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
Naperville's bustling restaurant scene means shift lead positions are in steady demand, especially in fast-paced chains like Five Guys. Local competition is moderate, but candidates with proven leadership in food service and strong communication skills tend to stand out quickly.
While formal certifications aren't mandatory, possessing food safety credentials such as ServSafe can boost your profile in Naperville. Employers like Five Guys appreciate shift leads who demonstrate knowledge of hygiene standards and team management in compliance with local health regulations.
Shift leads shoulder responsibility beyond routine tasks; they coordinate team workflows, ensure quality control, and resolve guest issues promptly. Leadership qualities like motivating diverse teams and managing time-sensitive operations are critical skills that distinguish them from standard crew members.
Exposure to multiple shift patterns enriches a shift lead’s adaptability and operational insight. Five Guys values candidates who can manage different shift dynamics, whether early mornings or late evenings, ensuring smooth service and consistent standards regardless of timing.
Serving as a shift lead at Five Guys opens pathways to management roles within the restaurant. The company encourages internal promotions, offering mentorship and performance reviews that help you build skills essential for progressing to assistant manager or store manager positions.
Five Guys emphasizes a fun, supportive work atmosphere where shift leads inspire cooperation and high energy among crew members. Through hands-on coaching and setting standards by example, shift leads help maintain morale and customer satisfaction during every shift.
Shift leads at Five Guys in Naperville start with a competitive base pay around $19.00 per hour. On top of that, weekly secret shopper bonuses and tips can significantly increase total earnings, making this role financially rewarding compared to similar positions in the area.
Beyond competitive pay, Five Guys offers shift leads free meals during shifts and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) options. This blend of perks supports both immediate needs and long-term financial well-being.
Unlike retail or production leads, a Five Guys shift lead combines customer service excellence with hands-on food quality oversight. The role demands swift decision-making on customer concerns and a dynamic pace to maintain cleanliness and operational readiness throughout the shift.
A frequent misunderstanding is that shift leads only supervise without active involvement. In reality, they lead by example—coaching team members, managing food prep standards, and directly engaging with guests to ensure a seamless dining experience.