Assistant Manager

Zaxby’s Assistant Manager

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year (hourly based salary)

*Additional Monthly Bonus Opportunity after certification

Position Title: Assistant Manager (AM)

Reports To: General Manager

Supports: Shift Leaders, Team Members

Status: Full-Time (Hourly)

Purpose:

To lead shifts with purpose, develop people with care, and support the General Manager in building a team that works well together, grows together, and makes every guest feel welcome. This role focuses not only on operational performance but on people development, team culture, and modeling the behaviors we want to see in others.

What We Believe About Assistant Managers

An excellent Assistant Manager is more than a shift runner—they are a bridge between the team and leadership. In our stores, AMs are culture keepers, problem solvers, and future GMs-in-training. They help build teams that:

• Communicate clearly
• Hold each other accountable with respect
• Grow through feedback and coaching
• Celebrate wins and learn from mistakes

 Key Responsibilities

1. Lead with Consistency and Calm

• Direct daily operations with attention to food quality, guest satisfaction, and team flow.
• Model responsiveness over reactivity—stay grounded, curious, and solution-oriented under pressure.
• Use systems (checklists, routines) to ensure smooth, predictable shifts.

2. Grow People and Build Culture

• Train new team members using Zaxby’s standards and your own coaching strengths.
• Provide real-time feedback and recognition.
• Support Shift Leaders in learning to lead with clarity and care.
• Create a shift culture where people feel safe, seen, and set up for success.

3. Manage Operations and Contribute to Goals

• Help manage food and labor costs by adjusting schedules and deployment during the shift.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety standards throughout the store.
• Monitor prep, hold times, and guest experience metrics.
• Complete assigned administrative tasks accurately and on time.

4. Support the GM and Store Leadership

• Be a trusted partner to your GM by providing honest insights and solutions, not just complaints.
• Help execute store goals, including retention efforts, employee development, and guest satisfaction.
• Step into leadership when the GM is away, confidently and competently.

Leadership and Team Development Expectations

In your role, you will:

• Participate in coaching and leadership training with your GM and DOO
• Provide input during employee check-ins and performance reviews
• Mentor team members or shift leads toward the next level of growth
• Help maintain a culture where people stay because they feel supported and challenged

This Is Not the Job For You If:

• You just want to run food or count numbers—you’ll be expected to lead people.
• You avoid conflict—we coach through it instead of ignoring it.
• You need constant direction, initiative and accountability are core to this role.

Key Success Measures

• Shift runs are smooth, efficient, and guest-focused
• Training is consistent, and key team members are staying with the team
• AM is seen as a go-to leader by the team and peers
• Team morale is high, and performance conversations are happening consistently
• The store runs well in GM’s absence

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3+ years of QSR or leadership experience
• Ability to coach, hold standards, and encourage people at the same time
• Strong communication and time management skills