Shift Leader

Role Overview

Panda Restaurant Group is looking for a Shift Leader to help drive a positive guest experience and keep restaurant operations running smoothly. In this role, you’ll support managers in delivering the company’s standards of food made with care, service delivered with warmth, and an atmosphere that feels welcoming and proud.

This is a hands-on position in a busy, growth-focused restaurant setting where you’ll help lead the team during shifts, support day-to-day operations, and contribute to both guest satisfaction and team development.

What You’ll Do

• Help create an inviting, lively environment for guests.
• Assist with overseeing store operations and guiding the team throughout the shift.
• Work directly in food preparation and cooking, including Panda menu favorites.
• Build a broad set of skills while also helping coach and develop others.

Rewards and Benefits

• Flexible scheduling options.
• Competitive compensation.
• Complimentary meals during your shift.
• For full-time associates: medical, vision, dental, voluntary short-term disability, and cancer income protection coverage.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Vacation time, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave, and a leave share program for eligible associates.
• Discounts with multiple brands.
• Referral bonus for eligible associates.
• Opportunities to support your community.
• Paid, hands-on training to set you up for success.
• Continuous career and leadership development.
• Growth opportunities into management roles.
• Pre-tax dependent care flexible spending account.

Qualifications

The role calls for some high school education and a preference for candidates with some operations experience. Local food safety or municipal requirements, such as a Food Handler certification, must be obtained at the applicant’s own expense.

Work Conditions

The environment can be physically demanding and fast paced. Team members may work around heat, steam, and food vapors, with limited workspace, high shelving, and noisy kitchen conditions. The job requires standing for long periods, preparing both hot and cold foods, using a Chinese cook knife and other kitchen tools, and working quickly while maintaining accuracy. Applicants should be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for up to four hours, reach across 36-inch countertops to serve customers, communicate clearly, adapt to changing priorities, and handle conflict or difficult situations effectively.

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 focuses on creating memorable Asian dining experiences and building an organization that helps people improve their lives. The company values family, community impact, and a people-first culture.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

Panda Restaurant Group is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristic, including sex, pregnancy-related conditions, gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. 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, absent undue hardship, during the application and hiring process. If you need an accommodation for the application or interview process, or for the role itself, you may contact [email protected].