Position: Assistant Manager
The Assistant Manager supports the General Manager in overseeing daily restaurant operations, ensuring all shifts run efficiently and safely. This role assists in managing and developing team members, maintaining high levels of customer service, enforcing food safety and compliance standards, and supporting achievement of financial and operational targets. The Assistant Manager acts as the person in charge when the General Manager is not present.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership
- Support the General Manager in hiring, onboarding, training, motivating, and developing team members.
- Conduct shift-level coaching, performance feedback, and adherence to uniform and grooming standards.
- Uphold and model WKS Values: Integrity, Loyalty, Winning, Service, and Teamwork.
- Ensure proper shift staffing and deployment based on business needs.
- Assist with maintaining a positive, professional, and respectful work environment.
Operations Management
- Oversee shift operations, including opening/closing procedures, product preparation, safety protocols, and food safety standards.
- Ensure compliance with El Pollo Loco Critical Checklists, daily walk-throughs, and equipment checks.
- Execute inventory counts, product rotation, food quality standards, and waste control.
- Support ordering, receiving deliveries, and monitoring food and labor costs.
- Cover workstations and assist during busy periods, breaks, or staffing shortages.
Customer Service
- Ensure all customers receive accurate orders, friendly service, and fast, clean experiences.
- Monitor service times and take corrective action to meet WKS and El Pollo Loco service metrics.
- Resolve customer complaints and service issues professionally and promptly.
- Communicate clearly with customers, team members, and supervisors.
Financial Management
- Assist in monitoring daily sales, deposits, and cash handling accuracy.
- Support management of food, labor, and controllable costs.
- Use company reporting systems to understand financial performance and trends.
- Safely operate and reconcile the smart safe, POS tills, and other cash-handling tools.
Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
- Enforce timekeeping accuracy and report any concerns to the General Manager or District Leader.
- Maintain required documentation, complete shift reports, and support safety and health standards.
- Promptly report claims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour issues, bullying, workplace violence, or other inappropriate behavior to leadership and HR.
Physical Requirements
- Standing and walking for extended periods (majority of the shift).
- Frequent reaching at shoulder level; occasional overhead reaching.
- Frequent bending, stooping, gripping, pinching, writing, and handling products or equipment.
- Lifting and carrying ranges:
- 0–10 lbs: Frequent
- 11–25 lbs: Occasional–Frequent
- 26–50 lbs: Occasional with assistance
- 51–75 lbs: Seldom; team-lift only
- Pushing/pulling 10–40 lbs of force occasionally (e.g., supply carts, trash bins).
- Use of headsets, monitors, POS systems, kitchen equipment, computers, and technology as permitted by state age requirements.
Work Environment
- Exposure to heat, burn hazards, hot equipment, cold storage areas, wet/slippery surfaces, and cleaning chemicals.
- Work performed in indoor and outdoor conditions, including drive-thru and lot areas.
- Fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and direct customer interaction.
Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-compliant)
- Ability to maintain attention and focus in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to multi-task and shift between priorities quickly.
- Ability to make timely decisions and resolve operational or customer issues.
- Ability to lead, supervise, coach, and direct employees during shifts.
- Ability to handle guest interactions and service recovery professionally.
- Ability to adapt to changing business needs, staffing levels, and equipment issues.
- Ability to maintain professional behavior during normal workplace stress.
- Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 1–2 years of restaurant or retail supervisory experience required.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework preferred.
- Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- ServSafe certification required (or must obtain within required timeframe).
- Proficiency with POS systems, cash handling, smart safe operation, and basic computer skills.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Reliable transportation and willingness to work at nearby locations as needed.
- Ability to resolve customer issues promptly and professionally using company service methods.
Position: Shift Leader
The Shift Leader supports the management team by overseeing restaurant operations during assigned shifts. This role is responsible for ensuring excellent customer service, maintaining food safety and cleanliness standards, supervising team members, and supporting operational and financial goals. The Shift Leader leads by example and ensures compliance with company policies, procedures, and brand standards.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership
- Lead and supervise team members during assigned shifts to ensure smooth restaurant operations.
- Assist with training, coaching, and developing crew members to meet performance and service expectations.
- Enforce uniform, grooming, and safety standards.
- Demonstrate WKS Values: Integrity, Loyalty, Winning, Service, and Teamwork.Maintain positive team morale and promote a respectful workplace.
Operations Management
- Execute shift opening and closing procedures, including safety, security, and cash protocols.
- Ensure food safety and restaurant cleanliness standards are consistently met.
- Monitor compliance with El Pollo Loco Critical Checklists and daily operational routines.
- Support inventory rotation, product quality checks, and equipment use/maintenance.Assist with product preparation, line operations, and food service during rush periods or staffing gaps.
- Ensure appropriate staffing and proper deployment of crew throughout the shift.
Customer Service
- Ensure all customers receive fast, friendly, and accurate service.
- Monitor and meet WKS and El Pollo Loco service metrics.
- Respond to and resolve customer issues professionally and promptly.Provide direction to the team to maintain high service standards at all times.
Financial Management
- Assist with cash handling processes, including reconciling tills and ensuring secure cash controls.
- Monitor product usage, food waste, and labor levels during shifts.
- Support efforts to achieve daily sales and labor goals.
Compliance
- Ensure all team members follow company policies, procedures, and food safety regulations.
- Enforce timekeeping accuracy and escalate any concerns to management.
- Maintain accurate shift documentation and complete assigned reports.
- Promptly report any concerns related to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour issues, bullying, workplace violence, or other inappropriate behavior to management or HR.
Physical Requirements
- Standing and walking for extended periods (majority of the shift).Frequent reaching at shoulder level; occasional overhead reaching.
- Frequent bending, stooping, gripping, pinching, writing, and handling products or equipment.
- Lifting and carrying ranges:
- 0–10 lbs: Frequent
- 11–25 lbs: Occasional–Frequent
- 26–50 lbs: Occasional with assistance51–75 lbs: Seldom; team-lift only
- Pushing/pulling 10–40 lbs occasionally (e.g., trash bins, supply carts).Use of headsets, POS systems, monitors, fryers, grills, and other kitchen equipment as permitted by state age requirements.
Work Environment
- Exposure to heat, hot equipment, burn hazards, cold storage areas, slippery surfaces, and cleaning chemicals.
- Fast-paced work performed in both indoor and outdoor settings (drive-thru, lot, front counter).
- Frequent customer interaction and interruptions throughout the shift.
Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-compliant)
- Ability to maintain focus in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to multi-task and shift between tasks quickly.
- Ability to make timely decisions and resolve customer or crew issues.
- Ability to supervise, coach, and direct team members during shifts.
- Ability to handle customer interactions professionally.
- Ability to adapt to changing business needs or staffing conditions.
- Ability to maintain professional behavior and composure during normal workplace stress.
- Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of 6 months to 1 year of restaurant or customer service experience.
- Prior leadership or shift lead experience preferred.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
- Basic cash handling and POS experience required.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Reliable transportation and willingness to work at nearby locations as needed.
WKS Restaurant Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Vision insurance
Shift:
Work Location: In person
