General Manager

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Monterey Park (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and quarterly bonuses

Free meals during your shift

Employee discount on food

Excellent career growth potential

Tuition reimbursement

Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance

401(K) Plan with match

Employee Assistance Program

Life Insurance and Legal Insurance

Discounts on theme parks, tickets, events

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. is seeking a passionate General Manager for their Monterey Park location to oversee all restaurant operations. The ideal candidate will drive team success, ensure high-quality guest experiences, and maintain staffing levels while optimizing operational standards. Applicants should have at least 3 years of management experience in a restaurant environment and a high school diploma, with benefits including competitive pay, bonuses, and comprehensive insurance options. A driver's license and Serve Safe Certification are necessary.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.
• Must obtain Serve Safe Certification.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coach team members for efficient restaurant operations.
• Train team on opening and closing procedures.
• Optimize labor and workforce planning.
• Provide hands-on support and coverage for staff.
• Ensure guest service and speed of service.
• Schedule workforce based on sales projections.
• Oversee hiring processes for the restaurant.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Team management

Operational efficiency

Staffing and scheduling

Customer service focus

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

3+ years of management experience

Job description

As a General Manager, you’ll be the spark that keeps the flame alive, leading a passionate team, driving success, and ensuring every guest gets a taste of the Loco experience. You’ll oversee all restaurant operations with a focus on quality, growth, and building a team that’s as fired‑up as you are. Ready to ignite your flamin’ good career?

Position Purpose

The General Manager assumes full accountability for the comprehensive operations of an El Pollo Loco restaurant, encompassing all facets of the business. Leading initiatives aimed at providing an exceptional and consistent experience for both customers and team members, this position meticulously ensures adherence to all El Pollo Loco policies, procedures, and standards while striving to meet or exceed sales and profitability targets. Accountabilities include maintaining optimal staffing levels and fostering the professional growth of the restaurant team to effectively execute all operational objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategically manages, coaches, and recognizes team member performance to drive efficient and effective restaurant operations.
• Executes and trains team on opening and closing procedures in alignment with El Pollo Loco policies, overseeing restaurant setup, food preparation, and cleaning processes.
• Optimizes labor and workforce planning through effective and efficient team deployment and scheduling. Ensures staffing levels are aligned with anticipated sales volume in alignment with current labor modeling to uphold productivity and customer service standards while meeting labor hour targets.
• Provides hands‑on support by ensuring proper coverage of all restaurant workstations. May be required to provide backup support to cover team member breaks, as necessary.
• Maintains focus on guest service and speed of service, ensuring achievement of company goals for timeliness. Educates team on restaurant operational efficiency metrics and ensures compliance with standards.
• Schedules workforce ensuring labor hours are adequate to provide required level of service that is based on sales projections and labor hour guidelines.
• Oversees hiring processes in the restaurant, from interviews, references, I‑9 verification, and new hire orientations, ensuring all restaurant staffing requirements are effectively and compliantly achieved.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management to support restaurant operations.

Qualifications

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. The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required.

Education / Work Experience

Must be at least 18 years old. High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred. Must be an EPL Assistant Manager or have the equivalent of 3 or more years of management experience, preferably in a restaurant environment.

License / Certifications

• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle that may be used for company business.
• Must obtain Serve Safe Certification.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and quarterly bonuses
• No overnight hours
• Free meals during your shift
• Employee discount on food
• Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance + Flexible Spending Account
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting (must be at least 21 to participate)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance, Legal Insurance, Long Term Disability Coverage and Pet Insurance
• Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more

The pay range identified is the hourly or salary rate El Pollo Loco expects to pay for the posted position. This range does not include any benefits or bonus opportunities that might be available for the position based on position and eligibility criteria. Individual pay will vary based on a variety of factors including years of experience, industry experience, education, geography, etc.