Assistant Manager

El Pollo Loco; Red Bluff, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Quarterly bonuses

Free meals during shift

Employee discounts on food

Career growth opportunities

Tuition reimbursement

Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

401(K) with match

Employee Assistance Program

Life Insurance

Pet Insurance

Discounts on entertainment

Job summary

El Pollo Loco is seeking an Assistant Manager to support the General Manager in maintaining quality, cleanliness, and customer satisfaction at the Red Bluff location. The role focuses on hands-on leadership, cross-training, and driving operations across shifts.

You will train and develop team members, manage labor and inventory, handle opening/closing, and ensure safety and health standards are met. This role offers growth within the company and a pathway toward general management.

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

• Assist General Manager with labor scheduling and team retention.
• Handle opening/closing procedures and security protocols.
• Execute inventory checks and coordinate deliveries.
• Maintain service speed and QSC standards; ensure cleanliness and safety.
• Direct shift tasks, cover breaks, and adjust staffing for sales volume.
• Address customer feedback promptly and communicate with management.
• Perform other duties to support restaurant operations.

Skills

People leadership

Labor cost control

Customer service

Safety standards

Shift supervision

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred

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?

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.