 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 all 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 the shift. Ensure break policies are followed for self and others by communicating with team members about breaks and acting 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, and 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/Certificates

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 one 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 internally)
• Flexible scheduling: full‑time or part‑time hours
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance*
• 401(K) plan with matching 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 passion, ideas, and energy—and we take pride in providing a place where you can express, develop, and belong, all while enjoying a healthy work‑life balance.