Assistant Manager

This job opportunity is offered by an independent franchisee of Del Taco, a well-established fast-food restaurant chain known for its Mexican-inspired cuisine. Unlike a corporate-owned location, this particular restaurant is independently owned and operated, which means that all employment decisions, including hiring, firing, scheduling, and wages, are managed by the franchisee. This structure provides an environment where management decisions are tailored closely to local community and team needs, fostering a more personalized approach to restaurant operations and employee relations.

The position available is a key leadership role within the restaurant, typically filled by an assistant or lead manager who supports the General Manager. The overarching goal for this position is to maintain and propagate the Del Taco brand by driving sales growth, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring customer satisfaction. The role is critical for overseeing restaurant functions from staffing and training to customer service, food quality, and profitability.

As a lead manager or assistant to the General Manager, the individual will be responsible for ensuring the team is well-staffed with motivated and qualified employees who are passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences. Key responsibilities include recruiting and retaining a high-performing team, fostering a culture of learning and fun, and ensuring the entire team meets training certification standards. This role demands a focus on developing team members and encouraging a service-oriented, team-based work environment that supports company values and brand standards.

Additionally, the role involves executing the Del Taco Way—a set of operational standards and processes designed to deliver consistent quality and service. This includes maintaining the restaurant facility and equipment, ensuring cleanliness and safety, managing product quality to align with brand expectations, and upholding presentation standards such as proper employee uniforms and effective point-of-purchase signage.

From a business perspective, this position contributes directly to achieving sales and profitability goals. Key duties in this area include assisting with sales goal communication, staff scheduling aligned with sales projections, growing customer counts and average check size, and supporting marketing initiatives such as local store promotions and community engagement. The role requires a keen awareness of the local market dynamics, including competition and local events that can influence customer traffic.

Financial stewardship is another major aspect of the role. Managing labor costs relative to sales, complying with labor laws, overseeing inventory to minimize waste and prevent theft, ensuring proper cash handling procedures, and conducting cash audits are all essential functions. The manager will also manage vendor relationships to control maintenance and supply costs and aim to meet or exceed controllable cost targets.

Overall, this position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to lead within a dynamic restaurant environment where employee development, brand integrity, customer satisfaction, and strong financial management are priorities. Employment is on an at-will basis, and the franchisee is committed to fair and equal employment practices. The role provides a platform for growth and leadership within the restaurant industry while contributing to the success of a beloved brand in the local community.