Area Leader

Area Leader – El Pollo Loco, Inc.

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$95,000.00/yr – $/yr

• Competitive pay and bonus
• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting
• Basic Life and AD&D/Long Term Disability
• Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid Holidays
• Vehicle stipend + gas card
• Free El Pollo Loco food (Dine Out Card) + Restaurant Discount
• Discounts on El Pollo Loco food, theme parks, movie tickets, sports, hotels and more

The Area Leader is responsible for overseeing the operations of multiple restaurant locations within a designated geographical area. This role drives business growth while ensuring operational excellence and fostering a positive work environment.

• Hire, train, lead, coach, develop, and mentor restaurant leadership teams including General Managers (GMs), Assistant Managers (AMs), and Shift Leaders (SLs).
• Provide ongoing coaching to ensure all team members consistently meet and/or exceed expectations.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting a culture of excellence and teamwork.
• Implement and maintain operational standards, ensuring consistency across all locations in compliance with federal/state/local laws, food quality and safety standards, and employee/restaurant safety policies and procedures.
• Manage annual budgets for each assigned restaurant location, working to achieve financial targets.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure control over assigned area costs through effective inventory management, labor scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with each General Manager to craft strategic plans that reduce costs, boost sales, and optimize profit.
• Conduct regular meetings and restaurant visits to ensure compliance with staff training, scheduling, employee relations, inventory control, food and customer safety, cleanliness, and other operational standards.
• Preserve brand integrity of restaurant facilities through established brand and performance standards.
• Provide effective and timely resolution to escalated customer complaints.
• Collaborate with the People Services Department to resolve team member conflicts and address employee relations matters.
• Work cross‑functionally with the People Services and Loss Prevention departments to investigate and settle security and cash handling violations.
• Represent the Company at state and federal agency hearings, conferences, and meetings as needed.
• Collaborate with the Operations Services, Training, and Marketing teams to execute regional marketing strategies and promotions.
• Stay informed about industry trends and competitor activities to make informed business decisions.
• Champion effective vertical and horizontal communications within the area.
• Other activities, duties or responsibilities as assigned by your supervisor.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required; BA/BS degree preferred.
• Five (5) or more years of prior General Management experience required.
• Three (3) or more years of QSR experience as an Area Leader or District Manager preferred.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

• Experience with recruiting, building, and developing a team based on current and future needs.
• Proven experience in a Multi-Unit/Area Manager role within the Quick Service Restaurant industry.
• Strong understanding of QSR or multi-unit retail/restaurant/hospitality operations, including food safety, quality standards, and customer service.
• Ability to analyze financial reports and implement strategies for business improvement.
• Confidence in executing strategic initiatives.
• Must be decisive and able to make fact‑based decisions.
• Strong analytical and…