Resources
Post a Job
 Special Offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a $75 credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored Jobs posted directly on Indeed with Urgently Hiring make a hire 5 days faster than non-sponsored jobs.**
  • Visibility for hard-to-fill roles through branding and urgently hiring
  • Instantly source candidates through matching to expedite your hiring
  • Access skilled candidates to cut down on mismatched hires
*The $75 Sponsored Job credit offer is only available for new accounts in the US that post a job and expires one year after account creation. Upon expiration of the credit, users are charged based on Sponsored Job budget. Terms, conditions, and quality standards apply **Indeed data, based on median United States, Q2 2024

Shift Leader Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated November 6, 2025
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
5 min read

A 60484850310fast food2.38warehouse1.43walgreens1.28retail1.09taco bell0.81258410129506137.2517.0340.45HOURLY80856001632025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Shift Leader, or Shift Manager, is in charge of providing direct supervision to employees at shift-based companies to ensure the business operates correctly. Their duties include covering for employee absences, managing cash drops from the register and resolving problems that occur during their shift.

Shift Leader duties and responsibilities

A Shift Leader performs leadership, management and organization tasks to ensure team members work efficiently and effectively during their shift. Depending on their industry, their duties and responsibilities include:

  • Organizing shift schedules for team members
  • Monitoring attendance, tardiness and time off
  • Assigning duties to specific employees based on role and skills
  • Supervising employees and assisting with tasks as necessary
  • Conducting performance reviews and sharing feedback with both upper management and team members
  • Managing employees requests and transgressions
  • Training new and current team members on tasks
  • Handling customer issues and managing conflicts
  • Adhering to company policies and health, safety and employment standards
  • Balancing cash drawers and preparing cash deposits

Hire your next Shift Leader today.

Build a job description

Hire your next Shift Leader today.

Build a job description
Close

Shift Leader Job Description Examples

Example 1

Bradshaw's Sandwich Shoppe is an exciting new concept that just opened up a few months ago! Bradshaws serves high quality sandwiches, soups, and salads, with fast customer service. We are for our high quality product along with fast and friendly customer service.

We are looking to build a team that wants to be a part of our exciting new concept. This business has been built from the ground up and we are looking to bring on a team that wants to be a part of our growth and emergence as a premier fast casual sandwich business here in Sacramento.

We are looking for a motivated, experienced, and passionate individual. As a Team member you must be friendly, enthusiastic, positive, and embody a fun yet dynamic work environment.

Why work with Bradshaw s

  • Supplemental Earnings: Tips
  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Employee Discounts
  • Positive, dynamic, and transparent working environment with ownership


Duties:

- Oversee and manage the daily operations of the shift
- Ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and in a timely manner
- Train and supervise staff members, providing guidance and support as needed
- Monitor inventory levels and place orders for supplies as necessary
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the work area
- Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and requests in a professional and courteous manner
- Collaborate with other shift leaders and management to ensure smooth operations across all shifts
- Assist with catering, food production, sandwich preparation, cleaning, cashiering, and any other related tasks during your shift

- Customer service: Greeting customers, taking orders, answering questions about menu items, and ensuring customers have a positive experience.

- Food preparation: Preparing and assembling sandwiches, salads, and soups.

-Cash handling: Handling cash, making change, and processing credit and debit card transactions.

Experience:

- Previous experience in a leadership role, such as an assistant manager or shift supervisor, is preferred
- Knowledge of food safety
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with staff and customers
- Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent problem-solving skills to address any issues that may arise during the shift
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Job Types: Part-time, Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off
  • Paid training
Experience level:
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
Restaurant type:
  • Fast casual restaurant
Shift:
  • 4 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
Weekly day range:
  • Every weekend
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Sacramento, CA 95827: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:
  • Driver's License (Preferred)

Shift availability:
  • Night Shift (Preferred)
  • Day Shift Location: In person

Example 2

Primary Role:

A Shift Lead is responsible for supporting the overall shift operations, sales performance, and execution of brand excellence in a store. Shift Leads typically support a staff of 1 to 8 team members and carry out administrative responsibilities consistent with Vitaligent policies, procedures, and legal requirements.

Essential Functions:

General:
  • Guides the activities of the shift when a GM or AGM is not present. Executes the station deployment plan at the direction of the GM. Ensures completion of tasks per Jamba s FLEX Log and as required to meet business demands.
  • Coaches team members in their assigned roles and according to Vitaligent operational standards. Trains new team members at the direction of the GM. Provides input to the GM regarding team member performance.
  • Works the line. Performs all tasks related to Vitaligent operational standards. Effectively acts as a role model at each station in the store.




Customer Service:
  • Strives for the ultimate guest service experience in keeping with key performance indicators including surveys, shops, audits, and speed of service.
  • At the direction of the GM and in accordance with Vitaligent labor targets, ensures the store has accurate shift coverage at all times while adhering to scheduling and labor guidelines.
  • Supports the training of team members to successfully handle service issues and intervene when necessary.
  • Motivates and mentors team members on providing guests with product suggestions and information.
  • Educates and engages the community and store guests on all products and services.


Operations:
  • Readies the store at the start and end of the shift, including closing shifts. Evaluates food pars to ensure timely and accurate assembly of products.
  • Opens and/or closes store as required. Performs all safety and security tasks as required to open and close the store. Observes the five-minute rule of opening the store five minutes early and closing the store five minutes late.
  • Performs cash handling and administrative functions including close-outs, safe accountability and cash drops. Conducts inventory counts and process orders as directed by the GM.
  • Adheres to all company policies and procedures.


Essential Skills:
  • Resilient and Adaptable: reacts to change, ambiguity, and uncertainty with openness and confidence; leads swiftly and effectively.
  • Demonstrates Accountability: accepts responsibility for one s own performance/actions: follows through on commitments with a sense of urgency.
  • Communicates Effectively.
  • Drives for Results.
  • Serves and Inspires Others: Inspires others to excel; rewards and recognizes great performance.


Requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Current Vitaligent team member or commensurate food/retail service experience.
  • Computer skills including some Microsoft software and register skills.
  • Must be able to work a variable of shifts (openings, mid-day shifts, and closing) from week-to-week.
  • Able to lift 40 pounds regularly throughout shifts.
  • Embodies Vitaligent culture & values will make a good representative of the Vitaligent Brand and provide a safe environment for our guests and team members.
  • This is a part time, hourly position that is eligible for overtime. Specific availability requirements will vary from store to store.


Job Conditions:

Work Environment:

This job entails frequent exposure to high temperatures and extreme cold. There is frequent contact/immersion of hands in water and sanitation solutions; as well as contact with produce items, dairy products, and frequent allergen related items such as nuts, citrus, peanut butter, etc.

Physical Demands:



The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and stand. The employee is frequently required to reach, bend, stoop, scoop, pour, carry, push, and lift objects up to 40lbs. There is substantial repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and fingers. Must be able to maneuver in walk-in coolers and freezers.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid training
Restaurant type:
  • Quick service & fast food restaurant
Shift:
  • Day shift
  • Morning shift
Weekly day range:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend Location: In person

Example 3

About us

Jersey MIKE S SUBS

About us

Jersey Mike s offers a fun, fast-paced work environment. We are an authentic New Jersey Sub shop since 1956! We craft A Sub Above experience for everyone passing through. We slice our meat and cheese to order, we bake our bread fresh every day, and we care about creating the perfect sub sandwich! We love our subs, we love our customers, and we love crafting a wonderful experience with delicious, fresh food and we want you to be a part of it! We thrive to be A SUB ABOVE in every aspect.

Job Description

Jersey Mike s Subs is looking to build a strong team of warm and friendly crew members to offer a happy and pleasant experience to customers by creating the perfect sub with a smile. If you are an enthusiastic, outgoing, detail oriented person, than this job is for you!

Requirements
  • Strong communication skills
  • Self-motivated, service-oriented, and friendly
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Work well with a team of crew members
  • Capability to learn skills quickly
  • Possess cleanliness and organizational skills
  • Food service experience is a plus (although not required)
  • Thrives in the Jersey Mike s process
  • Confidence and a good attitude can get you far

Compensation

We offer a competitive hourly rate, plus tips, and meaningful growth opportunities!

Some Answers:

Job Type:

  • Full Time


License:

  • Driver's License (Required)


Work Location:

  • One location


Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule


Availability:

  • Monday - Sunday


Hours per week:

  • 40+


Typical open time:

  • 7:30AM


Typical closing time:

  • 10PM


Still Interested?

We highly suggest you do your own research into Jersey Mike s before applying. Also check out a few articles and videos that explain why this job is for you.

Business Insider article from August 2019:

[website]

QSR article from October 2018:

[website]

Jersey Mike s Brand Manifesto:

[website]

Jersey Mike s Day of Giving 2018 video:

[website]

What you should know about Jersey Mike s video:

[website]

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $20.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid training
  • Referral program
Restaurant type:
  • Quick service & fast food Location: In person

Example 4

Shift Leaders of the restaurant focus on delivering sales and positive results through Guest & operations coordination.?The Shift Leader supports the Restaurant General Manager (RGM) and Restaurant Assistant Manager (RM) in managing the operations during assigned shifts driving key performance outcomes.?The Shift Leader operates under the direction of the RGM and directly manages a shift of Team Members.

Performs duties of the Team Member when necessaryDuties And Responsibilities
Maintains inventory
Directs efficient and accurate preparation and sale of products for prompt delivery within established speed of service guidelines
Reviews restaurant results to identify successes and areas for improvement
Ensures that restaurant upholds operational and brand standards
Motivates and directs Team Members to exceed guest expectations with accurate, fast, and friendly service in clean surroundings
Provides coaching and feedback to Team Members to increase the restaurant team s capabilities

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid training
  • Vision insurance
Experience level:
  • 1 year
Restaurant type:
  • Quick service & fast food restaurant
Shift:
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Morning shift
Weekly day range:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Rotating weekends
  • Weekends as needed



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Youngstown, OH 44507: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Shift availability:
  • Day Shift (Preferred)
  • Night Shift Location: In person

Example 5

Shift Leader- 1559 US Hwy 70 - Garner (up to $16.50)

KFC is looking for people who love serving customers and want to be a part of a great restaurant company! With us you can earn/save for those things you want, build a great career, and provide fast, fun and friendly service to our customers. This is the perfect place for you to learn, grow and succeed!

What's in it for you?

  • Employee free meal during shift
  • If you're in school, we'll work around your schedule!
  • Paid time off

What you can expect from us?

  • Leadership & direction
  • Support and coaching on how respond to operational and business demands
  • Excellent communication and passion for working with people
  • Opportunity to grow within the company and move to salary management roles and beyond.

What we expect from you?

  • Receive orders, process sales and cash, and manage customer issues
  • Prepare and maintain good quality of products
  • Monitor all service equipment
  • Fully participate in delivering to every guest a WOW experience.

Past industry experience that would translate to success in this role: Crew member, customer service, fast food, new store opening, back of house, cashier, first job, barista.

*Must be 18 years of age.

Taco Bell is looking for people who love serving customers and want to be a part of a great restaurant company! With us you can earn/save for those things you want, build a great career, and provide fast, fun and friendly service to our customers. This is the perfect place for you to learn, grow and succeed!

What's in it for you?

  • Employee free meal during shift
  • If you're in school, we'll work around your schedule!
  • Paid time off

What you can expect from us?

  • Leadership & direction
  • Support and coaching on how respond to operational and business demands
  • Excellent communication and passion for working with people
  • Opportunity to grow within the company and move to hourly management roles and beyond.

What we expect from you?

  • Receive orders, process sales and cash, and manage customer issues
  • Prepare and maintain good quality of products
  • Monitor all service equipment
  • Fully participate in delivering to every guest a WOW experience.

Past industry experience that would translate to success in this role: Crew member, customer service, fast food, new store opening, back of house, cashier, first job, barista.

Must be 18 years of age.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Salary: Up to $16.50 per hour

Benefits:
  • Paid time off
Experience level:
  • 1 year
Restaurant type:
  • Quick service & fast food restaurant
Shift:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Morning shift
  • Night shift
Weekly day range:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend Location: One location

Example 6

Shift Leader

Job Description:

The Shift Leader is responsible for managing the production shift, ensuring that all production staff are trained and fully productive. They will manage the production process to ensure quality, productivity and safety. The Shift Leader will also be responsible for training new staff on the production process and requirements of the job.

Essential Functions:
Ensure all staff are trained and fully productive.
Manage production shift, ensuring that all production staff are producing and meeting requirements.
Monitor training of new staff on shift.
Ensure new employees are properly registered and able to pick up a job.
Ensure new employees are properly licensed and insured.
Ensure new employees are properly registered as a driver and insure they have valid insurance.
Maintain compliance with all state regulations regarding driver licensing, driving, and accident insurance.
Maintain all DOT forms and paperwork.
Ensure all equipment is in good working order.
Assist with any other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements:
Ability to lift (up to 50 lbs.)and move (up to 200 lbs.)of material.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $10.00 - $14.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 45 per week

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Paid training
  • Vision insurance
Experience level:
  • 1 year
Restaurant type:
  • Fast casual restaurant
  • Quick service & fast food restaurant
Shift:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Evening shift
  • Morning shift
  • Night shift
Weekly day range:
  • Every weekend
  • Monday to Location: In person

Example 7

Are youAmazing?If so, we want YOU!

Scooter’s Coffee is coming to Rio Rancho, NM, and is looking for Amazing Barista Team Leads to be Amazing!

With over 600 locations nationwide, Scooters Coffee is a fast-growing brand in the coffee industry. We strive on Amazing People, Amazing Drinks, Amazingly Fast!

A qualified Shift Leader would enjoy the following job perks:

  • Fun & productive work environment
  • One FREE specialty drink on-shift.
  • All you can drink FREE brewed coffee on-shift
  • Ongoing training
  • Scooter’s t-shirt and apron

If you are Amazing, look no further and submit your application today!

Description

The Shift Leaderis responsible for helping the Store Manager with all operations, sales, and staffing in a Scooters Coffee location while on duty. This role assists in leading a friendly, service-oriented barista team. This role is a great way to develop leadership skills and expand your responsibility. The Shift Leader exemplifies Scooter's Coffee core values.

As a Team Leader, you are directly impacting how we are living up to our mission.

Our mission is to create an amazing experience for each life we touch.

*You would make an Amazing Shift Leader if you:*

  • Take initiative and act as a role model to others.
  • Enjoy working as a team and motivating others.
  • Understand how to create a great customer service experience.
  • Have a focus on quality and take pride in your work.
  • Are confident in leading, deploying, and guiding others.
  • Are open to learning new things.
  • Can keep cool and calm in a fast-paced, energetic work environment.
  • Have excellent communication skills.

Qualifications:

  • Candidates are required to average 25-30 hours/week.
  • Open Availability
  • Responsibilities will include opening and/or closing the store
  • Ensure all products are in stock and work with the store manager to locate and retrieve anything needed while they are the lead at the store.
  • Assist in barista training.
  • Is the point person for any and all communication to the store and district managers while on shift.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: Up to $15.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid training
Experience level:
  • 1 year
Restaurant type:
  • Coffee shop
  • Quick service & fast food restaurant
Shift:
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Morning shift
Weekly day range:
  • Every weekend
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed



Experience:
  • Leadership: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Restaurant: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:
  • Driver's License Location: In person

Example 8

Wingstop is in need of very enthusiastic, motivated, and dedicated individuals to join our family as we continue to grow everyday!

Here is what we offer!

Benefits and Perks:
  • Free 24/7 primary virtual doctor visits for you and your family
  • Free Mental Health Resources
  • Free Legal Services
  • Medical/Dental and Vision (full plans availability with eligibility)
  • Tuition Reimbursement (maximum $2,000)
  • Referral Program
  • Wingstop Foundation financial assistance and support
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Closures
  • 401(k)
  • Stock Options
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Team Member Recognition
  • Competitive Pay

What Position are you seeking? Cook (Flavor Expert) or Cashier (Guest Service Expert)?
  • Genuine desire to serve guests
  • Serve the world flavor by preparing awesome wings and fries.
  • Deliver world-class service to our guests by displaying a calm, tactful demeanor while working in a high-paced environment.
  • Handle multiple tasks with a sense of urgency and follow-through
  • Well organized and detail-oriented
  • Ongoing learner; exhibits insatiable curiosity and an interest in self-improvement
  • Has an outgoing personality
  • Strong work ethic
  • Handle all orders and inquiries in a friendly and professional manner.
  • Ensure we provide a quality product to all guests with quick and friendly service.
  • Quickly scan and comprehend order tickets.
  • Accurately count number of bone-in wings, boneless wings and boneless strips needed for each order, portion them out to the correct sauce bowls and cook and prepare them in the proper fryers and baskets.
  • Accurately coordinate cooking time of bone-in wings, boneless wings and boneless strips and fries with the corresponding timer.
  • Filter and freshen fryer shortening daily, following all safety procedures and with proper safety equipment.
  • Sauce, season and package all orders according to Wingstop standards.
  • Comply with food, health & safety regulations. Our restaurants and team are fully equipped with the proper resources to protect themselves and others from any possible contamination.


Minimum Requirements:
  • Previous restaurant experience is a plus
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Have reliable transportation

We would love for you to join our family!

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $12.00 - $16.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance
Restaurant type:
  • Fast casual restaurant
Shift:
  • Day shift
  • Night shift
Weekly day range:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability



Application Question(s):
  • Do you have reliable transportation to get to and from work on time?
  • Do you have open availability (able to work a mixture of opening and closing shifts) with weekend availability?
  • Have you ever worked for, applied to, or interviewed Wingstop in the past?
  • Are you 18 years of age at minimum?
  • Can you attend the In-Person Hiring event on Thursday April 13, 2023 from 10am-4pm?

See Details Below:

Date: Monday April 13, 2023
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Wingstop - 6338 Lake Worth Blvd, Lake Worth, TX 76135

Experience:
  • Restaurant: 1 year Location: One location

Example 9

We are hiring outstanding leaders for our Dunkin Donuts locations in beautiful San Diego! Burton Restaurants LLC is currently hiring for SHIFT Leaders to join our network! For a new Dunkin opening in August of 2022 at Camp Pendleton. Must be able to gain base access by completing a background check. We'll let you in on a little secret... while everyone knows that America Runs on Dunkin, we know that Dunkin runs on our incredible team members. Ready to come run with us? Here's what's in it for you: To keep our amazing team running, employees at our Dunkin Restaurants enjoy a bunch of great perks: - Hours that work for you - Discounted college degree program - Career development and growth - Training and ongoing development opportunities - Competitive Pay - Paid Time Off* - Bonus potential* - Healthcare* Eligibility requirements Here's who we're looking for: - A welcoming, upbeat, positive attitude - Someone who focuses on providing an exceptional guest experience and a positive working environment for their teammates - A results driven leader who thrives in a fun, fast-paced environment while adhering to brand standards and maintaining a clean, organized restaurant - The ability to effectively teach, coach, train and motivate others on all aspects of the restaurant operations - Someone with a passion for people development, who strives to elevate those around them You are applying for work with a franchisee of Dunkin', not Dunkin' Brands, Inc., Dunkin' or any of their affiliates. Any information you submit will be provided solely to the franchisee. If hired, the franchisee will be your only employer. Franchisees are independent business owners who are solely responsible for their own employees and set their own wage and benefit programs that can vary among franchisees. Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Pay: From $17.00 per hour Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Night shift
  • Weekend availability Supplemental Location: One location

Example 10

Every team member is the most important part of our restaurant.Our goal is to provide new opportunities for all team members who want to be better every day and continue growing professionally at EL GALLO GIRO. El Gallo Giro is looking for energetic, customer service-oriented, hard-working shift leaders to supervise and manage all shifts. Shift Manager Responsibilities include:
  • Maintaining fast, accurate service, positive guest relations, and ensuring products are consistent with company quality standards
  • Ensures Occupational Safety & Health Act, local health and safety codes, and company safety and security policy are met
  • Assists Profit & Loss management by following cash control/security procedures, maintaining inventory, managing labor, reviewing financial reports, and taking appropriate actions
  • Takes disciplinary action, motivates and trains
  • Ensures company standards on equipment, facility, and grounds are maintained
  • Ensures food quality and 100% customer satisfaction
  • Champions recognition and motivation effort Minimum Qualifications:
  • You have at least 2 years of leadership experience in the restaurant industry
  • At least 18 years old with a valid driver's license, reliable transportation (not public transportation) and a true desire to learn and grow.
  • Able to pass a Drug Screen
  • Able to pass a Background Check Benefits:
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life insurance Job Types: Full-time, Contract Pay: $17.50 - $19.00 per hour Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Vision insurance Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Holidays
  • Night shift
  • Weekend availability Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred) Experience:
  • Restaurant management: 1 year (Required) Language:
  • Spanish (Preferred)
  • English (Preferred) License/Certification:
  • Driver's License (Preferred) Shift availability:
  • Day Shift (Preferred)
  • Night Shift Location: One location
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Job Description Best Practices
Optimize your new and existing job descriptions to reach more candidates
Get the Guide

What does a Shift Leader do? 

Shift Leaders serve an important role in shift-based industries like hospitality, food service and retail where they uphold employees to consistent standards of behavior. Their role is to provide managerial support when the Store Manager or other business leader isn’t available on-site. Shift Leaders often share some of the same responsibilities as other employees on their team, plus additional responsibilities like opening or closing the workplace, making changes to the schedule, delegating tasks and signing off on assignments. Shift Managers resolve problems with customers, help employees on the shift troubleshoot problems and document issues to report back to upper management.

Shift Leader skills and qualifications

A 60484850310fast food2.38warehouse1.43walgreens1.28retail1.09taco bell0.81258410129506137.2517.0340.45HOURLY80856001632025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Shift Leader uses a variety of soft skills and technical abilities to manage teams of employees. These skills and aptitudes often include:

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Leadership skills like decision-making, motivation and goal-setting
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Exceptional organization and time management abilities
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Customer service skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate effectively
  • In-depth industry knowledge
  • Understanding of relevant health and safety regulations
  • Comfortable with workplace technology like registers, scheduling software, inventory management software
  • Basic math skills

Shift Leader salary expectations

A Shift Leader makes an average of $12.63 per hour. Pay rate may depend on level of education, experience and geographical location.

Shift Leader salary expectations

2025-10-017.2517.0340.45HOURLY
  • Common salary: 17.03 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 7.25 - 40.45 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Shift Leader education and training requirements

Most Shift Leader candidates have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some candidates may have an associate degree in business administration or management. Though not required, a bachelor’s degree in business or an industry-related field may indicate candidates with more advanced industry knowledge, relevant skills and practical training. Many candidates could benefit from on-the-job training to better transition into their roles.

Some candidates may even have certifications relevant to the industry they work in, including ServSafe certification for food service employees or management certifications in the manufacturing, retail, food service and hospitality industries.

60484850310fast food2.38warehouse1.43walgreens1.28retail1.09taco bell0.81258410129506137.2517.0340.45HOURLY80856001632025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Shift Leader experience requirements

Shift Leaders typically must have experience working as a team member in the industry or setting they’re applying to. For roles that require more complex or specialized responsibilities, a candidate with years of industry experience and/or leadership experience may be preferred. Some roles may focus on basic Shift Leader duties, making them suitable options for candidates with little-to-no leadership experience but previous experience working in the industry.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the job description for the Shift Leader does not suit your needs, view descriptions for related professions:

Job Description Best Practices
Optimize your new and existing job descriptions to reach more candidates
Get the Guide

Frequently asked questions about Shift Leaders

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

Hire your next Shift Leader today.

Build a job description

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found

    Related articles

    20 Interview Questions to Ask Candidates
    Read article
    How To Hire Employees: A Step-by-Step Guide
    Read article
    Roles and Responsibilities Template (With 3 Samples)
    Read article