Assistant Manager - Fort Lauderdale

Pollo Tropical; Florida; On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A popular restaurant chain in Fort Lauderdale seeks an experienced Assistant Manager to oversee daily operations and support a high-performing team culture. You will manage food safety, guest service, and team development while supervising a team of 25+ employees. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years in the restaurant industry with supervisory experience and strong communication skills. This position offers an engaging work environment focused on operational excellence and employee growth.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in the restaurant industry, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Proficiency with technology systems, including HRIS platforms.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day restaurant operations including food safety and guest service.
• Support team culture through ongoing coaching and accountability.
• Supervise and assist in leading a team of 25+ employees.

Skills

Leadership ability

Team development

Strong communication skills

Operational excellence

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or GED

ServSafe Certification

Tools

HRIS platforms

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

Job description

Assistant Manager - Fort Lauderdale

Pollo Tropical is seeking an Assistant Manager for its Fort Lauderdale location. This role supports the Manager in Training program and involves day-to-day restaurant operations, team leadership, and operational excellence.

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.

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

• 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.