Area Leader: Multi-Unit QSR Growth & Operations

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and bonus

Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance

401(K) Plan with match

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. is seeking an Area Leader to oversee operations of multiple restaurants in Southern California. You will drive growth, ensure standards, coach leadership teams, and manage budgets to exceed annual targets.

You will lead cross-location initiatives, monitor KPIs, and implement improvements while maintaining brand integrity and compliance with safety and employment laws. Travel within the region is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required; BA/BS degree preferred; five (5) or more years of General Management experience; three (3) or more years of QSR experience as Area Leader or District Manager preferred.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Experience recruiting, building, and developing teams
• Proven Multi-Unit/Area Manager experience in QSR/restaurant operations
• Strong understanding of QSR operations including food safety, quality, and customer service
• Ability to analyze financial reports and implement business-improvement strategies
• Decisive, fact-based decision maker with strong analytical/problem-solving skills
• Effective communication with internal and external partners
• Willingness to travel locally in Southern California and out-of-state as needed

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, lead, coach, develop and mentor restaurant leadership teams across locations.
• Provide ongoing coaching to ensure performance targets are met or exceeded.
• Foster a positive, collaborative environment and culture of excellence.
• Maintain operational standards and compliance with laws, safety, and policies; manage budgets for each restaurant.
• Monitor KPIs; identify improvements and implement corrective actions.
• Control area costs through inventory, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with GMs to reduce costs, boost sales, and maximize profits.
• Conduct regular visits to ensure staff training, scheduling, safety, and cleanliness.
• Preserve brand integrity and resolve escalated customer complaints.
• Work with People Services and Loss Prevention on conflicts and security matters.
• Support regional marketing strategies and promotions; stay informed on industry trends.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Budget management

KPI analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

BA/BS degree preferred

Job description

El Pollo Loco, Inc. is seeking an Area Leader to oversee operations of multiple restaurants in Southern California. You will drive growth, ensure standards, coach leadership teams, and manage budgets to exceed annual targets.

You will lead cross-location initiatives, monitor KPIs, and implement improvements while maintaining brand integrity and compliance with safety and employment laws. Travel within the region is required.