Shift Leader

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Westminster (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Free meal during shift

Employee discount on food

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. is seeking a Shift Leader to guide a restaurant team during your shift, ensuring fast, friendly service and smooth operations. This role emphasizes leadership, adherence to EPL standards, and delivering fire-grilled experiences that keep guests returning.

You will manage opening/closing, inventory, and customer flow while training staff and maintaining health code safety. This position offers growth and a chance to lead by example within a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required or preferred.
• 1+ years of restaurant supervisory experience and ability to pass EPL Food Safety Audit (FSA) class after hire.
• Must be certified on all EPL SPECS positions or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily shift operations to ensure exceptional service and smooth operations.
• Oversee opening/closing procedures and security, coordinate crew tasks, and manage inventory records.
• Maintain cleanliness and adherence to health code, safety, and QSC standards.
• Train and support team members on new products and procedures.
• Handle cash drawers, deposits, and verify catering orders during shift.
• Greet customers and assist with orders to ensure satisfaction.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Safety compliance

Inventory management

Scheduling

Cash handling

Training

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Restaurant supervisory experience

FSA certification (Food Safety Audit)

Tools

Inventory system

Job description

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.

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**