Restaurant Operations Leader in Training

Fiesta Restaurant Group; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Pollo Tropical in the United States is seeking a Manager in Training (MIT) to develop leadership skills through hands-on experience in restaurant operations, food safety, guest service, labor management and team development.

You will supervise a 25+ person team, assist in scheduling, onboarding, training and performance coaching, and help drive sales and EBITDA while maintaining safety and quality standards.

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.

Skills

English communication

Leadership

Team development

Operational excellence

Education

High school diploma or GED

3–5 years in restaurant industry with 2+ in supervision

ServSafe Certification

Tools

HRIS platforms

Outlook

Internal company tools

Job description

Pollo Tropical in the United States is seeking a Manager in Training (MIT) to develop leadership skills through hands-on experience in restaurant operations, food safety, guest service, labor management and team development.

You will supervise a 25+ person team, assist in scheduling, onboarding, training and performance coaching, and help drive sales and EBITDA while maintaining safety and quality standards.