Area Leader — Multi-Unit Growth & Operations

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Anaheim (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great culture

Career growth

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K with company match

Paid vacation

HSA Savings

Free food & discounts

Bonus potential

Job summary

El Pollo Loco is seeking an Area Leader to oversee restaurant operations across a designated Southern California area, driving growth while upholding brand standards and a positive work environment.

You will hire and develop leadership teams, manage budgets, monitor KPIs, ensure compliance with safety and labor laws, and collaborate with People Services, Loss Prevention, and marketing to execute regional plans.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; BA/BS preferred.
• 5+ years of general management experience.
• 3+ years in QSR as Area Leader or District Manager preferred.

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, and mentor GM, AM, and SL teams.
• Provide ongoing coaching to ensure performance.
• Foster a positive and collaborative area culture and teamwork.
• Maintain standards per laws and safety policies; manage budgets.
• Monitor KPIs and drive improvements across locations.
• Control costs through inventory, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Collaborate on regional plans with GM and cross-functional teams.
• Conduct regular visits to ensure training, scheduling, and performance.

Skills

Team leadership

Multi-unit management

QSR operations

Food safety

Financial analysis

Strategic execution

Communication

Decision making

Travel locally

Weekend availability

Education

BA/BS preferred

High school diploma or GED

Job description

El Pollo Loco is seeking an Area Leader to oversee restaurant operations across a designated Southern California area, driving growth while upholding brand standards and a positive work environment.

You will hire and develop leadership teams, manage budgets, monitor KPIs, ensure compliance with safety and labor laws, and collaborate with People Services, Loss Prevention, and marketing to execute regional plans.