NexlintoShift Lead
Company : Five Guys
Location : Buffalo Grove, IL, 60089
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 3 February 2026
Restaurant Shift Leader
Job Overview:
As a Shift Leader at Five Guys, you’ll play a key role in creating a positive experience for both team members and guests. You’ll be hands-on in daily operations—coaching team members, setting the pace, and leading by example in delivering high standards of food quality, cleanliness, and customer service. This role is a crucial step toward a long-term management career and provides the opportunity to make a real impact on the success of your location.
What You'll Get:
- Competitive base pay starting at $19.00/hour, plus tips and bonuses
- Weekly eligibility for Secret Shopper bonus shared by the entire shift team
- Free meals during every shift worked
- A supportive, fun work environment with team-oriented culture
- Access to growth opportunities and promotions within the company
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) (eligibility required)
- Real-time feedback, performance reviews, and mentorship
Responsibilities:
- Lead and supervise shifts by managing crew assignments and overseeing day-to-day operations
- Foster a team environment that emphasizes cooperation, positivity, and productivity
- Ensure food is prepared to high-quality standards and maintain food safety protocols
- Train and mentor team members to perform all restaurant functions efficiently
- Handle guest concerns promptly and professionally
- Take ownership of cleanliness, organization, and store readiness during your shift
- Support opening and closing procedures and track shift performance metrics
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience in a leadership role in food service or a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication skills and the ability to motivate a diverse team
- A commitment to excellence in customer service and operations
- Enthusiasm for great food, high energy, and a positive attitude
- Dependability and a strong sense of personal accountability
- Willingness to learn, adapt, and take initiative
- Desire to grow and take on more responsibility
If you're ready to take the next step in your restaurant career and work in an environment where you can lead, grow, and have fun doing it—Five Guys is the place for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Buffalo Grove's restaurant scene values a strong team dynamic and fast-paced service, making leadership roles like Shift Lead uniquely challenging compared to other Illinois areas. Local customers prioritize quick, friendly service, so managing crew motivation and operational flow here requires sharp communication and adaptability.
While formal certifications aren't mandatory, food safety and sanitation training recognized in Illinois can improve a Shift Lead's credibility. Additionally, leadership workshops and customer service courses available locally can enhance managerial skills and make candidates more competitive in Buffalo Grove's hospitality sector.
Shift Leads often take charge of team morale, coaching new hires, and ensuring compliance with health standards. They also analyze shift performance metrics and handle unexpected issues, balancing guest satisfaction with smooth workflow—a vital role that extends past routine supervision.
This role serves as a stepping stone to management by offering hands-on leadership experience, mentorship, and performance feedback. Five Guys encourages internal promotions, so excelling as a Shift Lead can open doors to assistant manager and general manager roles, especially in fast-casual dining.
Top Shift Leads combine strong communication, quick problem-solving, and the ability to motivate diverse teams. They maintain high standards without micromanaging, adapt swiftly to changing situations, and foster positive, productive shifts that enhance both guest experiences and crew efficiency.
Five Guys emphasizes team collaboration and real-time feedback, creating a supportive environment where Shift Leads lead by example. At Buffalo Grove, this means prioritizing crew engagement, celebrating shared achievements like secret shopper bonuses, and ensuring open communication during shifts.
The high volume and fast service pace at Five Guys demand efficient multitasking and rapid decision-making. Shift Leads must balance maintaining food quality and cleanliness while managing team energy and guest interactions, all within a culture that prizes both speed and hospitality.
Starting at $19.00/hour, plus tips and bonuses, positions this role well above many entry-level restaurant leadership jobs in Buffalo Grove. Considering the additional benefits and growth potential, it offers a solid compensation package aligned with local cost of living and industry standards.
Shift Leads often work varied hours to cover peak dining times, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Flexibility is key, as managing crew coverage and ensuring smooth operations across different shifts, including possible second or third shifts, is part of maintaining Five Guys’ service standards.
Five Guys invests in Shift Leads by providing ongoing performance feedback and mentorship to sharpen leadership skills. In Buffalo Grove, this involves regular evaluations focused on operational success and team development, fostering growth and preparing Shift Leads for future managerial roles.