Assistant Manager - West Palm Beach/Port Saint Lucie

Pollo Operations, Inc.; Port Saint Lucie (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Pollo Tropical in Port Saint Lucie, FL is seeking a Manager in Training (MIT) to develop into a future leader. You will gain hands-on experience in restaurant operations, food safety, guest service, and labor management, while directing a team of 25+ and partnering with leadership to drive results.

Join a fast-paced environment focused on operational excellence, coaching, and career growth within a supportive team culture.

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 daily operations ensuring food quality, safety, cleanliness, and consistent service.
• Coach and develop a high-performing team and accountability culture.
• Lead hourly staff and managers in exceptional guest service with urgency.
• Supervise 25+ employees, ensuring standards and regulatory compliance.
• Run daily pre-shift huddles to align goals and standards.
• Assist with scheduling, inventory, payroll, and reconciliation.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and leadership development.
• Monitor labor/financial performance and drive key targets.
• Maintain cleanliness and report equipment issues promptly.
• Ensure incident reporting and a safe, inclusive workplace.
• Support guest experience initiatives to improve satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Food Safety

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

HRIS platforms

Outlook

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

We hope to hear from you soon!