Shift Leader

Panda Restaurant Group; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 35,817 - 39,950; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Great pay

Free meals while working

Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance

401K with company match

Vacation and sick leave

Referral bonus

Job summary

A leading restaurant company in California is looking for an experienced Shift Leader to oversee operations and manage team dynamics in a fast-paced setting. Candidates should have some high school education and ideally possess food service experience. This role includes varied responsibilities from managing store operations to preparing meals. Competitive pay and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a valid Food Handler certification.
• Experience in food service operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support in creating a vibrant and welcoming environment.
• Manage store operations and lead the team during shifts.
• Prepare meals and ensure quality service.

Skills

Effective verbal communication

Ability to manage conflicts

Adaptability

Education

Some high school

Job description

Join to apply for the Shift Leader role at Panda Restaurant Group.

Take part in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment as a Shift Lead. You will:

• Support in creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for our guests.
• Gain valuable skills managing store operations and leading the team during the shift.
• Gain hands‑on experience in cooking and preparing Panda favorites for our guests.
• Gain a diverse range of skills to develop yourself and others.

How we reward you:

• Flexible schedules
• Great pay
• Free meals while working at Panda
• Medical, Vision, Dental, Voluntary Short‑Term Disability, Cancer Income Protection insurance for full‑time associates
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending accounts
• 401K with company match
• Vacation, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave and Leave Share Program for eligible associates
• Associate discounts for many brands
• Referral bonus for eligible associates
• Opportunity to give back to your community
• Hands‑on paid training to prepare you for success
• On‑Going Career & Leadership Development
• Opportunities for growth into management positions
• Pre‑Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Please refer to Panda HR Recruiting Benefits PDF for details.
• Candidates must meet, and continue to meet if employed, eligibility requirements for each benefit to qualify.

Shift Lead Qualifications, Education and Experience

• Some high school education
• Prefer some operations experience
• Food Safety:
• Local/municipal requirements, such as Food Handler certification, acquired at applicant’s own expense
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours, and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches.

Physical and Workplace Requirements

While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. The workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use a Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment, and work quickly without losing accuracy. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must work in a fast‑paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, be able to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and manage conflicts or difficult situations.

Pay Range

$26 per hour – $29 per hour. Within this range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

About Panda Restaurant Group

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family‑owned American Chinese restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,300 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You’re Wanted Here

We value diversity in all forms and know the strength it brings. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of view to be heard, and improves overall happiness.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Management and Manufacturing
• Industry: Restaurants

Equal Opportunity Employer

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. In addition, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodations. If there is a reason you believe you require an accommodation, please reach out to our accommodation team via email at [e-mail].

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