QSR Assistant Manager

Position: QSR Assistant Manager Department: QSR: Milkshed Reports to: Wholesale & Retail Manager Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Position Summary: The Milkshed Assistant Manager leads daily department operations and supports a welcoming, efficient guest experience. This role coaches employees, oversees milkshake and ice cream service, and manages labor, inventory and food costs within established company standards.

The Assistant Manager reports to the Manager and provides daily direction to the Milkshed Supervisor, Shift Lead and team members. Operations and Guest Service Lead daily Milkshed operations, including opening and closing, station assignments, service flow and completion of assigned duties. Maintain service speed, order accuracy, product presentation and consistent milkshake and ice cream quality during both peak and slower periods.

Resolve escalated guest concerns professionally within company guidelines and communicate significant issues to the Manager. Enforce food safety, sanitation, cleanliness and equipment care standards. Verify temperature checks and required daily records. Ensure products and supplies are stocked and properly stored. Communicate shortages, quality concerns and equipment issues promptly.

Staff Leadership and Labor Management Prepare Milkshed schedules for the Manager’s approval using employee availability, sales projections and business needs. Monitor labor hours, staffing levels and overtime against sales and budget targets. Make coverage adjustments within approved guidelines. Train staff, evaluate performance and enforce employee handbook policies and standard operating procedures.

Coach the Supervisor, Shift Lead and crew through clear expectations and timely feedback. Document concerns and escalate formal corrective action to the Manager. Model professional conduct, teamwork and accountability. Maintain accurate timekeeping and communicate attendance or coverage concerns. Inventory and Food Cost Management Lead inventory audits, physical counts, ordering and waste controls.

Verify quantities and reconcile discrepancies with management. Must use MarginEdge and keep department records current. Complete weekly updates and review inventory, purchasing and food cost information for accuracy; resolve discrepancies or report them to the Manager. Apply portion controls, stock rotation and product freshness standards.

Review waste records and identify avoidable losses. Review sales and food costs regularly, monitor vendor pricing and recommend improvements to the Manager while maintaining product quality. Cash Handling and Sales Support Oversee cash handling, drawer counts, transaction accuracy and deposits according to company procedures.

Report discrepancies promptly. Use Toast POS and applicable inventory, scheduling and reporting systems accurately. Train employees on department procedures. Develop seasonal Milkshed menu items each quarter, such as milkshakes, sundaes or ice cream offerings. Submit recipes, portion sizes, pricing and food costs to the Manager for approval, then coordinate ordering, promotions and staff training for each launch.

Implement approved promotions and reinforce staff knowledge of products, pricing and guest service expectations. Provide hands-on service support as needed and perform other related duties assigned by the Manager. Scope of Authority and Communication The Assistant Manager makes daily Milkshed operational decisions within company policies and approved budgets.

This role oversees the Milkshed Supervisor and supports the Milkshed Shift Lead through the supervisor on duty. When the Manager is unavailable, the Assistant Manager leads department operations within delegated authority. The Manager retains final approval of schedules, hiring and termination decisions, payroll and department budgets.

The Assistant Manager meets with the Manager weekly to review service performance, staffing, labor, inventory, waste, sales, food costs and training needs, and promptly communicates issues requiring management action. Required Qualifications High school diploma or GED. At least two years of leadership, employee training or comparable supervisory experience, and at least two years of customer service experience.

These may be gained concurrently. Ability to coach employees, prioritize work and remain professional in a fast-paced environment. Strong organization, time management, problem-solving and communication skills, including email, phone and in-person communication. Basic proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn POS, inventory and scheduling systems.

Ability to calculate percentages and margins, review sales and labor reports, and apply inventory and cost control practices.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in food service, quick-service restaurants or ice cream operations, including food safety and sanitation. Experience with Toast POS, inventory systems, scheduling, cash handling and food cost or labor management. Food safety certification or willingness to complete company-required food safety training. Schedule and Working Conditions Must work weekends and holidays.

Full-time schedule also includes opening and closing shifts and peak business periods based on department needs. The role involves prolonged standing and walking, repetitive service tasks, working around food service equipment, and lifting or carrying items up to 30 pounds, with reasonable accommodation as appropriate.

Additional Information: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Employees are expected to perform duties assigned and directed by management, which may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.