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
Irvine's vibrant food service scene means shift lead positions are sought after, especially in fast-casual chains like Five Guys. Competition tends to be moderate, with opportunities increasing during peak seasons. Candidates with leadership experience and local knowledge often have an edge in this market.
While formal certifications aren't always mandatory, food safety training and prior supervisory experience in busy restaurants are highly valued in Irvine. Employers appreciate candidates who demonstrate strong communication and team management abilities tailored to the region’s fast-paced dining culture.
Mastering multitasking while motivating diverse teams is essential. Strong communication, quick problem-solving, and maintaining high standards in food quality and cleanliness boost shift success. These skills help ensure smooth operations and positive customer experiences during demanding hours.
Shift leads often progress to assistant manager or general manager roles. Gaining hands-on leadership experience and demonstrating operational excellence open doors to higher responsibilities, including staff training, inventory control, and strategic planning within restaurant management.
Shift Leads juggle both managerial tasks and frontline duties—coaching team members, overseeing food prep, and handling guest feedback—while ensuring that operational standards are met. This blend requires adaptability, leadership presence, and proactive problem-solving throughout each shift.
Five Guys offers a competitive base pay starting at $19/hour, plus tips and bonuses. Employees enjoy free meals during shifts, weekly secret shopper bonuses, and a supportive team culture. Additionally, there’s access to mentorship and growth pathways within a popular local food brand.
Five Guys emphasizes mentorship and real-time feedback, enabling Shift Leads to sharpen leadership skills. The company fosters internal promotions, allowing motivated individuals to climb into management roles while benefiting from comprehensive benefits and a collaborative work environment.
Shift Leads in Irvine typically earn between $18 and $22 per hour, depending on experience and company policies. Five Guys starts competitively at $19 per hour, with additional income from tips and performance bonuses enhancing overall earnings in this role.
Yes, the restaurant's operational hours often include weekends and holidays, and Shift Leads are expected to manage and support the team during these peak periods. Flexibility in scheduling is key to maintaining smooth service and operational consistency at this location.
Unlike retail-focused leads at Starbucks or Walgreens, Five Guys Shift Leads balance food service leadership with hands-on operational management. This role demands quick decision-making in a restaurant environment, emphasizing food quality and customer interactions distinct from retail shifts.