Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Part-time
Work Schedule
Rotating Shifts
Day Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
employee discount
401(k) Plan
flexible schedule
Career advancement opportunities
Job Description
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its fresh, made-to-order Asian-inspired cuisine. Established with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Pei Wei has grown to become a respected brand specializing in flavorful dishes that blend traditional Asian recipes with a modern twist. The company emphasizes a vibrant, team-oriented work environment and a customer-focused dining experience. With locations across the United States, Pei Wei offers opportunities for career growth and development within the restaurant and hospitality industry. They pride themselves on a work culture that values leadership, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
The role of Shift Leader at Pei Wei is integral to the daily success and smooth operation of each restaurant location. Shift Leaders serve as key support to the management team and play a vital leadership role by overseeing both front-of-house and kitchen activities during their shifts. This position requires a versatile individual capable of training, coaching, and guiding team members to maintain high standards of food quality, service, and safety. Shift Leaders are expected to demonstrate proficiency in culinary skills and front-of-house operations, ensuring compliance with company policies such as food handling and guest interaction protocols. Communication skills are essential as they must effectively convey instructions and feedback to the team, management, and regional supervisors.
Aside from operational duties, Shift Leaders assume the responsibility of leading the team in the absence of the store management, taking charge of tasks like scheduling, cash handling, reporting, and maintaining inventory. This position demands a proactive approach that includes problem-solving customer service issues and supporting employee relations by escalating concerns as needed. The role also involves administrative accountability, including completing scheduled duties like opening and closing procedures and attending store manager meetings.
Successful candidates for the Shift Leader position typically bring prior leadership experience within the restaurant environment or have substantial experience working at Pei Wei. They are customer-focused, action-oriented, and self-motivated with a commitment to fostering a positive work environment and exceeding guest expectations. Physical demands of the job require standing and walking for long shifts, bending, lifting up to 30 pounds, and maintaining sharp sensory abilities.
As a Shift Leader at Pei Wei, individuals are rewarded with a dynamic and engaging workplace culture that encourages personal and professional growth. This role is ideal for those aspiring to advance in restaurant management or hospitality leadership while contributing directly to a restaurant’s operational excellence and guest satisfaction.
The role of Shift Leader at Pei Wei is integral to the daily success and smooth operation of each restaurant location. Shift Leaders serve as key support to the management team and play a vital leadership role by overseeing both front-of-house and kitchen activities during their shifts. This position requires a versatile individual capable of training, coaching, and guiding team members to maintain high standards of food quality, service, and safety. Shift Leaders are expected to demonstrate proficiency in culinary skills and front-of-house operations, ensuring compliance with company policies such as food handling and guest interaction protocols. Communication skills are essential as they must effectively convey instructions and feedback to the team, management, and regional supervisors.
Aside from operational duties, Shift Leaders assume the responsibility of leading the team in the absence of the store management, taking charge of tasks like scheduling, cash handling, reporting, and maintaining inventory. This position demands a proactive approach that includes problem-solving customer service issues and supporting employee relations by escalating concerns as needed. The role also involves administrative accountability, including completing scheduled duties like opening and closing procedures and attending store manager meetings.
Successful candidates for the Shift Leader position typically bring prior leadership experience within the restaurant environment or have substantial experience working at Pei Wei. They are customer-focused, action-oriented, and self-motivated with a commitment to fostering a positive work environment and exceeding guest expectations. Physical demands of the job require standing and walking for long shifts, bending, lifting up to 30 pounds, and maintaining sharp sensory abilities.
As a Shift Leader at Pei Wei, individuals are rewarded with a dynamic and engaging workplace culture that encourages personal and professional growth. This role is ideal for those aspiring to advance in restaurant management or hospitality leadership while contributing directly to a restaurant’s operational excellence and guest satisfaction.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Six months shift lead experience for external candidates
- Four months Pei Wei experience for internal candidates
- Certified food handler
- Ability to stand and walk for four to ten hours per shift
- Ability to lift and transport objects up to 30 pounds repeatedly
- Ability to hear with 100% accuracy with correction
- Ability to see at 20/20 vision with correction
- Commitment to working at an appropriate pace
- Strong customer focus and ability to handle difficult situations
- Self-motivated with a strong work ethic
- Ability to take feedback positively and maintain performance without leadership present
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Six months of shift lead experience for external candidates
- Four months of Pei Wei experience for internal candidates
- Certified food handler
- Strong communication skills
- Leadership experience in a restaurant or hospitality setting
- Proficient with back-office systems and administrative tasks
- Ability to coach and motivate team members
- Knowledge of food safety and health procedures
Job Duties
- Certified and trained in culinary and front-of-the-house operations and can perform duties and coach and verify on a daily basis
- Certified food handler and can effectively teach and execute company safety and health procedures
- Effectively communicates with team members, management, and regional supervisors through various channels
- Acts as a role model in behavior, dress, and guest interaction, exhibiting Pei Wei standards
- Effectively leads the team during the shift through coaching, delegation, and verification
- Completes shift responsibilities as outlined on manager checklist including administrative tasks, reporting, scheduling, SMG scores, cash handling, opening and closing duties, inventory and ordering
- Supports the onboarding and training process including scheduling
- Performs cash handling procedures according to company policies
- Handles guest relations and coaches team to improve guest experience
- Escalates employee relations concerns to the general manager promptly
- Attends all store manager meetings
- Executes other tasks and duties as assigned
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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