Shift Leader

Position Summary

The Shift Leader serves as a front-line operational pacesetter, combining operational excellence with a servant’s heart to foster an environment of high performance and genuine Southern hospitality. This role is responsible for leading shifts with energy and purpose, supporting senior leadership in executing daily operational priorities, maintaining strict food safety and cleanliness standards, and holding Team Members accountable to Chick-fil-A’s Recipe for Service. A Shift Leader balances task execution with people development—mentoring team members in real time, navigating peer-to-leader accountability with emotional maturity, and ensuring an exceptional guest experience during every shift.

Key Responsibilities

1. Shift Management & Operational Flow

• Direct shift workflow across assigned areas (Front of House or Back of House), maintaining speed of service, order accuracy, and product consistency during peak volume periods.
• Model and drive a sense of urgency, proactive hustle, and intentional organization throughout the shift.
• Enforce Safe Daily Requirements (SDR), ServSafe food safety protocols, and daily cleanliness standards across all stations.
• Coordinate station assignments and break rotations smoothly to maintain continuous floor coverage and guest throughput.

2. People Development & Culture Champion

• Embody and reinforce the Recipe for Service and Core 4 guest behaviors: share a warm smile, maintain eye contact, speak enthusiastically, and cultivate authentic emotional connections.
• Partner with the Training Director to mentor new hires, cross-train Team Members, and provide constructive, on-the-spot feedback.
• Establish healthy professional boundaries when transitioning from peer to leader, handling performance issues and behavioral concerns with fairness, tact, and consistency.
• Set an encouraging, uplifting tone on shift, recognizing strong performance and keeping morale high under pressure.

3. Guest Experience & Issue Resolution

• Serve as the immediate point of contact for guest inquiries or concerns, demonstrating empathy, responsiveness, and 2nd Mile Service to resolve issues swiftly.
• Monitor guest wait times, dining room presentation, and drive-thru line cadence, adjusting team positioning dynamically to eliminate operational bottlenecks.

4. Financial Stewardship & Facility Security

• Execute authorized opening and closing procedures with diligence, serving as a trusted key holder responsible for building security.
• Manage shift cash operations: audit cash drawers, process drawer changes, reconcile daily receipts, and support end-of-day register closeouts with complete accuracy.
• Protect restaurant assets by monitoring product waste, equipment care, and inventory control.

Qualifications & Competencies

Core Competencies

• Character & Work Ethic: Uncompromising personal integrity, strong initiative, dependable work habits, and a genuine passion for serving others.
• Communication & Coaching: Clear, professional verbal communication skills; ability to direct a multi-generational team, cast operational vision, and coach with clarity and respect.
• Composure & Problem-Solving: Ability to remain calm, focused, and decisive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Availability to work opening or closing rotations (including closing 2–3 nights per week) and regular Saturday availability (Sundays are always off).
• Reliable transportation to meet scheduled arrival times.
• Ability to meet physical requirements: prolonged standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 40 pounds.

Preferred Experience

• Prior leadership experience as a Shift Lead, Trainer, Crew Supervisor, or Assistant Lead in food service, hospitality, or retail.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, team accountability, and high-standard operational execution within a team environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive, performance-aligned hourly wage
• Guaranteed off every Sunday
• Clear leadership development pathways and direct mentorship from Executive Leadership
• Eligibility for Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarships and educational assistance
• Flexible scheduling designed around operational and life needs
• Employee meal privileges during working shifts
• Positive, family-oriented, and purpose-driven work culture

Franchise Employment Statement

This Chick-fil-A restaurant is an independently owned and operated franchised business. The local Franchise Operator is solely responsible for all employment decisions, compensation structures, benefits, and workplace policies.

Working at a Chick-fil-A® restaurant is more than a job – it’s an opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a positive, people-focused environment. Most Chick-fil-A restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent, franchised Operators who invest in the future of their Team Members and give back to their communities.