Zaxby's Shift/Crew Leader

Benefits: Flexible schedule Free uniforms Training & development Benefits/Perks Flexible Scheduling Competitive Compensation Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Shift/Crew Leader to join our team! The Shift /Crew Leader is a hands-on restaurant leadership position responsible for helping the General Manager and Assistant Managers execute safe, efficient and guest-focused restaurant operations. The role leads assigned shifts, coaches and trains team members, maintains ZAXBYS operating and food-safety standards, supports speed of service and product quality, and helps create a positive, accountable workplace. Effective Shift / Crew Leaders are expected to find and use their leadership voice: asking questions when they need clarity, communicating expectations confidently, and respectfully coaching team members in the moment. For new-store openings, Shift / Crew Leaders are especially important in helping train new employees, reinforce brand standards, establish productive routines and support management with opening preparation and stabilization. Individuals with prior ZAXBYS or restaurant training experience may be assigned additional training responsibilities. Responsibilities: Lead assigned shifts and help coordinate front-of-house and back-of-house team members to meet operational and guest-service expectations. Set the example for hospitality, professionalism, urgency, teamwork, cleanliness and adherence to restaurant standards. Assist managers with opening, shift-change and closing procedures, including assigned cash, security, cleaning and readiness responsibilities. Train, coach and support new and existing team members in station procedures, food preparation, service standards, sanitation, safety and restaurant policies. Ask thoughtful questions, seek clarification when needed and communicate confidently enough to give direction, coach performance and reinforce standards during the shift. Take ownership of personal training and development by actively seeking opportunities to learn, practice and verify required skills rather than waiting to be shown every task or procedure. Provide real-time direction and constructive feedback; recognize strong performance and promptly communicate performance or conduct concerns to management. Monitor product quality, order accuracy, portioning, holding times, temperatures, cleanliness and food-safety practices throughout the shift. Support speed of service and proper deployment of employees during peak periods while maintaining quality and guest satisfaction. Respond professionally to guest questions and concerns within assigned authority and involve management when additional resolution is required. Help maintain accurate inventory practices, minimize waste, protect restaurant assets and communicate shortages or unusual variances to management. Support labor productivity by keeping employees appropriately deployed and productive; do not alter schedules or send employees home without management authorization unless specifically delegated. Assist with catering preparation, packaging, order accuracy and execution as assigned. Promote ZAX Rewardz and support restaurant efforts to build repeat business, catering relationships and positive community visibility. Participate in pre-opening activities, employee training, restaurant setup, practice shifts and opening-week support as assigned. Perform team-member duties when necessary and remain willing to work wherever needed to support the restaurant. Follow all company policies, food-safety requirements, cash-handling procedures, workplace-safety standards and applicable laws. Qualifications: Restaurant, food-service, hospitality or customer-service experience preferred. Previous shift-lead, crew-lead, trainer or supervisory experience strongly preferred. Prior ZAXBYS experience is highly desirable for opening-team trainer assignments. Demonstrated ability to lead by example and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated willingness to ask questions, receive feedback and use a confident, respectful voice when coaching or directing others. Positive attitude, open-mindedness, curiosity and personal accountability for learning and development. Strong communication, organization, guest-service and problem-solving skills. Basic understanding of food safety, sanitation, cash handling and restaurant operations. ServSafe or other recognized food-safety certification preferred; must obtain required certification if assigned by the company. Ability to learn restaurant systems, procedures, menu standards and training requirements. Leadership & Training Expectations Bring a positive attitude, an open mind and the humility to recognize that effective leaders do not know everything; remain receptive to coaching, correction and new ways of working. Create a respectful, inclusive and team-oriented work environment. Communicate clearly and professionally with employees, managers and guests. Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, integrity and sound judgment. Use an appropriate leadership voice: ask questions, speak up when clarification is needed, give clear direction and address performance issues respectfully rather than avoiding difficult conversations. Be accountable for learning the position: actively engage in training, ask for feedback, seek answers and demonstrate initiative in mastering each station and leadership responsibility. Coach rather than simply direct; explain standards and verify that employees understand and can perform them. Support the General Manager and Assistant Managers while appropriately escalating operational, employee-relations, safety or guest issues. Remain flexible during new-store openings and be prepared to assist at either Maryland location when business needs require and management approves. Physical & Scheduling Requirements Ability to stand and move for extended periods during restaurant shifts. Ability to bend, reach, lift, carry and perform routine restaurant tasks consistent with the essential functions of the position, with reasonable accommodation where required. Ability to work in a restaurant environment that may include heat, cold, noise and fast-paced activity. Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, holidays, training periods and opening-related schedules as required. Performance Expectations Consistent execution of food quality, food safety, cleanliness and service standards. Effective shift leadership and productive team deployment. Visible ownership of personal training progress, including asking questions, seeking feedback and proactively closing knowledge or skill gaps. Confident, respectful use of leadership voice to coach, redirect and reinforce expectations with team members. Successful training and development of assigned employees. Professional guest recovery and positive guest interactions. Dependability, attendance and readiness for scheduled shifts. Control awareness related to waste, inventory, cash and labor productivity. Positive contribution to employee morale, teamwork, catering execution, ZAX Rewardz participation and community engagement. #J-18808-Ljbffr