Team Leader - Boca Raton/Lake Worth

Pollo Tropical; Boca Raton (FL); On-site; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Full time

Job summary

Pollo Tropical in Boca Raton is seeking a Team Leader in Training to gain hands‑on experience in restaurant operations and shift leadership. You will support daily management, focus on food safety, guest service, and team engagement, and learn to coach and onboard hourly staff.

The role emphasizes adaptability, teamwork, and a strong commitment to operational excellence while you develop leadership skills under the guidance of the leadership team.

Qualifications

• 18+ years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• 6 months restaurant experience, preferably in a support/leadership role.
• Familiarity with technology systems incl. Outlook and HRIS preferred.
• Strong verbal and written English communication.
• Interest in growing into leadership and improving operations.

Responsibilities

• Learn to supervise and guide hourly team members on shifts to ensure quality and guest service.
• Assist in planning shift responsibilities while learning safety, sanitation, and security procedures.
• Support team engagement through coaching, communication and motivation.
• Attend daily pre‑shift meetings (huddles) to align goals and service standards.
• Model high guest service standards and resolve guest concerns with urgency and care.
• Learn regulatory compliance and assistance with cleanliness and equipment upkeep.
• Promote safe, inclusive work environment by reporting incidents promptly.
• Assist with scheduling, inventory checks and cash handling procedures.
• Shadow leadership during training and onboarding activities.
• Develop decision‑making and problem‑solving in high‑pressure situations.
• Demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in a dynamic team setting.

Skills

Team leadership

Coaching

Guest service

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Outlook

HRIS platforms

Job description

Overview

The Team Leader in Training (TLIT) position is designed to prepare individuals for shift leadership by providing hands‑on experience in restaurant operations. The TLIT supports essential aspects of daily management, including food safety, guest service, labor support, and team engagement. Working closely with the leadership team, the TLIT will develop the skills to help lead shifts, coach hourly team members, and contribute to a positive and efficient work environment that promotes operational success.

Qualities and Responsibilities

• Learn to supervise and guide hourly team members during assigned shifts to ensure product quality, efficiency, and exceptional guest service.
• Assist in planning and overseeing shift responsibilities while learning safety, food safety, sanitation, and security procedures.
• Support team engagement by practicing coaching, communication, and motivation techniques.
• Observe and participate in daily pre‑shift meetings (huddles) to align on goals, service standards, and operational priorities.
• Model high standards of guest service and assist in resolving guest concerns with urgency and care.
• Learn to maintain regulatory and company compliance, and support facility cleanliness and equipment upkeep.
• Foster a safe and inclusive work environment by observing and reporting team or guest incidents promptly.
• Assist with basic administrative tasks including scheduling, inventory checks, and cash handling procedures.
• Shadow leadership during team member development activities, including training and onboarding.
• Practice proper decision‑making in high‑pressure environments and develop problem‑solving abilities.
• Demonstrate adaptability, curiosity, and a positive mindset while learning in a dynamic team setting.
• Follow all company policies and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• 6 months of experience in the restaurant industry, preferably in a team support or leadership role.
• Familiarity with technology systems, including Outlook, internal company tools, and HRIS platforms preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Desire to grow in leadership, build team development skills, and contribute to 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.