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
Successful shift leads demonstrate strong communication, quick decision-making, and motivational skills to keep the team energized. In fast environments like Five Guys, adaptability, accountability, and fostering positivity are key to maintaining smooth operations and high guest satisfaction.
A shift leader coordinates crew assignments, enforces food safety, manages guest interactions, and ensures cleanliness. Balancing hands-on tasks with supervisory duties, they continuously monitor performance metrics and provide real-time coaching to maintain operational excellence throughout the shift.
Employers in East Chicago value prior leadership experience in food service, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to customer service. Demonstrating dependability and the ability to adapt quickly to fast-paced settings can significantly boost your candidacy for shift lead positions.
East Chicago's diverse community and local dining culture require shift leaders to be culturally aware and flexible. The region's competitive labor market encourages strong leadership to retain staff, while proximity to Chicago offers exposure to advanced food safety standards and operational strategies.
Five Guys emphasizes career progression by providing mentorship and performance feedback tailored to shift leads. This hands-on coaching supports skill development, preparing shift leaders for management responsibilities within the restaurant industry.
Starting pay at Five Guys is competitive at $19/hour plus tips and bonuses, often above local averages for shift lead roles. Benefits like free meals and 401(k) eligibility further enhance the total compensation package, making it appealing in the East Chicago job market.
Unlike technical or retail leads, a Five Guys shift lead blends operational oversight with direct food service involvement. This role demands hands-on leadership, real-time problem-solving, and guest interaction, making it uniquely dynamic within the restaurant sector.
Absolutely. The role offers practical experience in team leadership, operational management, and customer service, which are crucial foundations for higher-level management jobs. Five Guys fosters internal growth, encouraging shift leads to advance within the company.
During a first shift, a shift lead ensures smooth opening procedures, assigns tasks to crew, maintains food quality, and addresses customer concerns promptly. They set the operational tone for the day, emphasizing cleanliness and team coordination from the start.
Five Guys fosters a supportive culture by promoting teamwork, offering regular feedback, and incentivizing performance with bonuses. This environment helps shift leads maintain enthusiasm and motivate staff, which is crucial in East Chicago's fast-paced dining market.