Shift Leader

About the role

The Shift Leader position at Panda Restaurant Group plays a key leadership role in the restaurant by helping management deliver the company’s mission through food prepared with passion, service delivered with heart, and an atmosphere maintained with pride. This is a fast-moving, growth-focused opportunity where the restaurant team is central to the organization’s success.

What you'll do

• Help create a lively, friendly experience for guests.
• Lead the team and keep store operations on track throughout the shift.
• Take part in preparing and cooking Panda menu items for customers.
• Build a broad set of abilities that support both personal development and helping others grow.

Rewards and benefits

• Flexible scheduling options.
• Competitive hourly pay.
• Complimentary meals during shifts.
• Medical, vision, dental, voluntary short-term disability, and cancer income protection coverage for full-time associates.
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Vacation time, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave, and Leave Share Program for eligible associates.
• Discounts with a variety of brands.
• Referral bonus for eligible associates.
• Opportunities to contribute to the community.
• Paid, hands-on training designed to set you up for success.
• Continued career and leadership development.
• Pathways to move into management roles.
• Pre-tax dependent care flexible spending account.

Qualifications

Applicants should have some high school education and ideally bring some experience in operations. This role also requires meeting any local food-safety or municipal requirements, such as a Food Handler certification, which must be obtained at the applicant’s own expense.

Physical and work environment

The restaurant environment can involve hot counter areas, steam, food vapors, limited workspace, high shelving, and loud kitchens. Team members are expected to stand for long periods, work quickly and accurately, handle hot and cold foods, use a Chinese cook knife and other kitchen tools, lift up to 50 lbs., stand for up to four hours, and reach across 36-inch counter tops to serve guests. Success in this role also depends on strong verbal communication, adaptability in a changing environment, and the ability to handle conflicts and difficult situations.

About the company

Founded in Glendale, California, Panda Restaurant Group has grown into the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States. With nearly 2,800 locations worldwide, the company aims to create exceptional Asian dining experiences while building an organization that helps people improve their lives. The culture emphasizes family values and community impact.

Equal opportunity and accommodations

Panda Restaurant Group is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics including sex, gender, pregnancy, gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the hiring process unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If you need an accommodation for the application or interview process, you may contact [email protected].

Pay

The pay rate for this position is $24 to $27 per hour. Final pay within that range depends on factors such as location and experience.

Additional information

Candidates must continue to meet benefit eligibility requirements in order to remain eligible for those benefits.