Assistant Manager - Fort Lauderdale

Fiesta Restaurant Group; Florida; On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training program

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Fiesta Restaurant Group is seeking a Manager in Training (MIT) to gain hands-on experience in restaurant operations, covering guest service, food safety, labor management, and team development. The MIT will work with senior leaders to foster a high-performance culture and operational excellence, with daily pre-shift planning, coaching, and development of hourly staff.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in hospitality, ServSafe certification, strong English communication, and leadership potential to

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3–5 years of experience in the restaurant industry, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• ServSafe Certification required.
• Proficiency with technology systems, including HRIS platforms, Outlook, and internal company tools.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proven leadership ability, team development experience, and a passion for operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day restaurant operations with focus on food quality, safety, and service.
• Coach and develop a high-performing team culture.
• Lead hourly staff and managers to deliver exceptional guest service and address concerns.
• Supervise 25+ employees ensuring compliance with standards.
• Hold daily pre-shift huddles to align goals and updates.
• Assist in scheduling, inventory, payroll, and payroll-related tasks.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and leadership development.
• Monitor labor and financial performance and drive targets (sales, EBITDA).
• Maintain cleanliness and equipment functionality; report issues.
• Ensure incident reporting and safety compliance; foster inclusive environment.
• Support guest experience initiatives and improve customer satisfaction.
• Adapt to change and navigate operational challenges.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Communication skills

Operational excellence

Problem solving under pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

ServSafe Certification

Tools

HRIS systems

Outlook

Internal company tools

Job description

Overview

The Manager in Training (MIT) position is designed to prepare individuals for future leadership roles by providing comprehensive, hands‑on experience in restaurant operations. The MIT supports all aspects of daily management, including food safety, guest service, labor management, and team development. Through partnership with the Training General Manager, Field Training Manager and leadership team, the MIT will learn to foster a high‑performance culture, maintain operational excellence, and lead a team of up to 25+ employees.

Qualities and Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day restaurant operations, ensuring food quality, safety, cleanliness, and consistent service and presentation.
• Support a high‑performing team culture through ongoing coaching, engagement, and accountability.
• Model and coach hourly team members and managers in delivering exceptional guest service and addressing guest concerns with urgency and care.
• Supervise and assist in leading a team of 25+ employees, ensuring adherence to company and regulatory standards.
• Conduct daily pre‑shift meetings (huddles) to align teams on goals, service standards, and operational updates.
• Assist in scheduling, inventory, ordering, payroll, fund handling, and reconciliation processes.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, and developing both hourly team members and future leaders.
• Monitor labor and financial performance, and help drive achievement of key targets (sales, labor, transactions, and EBITDA).
• Maintain facility cleanliness and equipment functionality; report any issues promptly.
• Ensure timely and accurate incident reporting, compliance with all safety protocols, and maintenance of a safe, inclusive work environment.
• Support the implementation of guest experience initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and social review performance.
• Embrace change with a positive attitude and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
• Make sound decisions under pressure and help navigate operational challenges.
• Perform other duties as assigned in alignment with company policies and procedures.

Education, Experience and Additional Skills

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3–5 years of experience in the restaurant industry, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• ServSafe Certification required.
• Proficiency with technology systems, including HRIS platforms, Outlook, and internal company tools.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proven leadership ability, team development experience, and a passion for operational excellence.

Computer Skills

Basic computer skills. Excel knowledge preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to handle or feel, and also to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Temperature controlled restaurant. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate.

Equipment Used

Computer, fax, calculator, copier, phone.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

If you are a current employee, please apply using the internal application process.

Reach out to your manager for more information.

About Pollo Tropical®

What began in Miami as a simple recipe for citrus‑marinated grilled chicken has evolved into a world of tropical flavors, and is quickly transforming into a lifestyle of happy, healthy, laid‑back fun continually proving that life’s better under the palm. Welcome to Pollo Tropical® where passion is married to freshness to create a one‑of‑a‑kind experience. Our chickens are free of hormones and trans‑fats. From our signature grilled chicken and slow roasted mojo pork, to world‑renown Create Your Own TropiChops®, nothing surprises and delights like our fresh‑made food served in a Caribbean inspired atmosphere. There’s plenty of room to stretch out and “move up the beach” at Pollo Tropical® – where a fresh and fun atmosphere is fueling our success. Over 45% of our field managers began their careers at Pollo Tropical as hourly team members and have had the opportunity to move up and become managers and supervisors at the corporate level.

We offer competitive salaries and benefits in a fun, friendly, family‑oriented environment.