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
At Five Guys Durham, the Shift Lead role blends hands-on leadership with a vibrant team culture. Unlike some restaurants, Five Guys offers weekly secret shopper bonuses and free meals each shift, fostering a motivated environment that emphasizes quality and customer satisfaction uniquely in this region.
Absolutely. This position is designed as a stepping stone toward management careers within Five Guys. You'll gain real-time feedback and mentorship, building skills in team leadership, operations, and guest service, which are critical for climbing the restaurant management ladder locally.
Strong communication, the ability to motivate diverse teams, and a knack for maintaining high food quality and safety standards are vital. Experience leading shifts, coaching staff, and managing customer concerns also sets candidates apart for this role.
Durham's hospitality sector is growing, with many candidates vying for shift lead roles due to the city's vibrant food scene. However, Five Guys stands out by offering competitive pay and growth opportunities, attracting motivated applicants seeking career progression.
While not always mandatory, certifications like ServSafe Food Protection Manager can boost credibility. Local employers value leadership experience combined with food safety knowledge, which positions candidates well in Durham's competitive market.
The base pay starts competitively at $19.00 per hour, with additional income potential through tips and weekly secret shopper bonuses. Factoring in these incentives, total earnings for Shift Leads in Durham can be notably higher than the base rate.
Shift Leads at Five Guys uniquely balance operational oversight with team coaching in a fast food environment. Unlike retail or line leads, they focus heavily on food quality, guest experience, and shift performance metrics specific to restaurant settings.
Yes, Five Guys provides free meals during shifts, a fun team culture, and comprehensive benefits including medical and 401(k) plans. These perks complement the leadership experience, making it a sought-after 'key lead' role locally.
Shift Leads juggle supervising crew assignments, ensuring food standards, handling guest issues, and maintaining cleanliness. Given Durham's dynamic market, the role demands adaptability and high energy to meet fast-paced operational needs.
Durham offers varied transportation options, but traffic patterns during peak hours can impact commute times. Candidates often prioritize locations accessible via major routes or public transit to balance shift schedules efficiently.