Assistant Manager

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Menifee (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay + quarterly bonuses

No overnight hours

Free meals during shift

Employee discount on food

Career growth potential

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, vision + FSA

Retirement plan with 401(k) match

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Manager to help run a fast-paced, high-quality restaurant in Menifee, CA.

You’ll lead a team, ensure service excellence, maintain health and safety standards, and work closely with the General Manager to drive performance. Responsibilities include scheduling, training, inventory, opening/closing procedures, and responding to customer feedback with our Just Say Yes policy.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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 policies and health/food safety standards. Ensure adherence to 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.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Labor scheduling

Food safety awareness

Inventory management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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. Ready to ignite your flamin’ good career? Apply now!

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 as 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 plus Flexible Spending Account
• Paid vacationPaid 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