Restaurant Leadership Trainee: Fast-Track to Manager

Fiesta Restaurant Group; Florida; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Pollo Tropical is seeking a Manager in Training to prepare for future leadership through hands-on restaurant operations experience, including food safety, guest service, labor management, and team development. Under guidance of our Training GM and leadership team, the MIT will learn operational excellence, coach a 25+ employee team, and support daily management tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Requires a high school diploma or GED, 3–5 years in hospitality with supervisory experience, ServSafe

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3–5 years of experience in the restaurant industry, with supervisory or leadership exposure.
• ServSafe Certification required.
• Proficiency with technology systems, including HRIS platforms, Outlook, and internal company tools.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Guest service

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

HRIS

Outlook

Internal company tools

Excel

Job description

Pollo Tropical is seeking a Manager in Training to prepare for future leadership through hands-on restaurant operations experience, including food safety, guest service, labor management, and team development. Under guidance of our Training GM and leadership team, the MIT will learn operational excellence, coach a 25+ employee team, and support daily management tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Requires a high school diploma or GED, 3–5 years in hospitality with supervisory experience, ServSafe