Shift Leader — Lead, Grow & Elevate Service

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

No overnight hours

Free meal during shift

Employee discount on food

Excellent career growth potential

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. is seeking a Shift Leader to guide a team and ensure smooth operations during shifts, delivering quick, friendly service while upholding brand standards. You will lead opening/closing tasks, supervise crew, manage inventory, and support area leaders as needed to meet service goals.

The role emphasizes on-site leadership, training, and maintaining safety and cleanliness throughout shift. Flexible scheduling supports full- or part-time hours with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Operations coordination

Food safety

Education

High school diploma

Supervisory experience

EPL SPECS certification

Job description

El Pollo Loco, Inc. is seeking a Shift Leader to guide a team and ensure smooth operations during shifts, delivering quick, friendly service while upholding brand standards. You will lead opening/closing tasks, supervise crew, manage inventory, and support area leaders as needed to meet service goals.

The role emphasizes on-site leadership, training, and maintaining safety and cleanliness throughout shift. Flexible scheduling supports full- or part-time hours with competitive benefits.