Shift Leader/Supervisor

Position Summary

The Shift Lead is responsible for overseeing daily operations during their assigned shift, ensuring exceptional customer service, maintaining food quality and safety, supervising team members, and supporting the overall operational success of the restaurant. The Shift Lead acts as a key leadership presence by fostering teamwork, enforcing company policies, and addressing employee and customer needs.

Key Responsibilities

1️. Leadership & Team Supervision

• Lead and motivate team members to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.
• Assign tasks to team members and ensure they understand expectations and goals for their shifts.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings to outline objectives and communicate any updates.
• Monitor employee performance and address concerns or conflicts as needed.
• Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative work environment.

2️. Operational Management

• Oversee the daily operations of the restaurant, ensuring smooth opening, operating, and closing procedures.
• Ensure all food is prepared according to company recipes and quality standards.
• Monitor inventory and coordinate with management for supply ordering when inventory levels are low.
• Ensure all food safety and sanitation protocols are followed to maintain compliance with local health department requirements.

3️. Customer Service Excellence

• Provide exceptional customer service by addressing customer inquiries, concerns, or complaints promptly and professionally.
• Assist with customer orders and manage POS system operations as needed during peak periods.
• Ensure the team maintains a friendly, welcoming, and customer-first attitude at all times.

4️. Training & Development

• Assist in onboarding and training new team members in food preparation, safety protocols, and customer service expectations.
• Provide continuous training and development opportunities to maintain employee knowledge and compliance with company policies.

5️. Health & Safety Compliance

• Ensure the team follows all food safety and sanitation standards in line with federal, state, and local health regulations.
• Conduct daily inspections of the kitchen, food prep, and storage areas to maintain cleanliness and compliance.
• Monitor the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure all safety standards are met.

6️. Financial & Administrative Support

• Handle cash and credit card transactions, including balancing tills at the end of shifts.
• Monitor labor costs during the shift to ensure compliance with budget expectations.
• Complete required operational reports (e.g., sales, inventory, employee performance, and incident reports).

7️. Shift Opening & Closing Responsibilities

• Open and/or close the restaurant in accordance with company procedures.
• Set up and prepare all equipment, supplies, and stations for daily operations.
• Ensure proper cash handling and bank deposits, as required.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–2 years of supervisory or leadership experience in the food service industry is preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Leadership: Ability to lead, motivate, and support a team.
• Customer Service: Proven ability to resolve customer issues and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Problem Solving: Ability to manage conflicts and resolve operational challenges effectively.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal communication skills for effective team and customer engagement.
• Attention to Detail: Ensure quality food preparation and adherence to health and safety standards.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work on your feet for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Comfortable working near hot surfaces, fryers, and other kitchen equipment.

Preferred Skills

These are additional, non-mandatory skills that would benefit the role:

• Experience with inventory management and supply chain processes.
• Knowledge of POS systems and financial reporting.
• Food safety certifications (e.g., ServSafe Certification).

Work Conditions

The Shift Lead will spend time in both the front-of-house and kitchen areas and may encounter varying temperatures, cleaning supplies, and equipment. Compliance with PPE, HAZCOM protocols, and food safety standards is essential.

Career Path Opportunities

The Shift Lead position offers opportunities for growth within the organization, including promotion to:

• Assistant Manager
• Restaurant Manager
• Operations Trainer

These opportunities are based on performance, leadership, and dedication.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
• Overtime pay as applicable.
• Employee discounts, bonus opportunities, PTO, or other perks.

Working Expectations

Shift Leads are expected to:

1. Exhibit professionalism, leadership, and accountability.
2. Maintain excellent communication with employees, customers, and management.
3. Ensure employees adhere to safety, health, and food preparation standards.
4. Resolve employee conflicts, customer concerns, or operational challenges in a calm and professional manner.
5. Lead by example and promote a positive, productive, and respectful team culture.

Acknowledgment of Responsibilities

Shift Leads will receive ongoing training to remain informed about company policies, food safety standards, employee coaching strategies, and customer service techniques.