Guest Experience & Training Area Manager

About Santo Taco

Santo Taco is a taqueria brand with locations in SoHo and Union Square, serving 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 the 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

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.

Pay

$85,000 - $100,000 per year

Santo Taco’s Four Pillars

• 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
• 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!
• 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
• 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