Team Leader - Fort Lauderdale

Pollo Tropical; Florida; On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Pollo Tropical in Florida is seeking a Team Leader in Training (TLIT) to learn shift leadership through hands-on restaurant operations, guest service, and food safety.

You will shadow leaders, coach hourly team members, participate in pre-shift huddles, support scheduling and inventory, and help maintain a positive, inclusive work environment while growing leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a High School diploma or GED.
• 6 months of restaurant experience, preferably in a team support or leadership role.
• Strong verbal and written English communication.
• Familiar with basic computer systems; Excel knowledge preferred.
• Willingness to grow in leadership and contribute to operational excellence.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Guest service

Team supervision

Communication

Problem solving

Time management

English skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Outlook

HRIS

Internal company tools

Job description

Be a Part of the Fiesta…
Come Join The Pollo Nation!

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.
• Education, Experience and Additional Skills:
• 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:

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:

• 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.

_ If you are a current employee, please apply using the internal application process. Reach out to your manager for more information _