What are the responsibilities and job description for the Shift Leader position at Ayat - D.C.?
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Shift Leader to lead our Front of House team in a busy Palestinian restaurant. The ideal candidate is a strong hospitality professional who can take control of a shift, maintain high service standards, support the team during high-volume periods, and create a welcoming experience for every guest.
Candidates should be familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine, with knowledge of Palestinian and Levantine food being highly preferred. Arabic-speaking is a plus.
Qualifications
- Minimum 4 years of experience as a Lead Server, Shift Leader, FOH Supervisor, or Restaurant Manager
- Strong knowledge of Middle Eastern cuisine, ingredients, and dining culture
- Experience leading and supervising a Front of House team
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to give clear direction and hold employees accountable
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant
- Excellent guest service and hospitality skills
- Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills
- Ability to remain calm and make quick decisions under pressure
- Experience training and coaching servers, hosts, bussers, runners, and other FOH employees
- Familiarity with restaurant POS systems and basic cash-handling procedures
- Understanding of food safety, cleanliness, and restaurant service standards
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Reliable, punctual, professional, and able to lead by example
- Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
- Arabic-speaking is a plus
Responsibilities
- Lead the FOH team throughout assigned shifts and ensure smooth daily operations
- Conduct pre-shift meetings and communicate assignments, specials, menu updates, and service expectations
- Assign server sections and coordinate hosts, servers, bussers, food runners, and bartenders
- Monitor the dining room and ensure guests are receiving attentive and timely service
- Support the team during rush periods by stepping in wherever needed
- Maintain strong knowledge of the menu, including Palestinian dishes, Middle Eastern ingredients, preparation methods, and allergens
- Ensure servers can accurately explain menu items and make recommendations to guests
- Train, coach, and provide feedback to FOH employees
- Address performance or service issues professionally and immediately
- Handle guest complaints and resolve problems before they escalate
- Coordinate closely with the kitchen to maintain accurate and efficient service
- Monitor ticket times, table turns, reservations/waitlists, and overall flow of the restaurant
- Ensure opening, closing, and side-work responsibilities are completed correctly
- Maintain cleanliness, organization, and presentation standards throughout the restaurant
- Assist with cash-outs, POS issues, comps/voids, and end-of-shift procedures
- Communicate operational or employee issues to restaurant management
- Help create a positive, respectful, team-oriented work environment
We are looking for someone who is present on the floor and leads from the front. This position is best suited for someone who understands hospitality, knows how to motivate a team, notices problems before they become bigger issues, and takes ownership of the restaurant during their shift.
Salary : $13