Restaurant Manager

This job opportunity is with a restaurant operating under the Del Taco brand, owned and managed by an independent franchisee, not directly by Del Taco LLC. This distinction is significant as the franchisee will be your employer, handling all employment-related decisions including hiring, firing, scheduling, wages, and disciplinary actions. The restaurant is part of the fast-casual dining industry and specializes in delivering high-quality Mexican-inspired food, known for its commitment to quality, customer service, and operational excellence. The location for this position is a Del Taco restaurant situated at 23781 El Toro Rd., Lake Forest, CA 92630. This facility is identified under property number 1507, serving the Lake Forest community and surrounding areas.

The role of Restaurant Manager is a pivotal leadership position within this independently owned Del Taco establishment. Reporting directly to the Area Director, the Restaurant Manager is entrusted with maintaining and enhancing the Del Taco brand experience while driving sales growth and profitability through effective team leadership and operational management. The manager will be responsible for adhering to the Del Taco Way, which embodies the standards and values that define the brand's success.

Key responsibilities include fully staffing the restaurant with skilled and well-trained personnel, managing recruitment, hiring, and retention efforts to build a motivated team. The manager will promote a culture centered on service excellence, teamwork, and employee engagement, ensuring that all team members are certified according to current training protocols. A strong focus on performance evaluation, staff development, salary management, and disciplinary measures is essential to this role, ensuring that the team operates efficiently and harmoniously.

Operational duties encompass enforcing Del Taco standards, maintaining the restaurant's facilities and equipment, and ensuring every customer receives product and service quality that meets brand expectations. This includes strict adherence to cleaning schedules, safety protocols, and uniform requirements. The manager will lead efforts to maximize sales by aligning staffing to meet customer demand, executing local marketing initiatives, and continuously enhancing the customer experience to build loyalty.

Financial and operational management is also a core element of this position. The Restaurant Manager must maintain labor costs in alignment with sales volumes, comply with labor laws, manage inventory to minimize waste and prevent theft, and ensure accurate cash handling. Additionally, the manager oversees health and safety standards, manages vendor services, and controls other operational costs to meet profitability targets.

This role requires strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to lead a diverse team, foster professional growth, and work under pressure with minimal supervision. Physical requirements include the ability to stand, sit, type, and occasionally bend or lift for extended periods, as well as travel between restaurant locations in the assigned area, including overnight stays when necessary. A valid driver's license and proof of vehicle insurance are mandatory.

The Restaurant Manager position is crucial for fostering a thriving restaurant environment where customers enjoy quality food and service, and employees are empowered to succeed. This opportunity offers a dynamic and rewarding career path in the fast-growing QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) sector with a reputable brand known for its commitment to quality and community.