Shift Leader

About the Role

As a Shift Leader at Panda Restaurant Group in Crestview, FL, you will play a key leadership role in a busy restaurant setting. The position focuses on helping management deliver the brand promise through excellent food, warm service, and an inviting atmosphere. This is a hands-on opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a fast-moving environment and wants to grow into stronger operational and leadership responsibilities.

What You’ll Do

• Help create a lively, welcoming experience for guests during each shift.
• Assist with daily store operations and guide the team while the shift is in progress.
• Take part in preparing and cooking menu items for customers.
• Build a broad set of practical skills that support your own development and help you coach others.

Compensation and Benefits

• Flexible scheduling
• Competitive pay
• Complimentary meals during work shifts
• Medical, vision, dental, voluntary short-term disability, and cancer income protection coverage for full-time associates
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Vacation, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave, and a leave share program for eligible associates
• Discounts with multiple brands
• Referral bonus for eligible associates
• Chance to contribute to the community
• Paid hands-on training
• Continuous career and leadership development
• Opportunities to advance into management roles
• Pre-tax dependent care flexible spending account

Qualifications

Applicants should have some high school education. Prior operations experience is preferred. The role also requires meeting any applicable local or municipal food safety rules, such as obtaining a Food Handler certification at the applicant’s own expense.

Work Conditions and Physical Demands

This position involves working in areas that can be hot due to steam and cooking vapors. Space behind the counter is limited, and employees are generally expected to stay on their feet for long periods. Duties include preparing both hot and cold food, using Chinese chef knives and other kitchen tools, and maintaining speed without sacrificing accuracy. The job may require lifting up to 50 lbs., standing for up to four hours, and reaching across 36-inch countertops to serve guests. Kitchens may be noisy, warm, and tightly stocked, with limited storage and high shelving. Success in this role depends on the ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting, communicate clearly, adjust to changing priorities, and handle conflicts or difficult situations professionally.

About Panda Restaurant Group

Founded in Glendale, California, Panda Restaurant Group is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States. With nearly 2,800 locations worldwide, the company is focused on creating exceptional Asian dining experiences and building an organization that helps people improve their lives. The company values family, its team members, and the communities it serves.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodation

Panda Restaurant Group is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on sex, gender, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. The company follows all applicable federal, state, and local accommodation requirements. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, qualified individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations unless doing so would create undue hardship. If you need an accommodation for the application or interview process, or for the role itself, you can contact [email protected].