Shift Lead - Fairfield

FIND YOUR FIRE!
Sally's Apizza, renowned for its New Haven Style Apizza since 1938, is expanding our locations and corporate team nationwide! Famous for our distinctive tomato sauce and chewy, crispy crust with an iconic oven-kissed char, Sally’s draws pizza fans from around the world. We hand-craft authentic pizza in custom-designed ovens, using the original recipes. With a commitment to sharing exceptional pizza with all, we're on a mission to spread our passion far and wide.
With Sally's growth, comes new opportunities from management to corporate roles. We offer coaching, training, and promotion within, giving you a path to pursue your future career goals.
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THE ROLE…
The Daytime Shift Lead plays a key leadership role in ensuring the smooth execution of daytime restaurant operations while upholding the culture, standards, and guest experience that define Sally’s Apizza. This position serves as the on-shift leader responsible for setting the tone of service, maintaining
operational consistency, and ensuring that every guest interaction reflects warmth, attentiveness, and the true spirit of hospitality. In addition, the Daytime Shift Lead may serve as the
Key Holder,
responsible for safely and efficiently opening the restaurant, ensuring operational readiness, and upholding security and cash-handling standards before management arrival.
AS THE DAYTIME SHIFT LEAD YOU WILL….
Shift Leadership & Execution
Oversee daily operations during assigned daytime shifts to ensure an exceptional guest and team experience
Arrive early to open the restaurant and prepare for service
Unlock doors, disable alarms, and manage safe access using assigned codes and keys
Count and distribute cash drawers and petty cash, reconciling against previous totals
Complete all steps on the opening checklist, ensuring the restaurant is fully operational and guest-ready
Conduct a morning walk through to confirm cleanliness, setup, and maintenance readiness
Ensure TVs, music, lighting, and ambiance are properly set
Print and confirm daily staffing and prep lists
Communicate opening updates or issues to the oncoming manager
Follow all safety and cash handling protocols as trained during opening procedure shadow shifts
Conduct pre-shift meetings with staff to review priorities, updates, and service expectations
Maintain presence on the dining room floor to monitor flow of service, guest satisfaction, and team performance
Responsible for cash management and/or cash handling procedures, including collecting and reconciling funds from servers and bartenders.
Complete a structured training program consisting of approximately 5–10 training shifts conducted with the General Manager prior to final approval.
Operational Oversight
Understand and manage comps and discounts in accordance with company policy.
Perform manager-level functions in the POS system, including voids, discounts, and time adjustments.
Schedule and track employee breaks to maintain compliance and ensure proper coverage.
Confirm all team members are clocked in/out correctly; process timecard amendments when needed.
Enter shift notes in the closing log to document key updates and operational feedback.
Communicate shift updates, callouts, and incidents to the General Manager or closing manager.
Guest & Team Support
Serve as the primary point of contact for front-of-house staff during daytime hours.
Lead by example, fostering a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and respect.
Address and resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally.
Support training and onboarding of new team members.
Culture & Brand
Fully understand and embody the Sally’s Apizza culture, including its historical evolution and legacy in New Haven Apizza tradition.
Promote company values through daily actions, communication, and leadership presence.
ROLE COMPETENCIES:
Experience & Skills
Strong knowledge of restaurant operations and front-of-house procedures.
Proficient in POS systems (Toast or similar).
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure.
Functional Expertise
Organized and detail-oriented with a hands-on approach.
Ability to manage priorities and support a fast-paced team environment.
Comfortable making operational decisions and providing clear direction.
Communication
Leads pre-shift meetings with clarity and motivation.
Communicates effectively across all levels — hourly team, management, and guests.
Integrity
Demonstrates honesty, accountability, and fairness in all interactions.
Acts as a role model for professionalism and reliability.
Guest Experience & Hospitality
Leads by example through proactive table touches, ensuring guests feel welcomed and attended to.
Work Environment
Fast-paced restaurant setting.
Daytime schedule with flexibility for weekends or holidays as needed.
Active, on-your-feet role requiring constant engagement with guests and staff.
Benefits are available for full-time positions!
Dental Insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid sick time
Referral program
Vision insurance
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DETAILS:
Full Time, In-Person, Day, Evening & Weekend availability
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SALLY’S CORE VALUES
Obsession for Apizza:
True passion for the uncompromised quality and tradition of New Haven Apizza. Strive for excellence and bring your personal best to work every day.
Commitment to Our Guests:
Demonstrate warmth and care while creating memorable moments of hospitality for all guests.
Strength of Character:
Take pride in your job and use your best judgment to do what is right and fair even when no one else is looking. Actively seek to build trust with colleagues and guests.
We Are Hungry:
We are a teaching company filled with people who are hungry for knowledge and growth. Our hunger is insatiable, and we crave honest feedback to strengthen our skills and hold each other accountable.
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