Restaurant Manager in Training: Lead Operations & Service

Fiesta Restaurant Group; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Fiesta Restaurant Group is seeking a Manager in Training (MIT) at Pollo Tropical to build leadership skills across restaurant operations, food safety, guest service, and labor management. You will support a store leadership team and oversee a 25+ associate operation.

The MIT will participate in scheduling, onboarding, training, and developing team members, drive targets, ensure safety and cleanliness, and contribute to guest experience initiatives in a dynamic environment.

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, 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.

Job description

Fiesta Restaurant Group is seeking a Manager in Training (MIT) at Pollo Tropical to build leadership skills across restaurant operations, food safety, guest service, and labor management. You will support a store leadership team and oversee a 25+ associate operation.

The MIT will participate in scheduling, onboarding, training, and developing team members, drive targets, ensure safety and cleanliness, and contribute to guest experience initiatives in a dynamic environment.