Shift Leader

If you've been trusted with the keys, opened and closed a restaurant, led a team, and know what it takes to deliver great food and service in a fast-paced restaurant environment, we'd love to meet you.

What We're Looking For


This is a leadership role, and prior restaurant leadership experience is required.


You should have:

• Previous Shift Leader, Key Holder or Supervisor experience in a restaurant
• Experience opening and closing a restaurant independently, including handling keys, cash/deposits, opening/closing checklists, and securing the restaurant
• Previous experience in a fast casual, quick-service, or full-service restaurant
• Experience leading both Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH) team members
• Experience training, coaching, and providing feedback to restaurant employees
• The ability to take ownership of a shift and make sound decisions without constant direction
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills
• A genuine commitment to creating a great guest experience

Please note: This is not an entry-level position. Candidates without prior restaurant leadership and opening/closing experience will not be considered.

What You'll Do


As a Shift Leader, you'll be responsible for leading the restaurant during your shift and making sure our team delivers a great experience for every guest.


You'll:

• Lead the Shift: Direct FOH and BOH team members and keep the restaurant running smoothly
• Open & Close: Complete opening and closing procedures, cash/deposit requirements, safety checks, and operational checklists
• Coach the Team: Train, coach, recognize, and develop team members to Smashburger standards
• Own the Guest Experience: Drive SIZZLE service standards and monitor guest experience metrics including NPS and OSAT
• Protect Food Quality & Safety: Complete line checks and ensure food safety and sanitation standards are consistently followed
• Manage Labor: Deploy the team effectively and manage labor throughout the shift
• Manage Inventory & Costs: Follow food ordering, inventory, and COGS procedures
• Protect the Business: Follow cash-handling procedures and help minimize theft, waste, and shortages
• Lead by Example: Create a positive, respectful, and energetic environment for both guests and team members

You'll report directly to the Restaurant General Manager and play a key role in the day-to-day success of the restaurant.

Better Benefits. Better Experience.


We want our team members to build a career-not just work a shift.

• Tip share - Earn up to $2/hr. additional in tips
• Free meal - RGM, RM & Shift Leaders receive one free meal during each shift worked*
• Refer a Friend - Get paid for successful referrals*
• Flexible schedules
• Medical, Dental & Vision options**
• Paid vacation and sick time**
• 401(k) match for team members age 21+
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free uniform
• Career growth and management opportunities
• Fun, team-oriented, family-friendly environment

Eligibility based on time in position and average hours worked.


*Referral employees must be in good standing, and the referring employee must be employed with Smashburger at the time of payout. Bonus paid in two distributions.

What It Takes to Succeed

• Restaurant leadership or supervisory experience
• Demonstrated opening and closing/key-holder experience
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced restaurant environment
• Strong people-management and coaching skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and management
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Reliable, accountable, and comfortable making decisions independently
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift/move food and supplies up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in a high-temperature environment
• Ability to follow all Smashburger, local, state, and federal guidelines and procedures
• Successful completion of the Smashburger training program
• Completion of the Train-the-Trainer course within 90 days

Ready to Lead?


If you're an experienced restaurant leader who knows how to open the doors, lead the team, run the shift, take care of the guest, and close the restaurant right , we'd love to have you join the Smashburger team.


Better Burgers. Better Teams. Better Experiences.

**All applicants and employees have an equal opportunity for employment and advancement within Smashburger. Smashburger is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants, prospective applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment based on any of these protected classes. Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. We maintain a workplace free of racial slurs and bias. This policy applies to all employees, including managers, supervisors, co-workers, and non-employees such as customers, clients, vendors, consultants, etc. Any conduct in violation of these company policies is also a violation of the law. Employees who engage in, ratify, or perpetuate discrimination, harassment or retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate discharge.