Shift Leader

El Pollo Loco; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 27,552,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Free meal during shift

Employee discount on food

Career growth

Flexible scheduling

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan with match

Paid vacation

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

El Pollo Loco in Riverside is seeking a Shift Leader to manage daily restaurant operations during assigned shifts. You will lead a team to deliver fast, friendly service and maintain safety and quality standards.

Interviews are held on-site with on-the-spot offers for qualified candidates. Open interviews run at two locations in Riverside and Moreno Valley; must have 1+ year of shift leadership in restaurants and pass EPL safety audits after hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1+ years of restaurant supervisory experience.
• Must pass EPL Food Safety Audit after hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily restaurant operations on assigned shifts.
• Lead opening/closing procedures and inventory checks.
• Ensure customer service and speed-of-service targets are met.
• Train team members on products and procedures.
• Handle cash/drawers, deposits, and shift staffing as needed.
• Greet customers and resolve issues to ensure satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Team supervision

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

Posted Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Open Interviews and on-the-spot offers! Must have at least one year of Shift Lead experience in restaurants. Walk-ins welcome!

Interviews held at 2720 Canyon Springs Pkwy, Riverside or 12821 Moreno Beach Drive, Moreno Valley

Tuesday 9am-6pm

Thursday 9am-3pm

Saturday 9am-4pm

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. Ready to ignite your flamin’ good career?

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**
• 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 the passion, ideas and energy–the flavor–whether cooking in the restaurant or working in the support center. That’s why we take pride in providing a place where you can express, develop and belong… all while enjoying a healthy balance. Here, fire-grilled chicken makes flamin’ 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.