Restaurant Shift Manager / Assistant Manager

Restaurant Shift Manager / Assistant Manager

Great Chicken Needs Great Leaders!

Zaxbys | Mechanicsville, VA

Full-Time | Hourly Management | Paid Training | Open Availability Required

Hungry for a Leadership Opportunity? We've Got a Seat for You!

Can you lead a team, solve problems, keep your cool under pressure, and still make someone smile?

If so, we might have a place for you!

At Zaxbys in Mechanicsville, we're looking for a motivated, dependable, hands-on leader who takes pride in developing people, delivering great guest experiences, and running a successful restaurant.

We're not looking for someone who simply wants to wear a manager's shirt and tell people what to do.

We're looking for someone who leads by example, holds themselves and others accountable, and understands that great leadership means helping the people around you succeed.

This is a hands-on management position. You'll be trained to independently operate the restaurant during assigned shifts, whether that's opening in the morning or closing at night.

We're a locally owned and operated Zaxbys, and we believe great restaurants are built by great teams — and great teams are developed by great leaders.

What You'll Be Responsible For

LEAD THE TEAM

Great leadership starts with setting the example.

• Lead and supervise front-of-house and back-of-house employees during assigned shifts.
• Assign positions, delegate responsibilities, and communicate clear expectations.
• Ensure team members remain productive, engaged, and focused throughout their shifts.
• Train, coach, and develop employees to improve performance and build confidence.
• Hold team members accountable for following established policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Address performance issues promptly, professionally, and consistently.
• Recognize great work, encourage teamwork, and maintain a positive workplace culture.
• Lead by example. Never ask a team member to do something you're unwilling to do yourself.

OWN YOUR SHIFT

When you're the manager on duty, you're responsible for making sure the restaurant operates properly.

• Independently manage opening and closing shifts after completing required training and certification.
• Ensure the restaurant is properly prepared for opening and ready to serve guests.
• Complete closing procedures accurately, including cleaning, cash handling, equipment shutdown, and securing the restaurant.
• Position employees effectively and make adjustments based on business volume.
• Manage breaks and staffing to maintain productivity and control labor costs.
• Ensure all daily operational tasks and checklists are completed correctly and on time.
• Identify problems, take appropriate action, and communicate concerns to the General Manager.
• Be willing to jump on the register, help in the kitchen, clean, stock, or do whatever is necessary to support your team.

DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL GUEST EXPERIENCES

Our guests are the reason we're here, and managers are responsible for ensuring they're treated that way.

• Ensure every guest receives friendly, patient, and professional service.
• Coach cashiers to engage with guests, follow established service scripts, and consistently distribute guest feedback cards.
• Ensure complicated orders, guest concerns, and difficult situations are handled calmly and respectfully.
• Monitor order accuracy, food quality, speed of service, and overall guest satisfaction.
• Resolve guest complaints professionally and take appropriate steps to prevent recurring issues.
• Create an environment where guests feel welcomed, appreciated, and excited to return.

Our guests aren't interrupting our work. They're the reason we're here!

MAINTAIN OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

The little things matter, and consistency is essential.

• Ensure food is prepared according to established recipes, portion sizes, and quality standards.
• Maintain high standards for food safety, cleanliness, sanitation, and restaurant appearance.
• Monitor food preparation, inventory levels, product rotation, and waste.
• Assist with inventory counts, truck orders, receiving deliveries, and maintaining proper stock levels.
• Follow cash-handling procedures, verify transactions, balance drawers, and protect restaurant assets.
• Ensure required operational checklists and documentation are completed accurately.
• Identify equipment or facility issues and communicate maintenance needs promptly.
• Ensure team members consistently follow company policies, food safety procedures, and workplace safety requirements.

DRIVE RESTAURANT PERFORMANCE

A great manager doesn't just keep the restaurant running. They help make it better.

• Monitor and improve speed of service, particularly drive-thru performance.
• Help achieve labor goals through effective shift planning, employee positioning, and productivity.
• Reduce food waste and control food costs through proper preparation, portioning, and inventory practices.
• Improve order accuracy, guest satisfaction, and overall restaurant performance.
• Ensure employees consistently follow guest service procedures, suggestive selling expectations, and promotional programs.
• Understand restaurant performance metrics and take action when results fall below expectations.
• Communicate opportunities for improvement and help develop solutions.

What Makes a Great Manager?

We believe leadership is about more than a title.

Lead by Example: Your team will follow the standards you demonstrate. If you expect employees to be punctual, professional, respectful, and hardworking, you must demonstrate those qualities yourself.

Accountability: Policies and procedures are not optional. Managers are responsible for following them personally and ensuring their team follows them consistently.

Coaching & Development: Great managers don't just correct mistakes. They teach, explain, encourage, and help employees become better at their jobs.

Communication: Communicate clearly and respectfully with employees, guests, and fellow managers. Address concerns directly rather than allowing frustration, gossip, or misinformation to spread.

Emotional Maturity: Restaurant management can be stressful. We expect managers to remain calm, patient, and professional, even during difficult situations.

Attention to Detail: From food portions and order accuracy to guest interactions and cleaning procedures, consistency is essential.

Problem-Solving: Be proactive. Recognize problems, take appropriate action, and communicate concerns before they become larger issues.

Follow Directions & Trust the Process: Our restaurant operates according to established systems, policies, and procedures. Managers are expected to follow and reinforce these standards. Questions and constructive feedback are welcome, but independently disregarding established procedures is not.

Take Ownership: Don't wait for someone else to identify or solve every problem. Take responsibility for your shift, your team's performance, and the guest experience.

Our philosophy is simple: Do the job you want, not just the job you have.

Competitive Pay & Opportunities for Growth

We believe great leadership should be rewarded!

Our management positions offer hourly compensation based on experience, qualifications, demonstrated skills, and responsibilities.

New managers participate in a structured, paid training program through Zaxbys University, with opportunities for pay increases as they successfully complete training milestones and earn certifications.

Once certified, managers have additional opportunities for compensation growth through performance evaluations, continued development, and demonstrated leadership.

Starting compensation and the training pay progression will be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Join Our Team?

We believe great leadership should be recognized, hard work should be appreciated, and managers should have opportunities to grow.

Here's what we offer:

• FREE Meals While Working: Managers receive complimentary meals during their shifts.
• 50% Employee & Family Meal Discount: Enjoy 50% off food for yourself and your family.
• Paid Training: Structured restaurant operations and management development through Zaxbys University.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to strengthen your skills in restaurant operations, coaching, employee development, and business management.
• Performance Recognition: We believe in recognizing managers who contribute to the restaurant's success.
• Career Advancement: Opportunities for continued growth and additional leadership responsibilities.
• Locally Owned & Operated: Work for a locally owned franchise where your contributions and leadership matter.

Scheduling & Availability Requirements

OPEN AVAILABILITY IS REQUIRED FOR ALL MANAGEMENT POSITIONS.

Managers must be available to work any shift based on the operational needs of the restaurant, including:

• Opening and closing shifts
• Weekdays and weekends
• Morning, afternoon, and evening hours
• Holidays when the restaurant is open
• Different shifts throughout the week as scheduling needs change

This position is not limited to a set morning or evening schedule. Managers must be willing and able to work both opening and closing shifts and maintain the flexibility necessary to support restaurant operations.

While we strive to consider reasonable scheduling requests, management positions require consistent, open availability.

Reliability and punctuality are essential. When you're responsible for opening the restaurant or closing for the evening, your team is counting on you to be there, on time and ready to lead.

Qualifications & Job Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous restaurant management or supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in quick-service, fast-casual, or other high-volume restaurant environments is a plus.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently manage an opening or closing shift after completing required training.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be comfortable supervising, coaching, and holding team members accountable.
• Must be willing to complete required Zaxbys University training, management certification, and food safety requirements.
• Open Availability: Must be available to work opening shifts, closing shifts, weekdays, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Reliable Transportation & Punctuality: Must have a dependable way to get to and from work and consistently arrive on time. A personal vehicle is not required.
• Cell Phone Policy: Managers must follow and enforce our cell phone policy. Personal cell phones must remain secured in designated lockers during shifts, except when specifically authorized.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform typical restaurant duties throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift and carry approximately 40-50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to safely operate restaurant equipment, including fryers, hot surfaces, and food preparation tools.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee and business information professionally.
• Must be willing to assist in any position as needed, including cooking, cashiering, cleaning, and stocking.

Ready to Lead the Zamily?

We're looking for someone who understands that being a great manager isn't about having authority — it's about earning respect, developing people, and setting the standard.

When you're running the shift, you own the shift.

That means taking responsibility for your team's performance, the guest experience, and the overall operation of the restaurant.

We can teach you our systems, procedures, and recipes. But leadership, accountability, dependability, and a genuine commitment to doing things the right way? Those are qualities we need you to bring.

If you're ready to lead by example, develop a great team, and take pride in what you accomplish, we'd love to meet you!

Great chicken doesn't happen by accident. Neither does great leadership.

Apply today — we're saving a seat for you!

Zax of Mechanicsville, LLC is an independently owned and operated Zaxbys franchise and an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: $14.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid training

Work Location: In person