Shift Leader - 5374

El Pollo Loco; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

No overnight hours

Free meal during shift

Employee discount on food

Career growth opportunities

Flexible scheduling (FT/PT)

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid vacation

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending accounts

Legal insurance

Pet insurance

Discounts on theme parks, movieTickets

Job summary

El Pollo Loco is seeking a Shift Leader in Santa Ana, CA to oversee daily restaurant operations during assigned shifts and maintain high service standards. You will lead crew tasks, ensure safety and cleanliness, and support inventory and cash handling while promoting guest satisfaction.

The role emphasizes supervising staff, training on new products and procedures, and ensuring adherence to EPL specifications and health codes.

Qualifications

• Must be certified on all EPL SPECS positions or have 1+ years of restaurant supervisory experience and pass the EPL Food Safety Audit (FSA) class after hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversee opening and closing procedures; coordinate tasks for setup, food prep and cleaning; conduct inventory checks and manage deliveries.
• Ensure service speed and customer satisfaction; maintain cleanliness and health code compliance.
• Assign shifts, manage breaks and adjust staffing based on volume; monitor food production with Area Leader guidance.
• Train team on new products and procedures.
• Handle cash, deposits, and cash drawer audits; verify catering orders and oversee company funds during shifts.
• Greet customers and strive to exceed expectations.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred

Job description

Address 101 S Harbor Blvd, Santa Ana, CA, 92704, US

Compensation $21.50 - $22.00/hour

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.

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.

Consent to marketing communications is not required to be considered for an opportunity at El Pollo Loco.