Assistant Manager

El Pollo Loco; Compton (AR); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance

401(K) Plan with match and immediate v

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life and AD&D / Long Term Disability

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Meal Discounts

Job summary

El Pollo Loco is seeking an Assistant Manager to lead shifts, train the crew, and support the General Manager in achieving high standards of quality and service. You will oversee scheduling, inventory accuracy, and guest experiences to drive sales and ensure safety compliance.

The role offers growth from AM to higher leadership, a comprehensive benefits package, and a focus on developing people in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Opportunity to advance within the company.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
• 2–4 years of restaurant supervisory experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication; second language a plus.
• Basic math and computer skills; strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Valid driver's license with reliable vehicle for company business.

Responsibilities

• Supervise assigned shifts and support the General Manager as needed.
• Train and develop crew members; handle administrative tasks and schedules.
• Ensure exceptional guest experiences and maintain food safety and cleanliness standards.
• Control labor costs via scheduling and cross-training; manage inventory records.
• Encourage feedback through EPL policy and assist in continual improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operations.

Skills

English communication

Basic math

Computer skills

Interpersonal skills

Conflict-resolution

POS familiarity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Serve Safe Certification

Tools

Point-of-Sale systems

Job description

Have you ever envisioned leading a team to success or dared to help manage a million-dollar business? Well here’s your opportunity to live the dream! Put your team-building skills to the test and bring us your passion, energy, and strong customer service skills. We’ll provide you with an awesome training program, great mentors and an exceptional team that will help you launch your career. The rest is up to you!

What’s in it for you!

We offer eligible Employees the following Benefits/Perks:

• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Basic Life and AD&D/Long Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement Program (General Manager and Assistant Manager only)
• Meal Discounts

Requirements:

• Experience: Must be an EPL Shift Leader or have 2-4 years of supervisory experience, preferably within a restaurant environment. Familiarity with Point-Of-Sale systems is desired.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal English communication skills (second language a plus)
• Competencies: Basic math and computer skills, and strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills
• Driving/Vehicle : Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle that may be used for company business.
• Food Handler Card: Must have a Serve Safe Certificate at time of hire or obtain a Serve Safe Certificate and pass the EPL Food Safety Audit (FSA) class upon hire, where applicable.

Job Details:

• Work Hours: Full-Time schedule, and may work any shift including opening, mid-day, and closing. The great news is that our restaurants are not open 24 hours!
• Career Advancement/Career Plan: We promote heavily from within, so from an AM you can develop to become a General Manager, Area Leader, Director of Operations, and beyond!
• Work Attire: EPL logo’d shirt will be provided, and black slacks and no-slip shoes are required

Assistant Manager Job Summary:

• Supervising assigned shifts, and provides supervision to crew members in the absence of the General Manager
• Training and developing crew members
• Completing administrative tasks (e.g. financial and inventory control, schedules, logging maintenance, etc.)
• Creating and ensuring exceptional guest experiences
• Ensuring compliance with all security, food safety, quality, and cleanliness standards
• Maintaining cost controls and contributing to the sales/profit goals
• Building your skills and leveraging the available tools to prepare yourself for a future General Manager role

Company & Culture

For over 35 years El Pollo Loco continues to dominate the market in delivering the best citrus-marinated fire-grilled chicken. We opened our first restaurant in 1980 in Los Angeles, and today we are over 450 restaurants strong and still growing! From our products to our people, we’re truly amazing!

As an Assistant Manager at El Pollo Loco, you’ll be a key player in turning up the heat and driving the fire-grilled experience from behind the scenes. You’ll ensure the restaurant runs smoothly, delivering exceptional service and quality while guiding your team to success and growing yourself as a people leader.

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Assistant Manager works closely with the General Manager to maintain high standards of quality, cleanliness, and customer satisfaction. This position is an important step in the journey toward assuming the responsibilities of a General Manager. It requires a proactive and hands-on approach, along with a willingness to cross-train and support various aspects of restaurant operations. Duties include ensuring the restaurant is operated according to all EL Pollo Loco policies, procedures, and standards, as well training and developing restaurant team members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In collaboration with the General Manager, monitor and control labor costs through effective labor scheduling, cross-training, and team member retention initiatives.
• Responsible for restaurant opening and closing procedures, including security protocols. Coordinate crew tasks for setup, food prep, and cleaning.
• Conduct inventory checks and update the inventory system. Handle food deliveries, ensuring accuracy in inventory records.
• Ensure customer service and speed of service metrics meet company goals and standards. Maintain restaurant cleanliness according to EPL and health/food safety standards. Ensure adherence to safety practices and Quality, Service, Cleanliness (QSC) standards.
• Direct and prioritize team members' tasks during shift. Cover workstations and fill in during team member breaks, as needed. Adjust shift staffing based on sales volume for productivity. Monitor and adjust food production as needed.
• Welcome customer feedback and address any comments or concerns they may have, using EPL’s Just Say Yes Policy. Ensure that all feedback is communicated promptly to the restaurant management team for swift resolution and continuous improvement.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management to support restaurant operations.

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required.

Education/Work Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years old. High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred. Must be certified on all EPL SPECS positions or must have 2-4 or more years of restaurant supervisory experience.

License/Certifications:

• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle that may be used for company business.
• Must obtain Serve Safe Certification and pass the EPL Food Safety Audit (FSA) class upon hire.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive pay and quarterly bonuses
• No overnight hours
• Free meals during your shift
• Employee discount on food
• Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance + Flexible Spending Account
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting (must be at least 21 to participate)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance Legal Insurance, Long Term Disability Coverage and Pet Insurance
• Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more...

Why work for us?

When it comes to our people, our motto is: Let them cook. In fact, we see you as our secret ingredient. While our chicken is fire, it’s our people

Who set us ablaze. You’re the ones bringing the passion, ideas and energy–the flavor–whether cooking in the restaurant or working in the support center. That’s why we take pride in providing a place where you can express, develop and belong… all while enjoying a healthy balance. Here, fire-grilled chicken makes flamin’ good careers.

The pay range identified is the hourly or salary rate El Pollo Loco expects to pay for the posted position. This range does not include any benefits or bonus opportunities that might be available for the position based on position and eligibility criteria. Individual pay will vary based on a variety of factors including years of experience, industry experience, education, geography, etc.