Assistant Manager

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Red Bluff (CA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Quarterly bonuses

No overnight hours

Free meals during shift

Employee discount on food

Tuition reimbursement

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. is opening a new location in Red Bluff, CA and seeks an Assistant Manager to drive smooth operations and guest satisfaction.

You’ll work with the General Manager to lead a team, control labor, and ensure quality and safety standards on the floor and in back-of-house areas. The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, cross-training, and career growth, with a focus on preventing overstaffing and enabling excellent service during peak hours.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the General Manager to monitor labor costs via scheduling and cross-training.
• Manage opening/closing procedures and coordinate crew tasks for setup, prep and cleaning.
• Conduct inventory checks and handle food deliveries with accurate records.
• Maintain service speed, cleanliness, and adherence to QSC standards.
• Direct shift tasks, adjust staffing for sales volume, and monitor food production.
• Address customer feedback promptly using EPL policies for continuous improvement.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support restaurant operations.

Skills

Team leadership

Labor scheduling

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Serve Safe Certification

FSA Certification

Job description

OPENING SOON! LATE DECEMBER 2026

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 + 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...

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.