Future Restaurant Leader

Job Title: Floor Leader (Management Apprenticeship Program)
Reports to: Management Team
FLSA: Non-Exempt

SUMMARY

Are you ready to take the next step in your restaurant career? The Floor Leader role at Winking Lizard is more than just a shift leader—it's a structured apprenticeship program designed to prepare you for a full-time management position.

As a Floor Leader, you’ll work side-by-side with our seasoned management team to learn the ins and outs of restaurant operations, leadership, and team development. Through hands-on experience, personalized coaching, and real-time training, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to thrive as a future leader within our organization.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN

• Real-world management training in a high-energy, team-focused environment
• Ongoing leadership development and coaching from experienced managers
• Exposure to every area of restaurant operations—from the kitchen to the front of house
• A clear career path with the opportunity to grow into a full-time salaried management role

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Training

• Lead by example, promoting a strong service culture and a commitment to excellence
• Coach and mentor team members throughout each shift, developing both technical and leadership skills
• Encourage and recognize strong performance through initiatives like Lizard-2-Lizard recognition
• Help foster a positive, fair, and inclusive workplace where team members feel supported and motivated

Operations & Guest Experience

• Assist in managing daily operations, including opening and closing procedures, staff phasing, and shift transitions
• Confidently step into any role in the restaurant as needed—from hosting to expediting to kitchen support
• Address guest concerns with professionalism and a problem-solving mindset
• Monitor food quality, ticket times, cleanliness, and safety protocols to ensure a top-notch experience for every guest

Manager-In-Training Responsibilities

• Develop proficiency in the POS system for comps, voids, and shift transactions
• Support inventory management, deliveries, and back-office systems under manager guidance
• Help check out closing staff and ensure proper shift wrap-up
• Learn and uphold Winking Lizard standards, policies, and procedures—preparing to one day enforce them as a manager

WHO YOU ARE

You’re ambitious, reliable, and passionate about hospitality. You’re ready to lead but eager to learn. You want more than a job—you want a career. And you’re not afraid to work hard, think big, and grow with a company that’s invested in your future.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Shift Length: Varies, including 10 hour shifts
• Environment: Fast-paced with exposure to loud noise, hot/cold temperatures, wet floors
• Movement: Frequent standing, walking, and multitasking in a dynamic team environment

READY TO LEAD?

If you’re looking for a stepping stone into restaurant management, the Floor Leader Apprenticeship Program is your launchpad. Join a company that believes in growing its leaders from within—and start your journey toward a full-time management career at Winking Lizard.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $17.20 - $18.10 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Shift:

• Day shift
• Night shift

Application Question(s):

• Winking Lizard is a non-smoking establishment and abides by the Ohio Smoke-free Workplace Act for both guests and employees. Employees are not permitted to smoke in or around the building, while on the clock or on break. Is this something you will be able to do?

Experience:

• Restaurant: 1 year (Preferred)
• Supervising: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)
• Night Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $18