Guest Experience & Training Area Manager

ABOUT SANTO TACO:

Santo Taco is a taqueria brand with locations in SoHo and Union Square, which serves a simple but delicious menu of tacos that has been featured in Eater, Infatuation, New York Times, Time Out, and more. We are a people-first team that thrives on speed, quality, and culture. Above all, we prioritize creating an environment where our team members can thrive, grow, and build a career.

ABOUT THIS ROLE:

The Guest Experience & Training Manager is responsible for supporting restaurant operations by executing a consistent, exceptional guest experience across all Taqueria locations. This role works closely with the Culinary & Systems Area Manager and Senior Store Managers to recruit, train, coach, and develop Taqueria teams while upholding Santo Taco’s Four Pillars. The ideal candidate is a passionate hospitality professional with strong leadership skills, experience opening and supporting restaurants, and a commitment to creating warm and memorable guest experiences.

DUTIES:

Hiring, Training & Team Development

• Supports Senior Store Managers with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring Taqueria teams.
• Ensure every new hire understands and executes on Santo Taco’s Four Pillars.

• Develop and deliver hospitality and guest engagement training programs, including regular workshops that reinforce service standards
• Coach Taqueria leaders and teams on delivering exceptional guest experiences — including communication and guest recovery
• Support new store openings and periods of growth — staffing plans, Taqueria team training, and operational readiness

Leadership Development

• Coach Senior and Junior Store Managers in leadership best practices, including creating a positive workplace culture and encouraging teamwork.
• Help identify future leaders and assist with succession planning.

Brand Standards & Operational Excellence

• Ensure every location consistently executes Santo Taco’s Four Pillars.
• Analyze guest feedback and online reviews to identify consistent patterns and areas of opportunity.

• Develop tools, training materials, and standard operating procedures (or improve existing).
• Conduct audits to verify compliance with Santo Taco’s Four Pillars.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 5 years of restaurant management experience (multi-unit experience preferred).
• Strong background in hospitality, guest experience, and customer service.
• Excellent coaching, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to travel between restaurant locations as needed.
• Speaking Spanish is a plus

WHY WORK AT SANTO:
At Santo Taco, we’re committed to developing talent from within. Through our cross-training program, you’ll gain skills across operations, management, and culinary leadership, giving you a foundation for future growth. Join us and be part of building something special, one taco at a time.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Santo Taco is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants. We make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know.

SALARY RANGE: $85,000 - $100,000 per year

Santo Taco’s Four Pillars

1. THE TACOS ARE INCREDIBLE

• Tortillas are freshly made and soft
• Portions are accurate and consistent
• Presentation is neat and clean
• Tacos are served hot, straight from the kitchen to the guest
• Every taco looks photo-ready

2. SERVICE IS WELCOMING

• Make eye contact and smile with genuine enthusiasm
• The ordering process is smooth, intuitive, and clear for guests
• Look for ways to say “yes” whenever possible
• We have fun!

3. VIBES ARE MEMORABLE

• The right playlist is on at the right volume
• The light level is dimmed properly
• Team is energetic and has a positive attitude

4. THE RESTAURANT IS SPOTLESS

• Surfaces are wiped clean, and the floor is clear of any trash
• Garbage bins are never full and always clean
• There is zero clutter– only the essentials for service are in view
• Non-guest facing areas are just as clean as guest-facing areas
• Uniforms are complete and spotless