Shift Lead

At Picnic South Loop, the Shift Lead helps keep daily operations running smoothly while ensuring every order meets Uncle Remus standards for quality, accuracy, speed, and hospitality.

This is a hands-on leadership position. You will work alongside the Finish Cook Expeditor (FCE) team while providing direction, monitoring performance, and ensuring team members complete their responsibilities correctly and efficiently.

The Shift Lead sets the tone for the shift, keeps the team organized, addresses problems as they arise, and serves as a key connection between team members and management.

We are looking for someone who leads by example, takes ownership, communicates clearly, and is comfortable coaching others and holding the team accountable.

As you demonstrate sound judgment and consistent leadership, you will have the opportunity to take on greater supervisory responsibilities, including delegated authority to handle disciplinary matters and send employees home when appropriate.

• Work alongside the FCE team while leading daily shift operations.
• Assign stations, delegate tasks, and communicate priorities to team members.
• Monitor ticket flow, productivity, order accuracy, and food quality throughout the shift.
• Ensure all food is finished, sauced, wrapped, and packaged according to Uncle Remus standards.
• Keep the team focused and organized during busy periods while maintaining speed and quality.
• Coach team members, correct mistakes, and address performance concerns as they arise.
• Hold team members accountable for attendance, punctuality, cleanliness, and completion of assigned tasks.
• Help train new employees and reinforce established recipes, portioning, and operating procedures.
• Ensure stations are stocked, organized, and properly set up for service.
• Monitor cleaning, sanitizing, food safety, and closing procedures.
• Identify product shortages, equipment issues, and operational problems and communicate them to management.
• Document recurring performance concerns and report significant incidents promptly.
• Make routine operational decisions independently within established guidelines.
• Develop toward greater supervisory authority, including approved disciplinary actions and sending employees home when company policy and delegated authority permit.
• Ensure a smooth shift transition by communicating outstanding tasks, staffing concerns, and operational issues.

• Previous food service, restaurant, or fast-paced operations experience preferred.
• Previous shift lead or supervisory experience is a plus.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to give direction, coach employees, and address problems professionally.
• Reliable, punctual, and comfortable taking ownership of shift responsibilities.
• Ability to work alongside the team while overseeing the overall operation.
• Must follow established food safety, sanitation, quality, and workplace safety procedures.
• Must be an Illinois resident or willing to become one within 90 days of hire.
• Must obtain an Illinois food-handler certification within 30 days of hire.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

• Employee meals
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Opportunity for leadership development and increased responsibility