Shift Leader

Shift Leader - McAlister's Deli, Pensacola

Location: McAlister's Deli - Blue Angel Plaza, 9496 W Hwy 98, Pensacola, FL 32506 Department: Restaurant Operations Reports To: General Manager (operational direction from GM or Assistant Manager on duty during shifts) Employment Type: Full-time FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

If you have led a shift before - or you are an experienced crew member ready to take the next step - read on.

What You'll Own on Each Shift

You run both front of house and back of house during your shift. The job:

Run the floor. You are the point person from clock-in to clock-out. You direct positioning, monitor speed of service and order accuracy, and make the small calls that keep the rush moving. You handle guest complaints directly and escalate to the GM or AM when needed.

Hold the standard. Guest experience, line checks, temp logs, sanitation, uniform, cleanliness inside and out. The Shift Leader sees what the shift needs and makes sure it gets handled - by their own hand or by directing the team. The checklists are there as a baseline; the judgment to know what's not on the checklist is what makes a strong Shift Leader. You hold the team to it without making it personal.

Coach in real time. When something is off, corrections are short, immediate, and not a big deal - five seconds, in the moment, and back to work. You let the GM or AM know what training the team needs reinforced. You carry our Sweet Tea Charm hospitality standard at every guest interaction.

Open or close the building. In the absence of a manager, you are responsible for opening or closing procedures. We will train you fully before you carry that weight alone.

Communicate up. End-of-shift handoff to the GM or AM on duty: sales, labor, anything that broke, anything that worked, anyone who shined or struggled. We run on accurate information.

What We're Looking For

• Reliable, on-time attendance - the team depends on you being there
• ServSafe Manager certification preferred. We will sponsor certification for the right candidate within the first 60 days.
• Minimum 1 year in food service, with some experience leading others - formal supervisory experience is a plus, not a requirement
• A real sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment, and the ability to keep your composure when the dining room is full
• Comfort with restaurant technology (POS, KDS, scheduling app)
• Basic math accuracy and comfort working with numbers under pressure
• A direct, collaborative communication style - you can give feedback without making it personal, and take it the same way

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience and prior leadership history
• Overtime paid at 1.5× your hourly rate for hours over 40
• No late nights - we close at 9 PM
• Annual Vacation Pay Check for full-time team members
• 401(k) with 4% employer match after 1 year of service, 1,000 hours, and age 21
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage available to benefit-eligible team members
• Generous meal discount on shift and off
• Clear path to Assistant Manager for Shift Leaders who execute

Physical Requirements

• Standing for the majority of a shift in a fast-paced environment
• Walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting up to 25 pounds regularly; transporting up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Clear communication in English with guests and team members
• Hearing and vision (with correction) sufficient to maintain food safety and guest service standards
• Reliable transportation to and from the restaurant

Apply

Sweet Tea Charm is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Learn more at sweetteacharm.com