In-Store Experience & Merchandising Lead

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. is seeking a Merchandising & In-Store Experience Manager to lead store experience initiatives, LTO merchandising, and in-store programs across system-wide locations.

You will drive strategic merchandising decisions, manage budgets with agencies and vendors, and partner with Field Marketing to optimize the customer journey and brand presentation. Travel locally within Southern California and to out-of-state locations as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 3 years of marketing experience in QSR or related industry, including merchandising and in-store experience programs.
• Experience collaborating with advertising/marketing agency partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook; familiarity with project management tools a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the implementation of 6 system LTOs and 8-10 marketing tests annually.
• Drive strategic merchandising decisions to increase awareness and maximize sales; own the on-site customer journey.
• Lead cross-functional teams to develop and deliver merchandising within Marketing Calendar deadlines.
• Manage merchandising timelines and budgets with agencies, fulfilment centers, print vendors, graphic designers, and other marketing vendors.
• Collaborate with Field Marketing to manage merchandising materials on the LSM portal for company-owned and franchised restaurants.
• Own and manage the in-store music program, including vendor relationships, playlist curation, and budget management.
• Manage the team uniform strategy, including design, vendor relationships, and rollout; partner with Operations for brand consistency.
• Write field communications relating to store experience initiatives.
• Be the subject matter expert on merchandising and experience strategies with data-driven adjustments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Merchandising strategy

Cross-functional leadership

Vendor management

Project management

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Time management

Decisive decision-making

Reading/writing reports

In-store music/programs

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Job description

El Pollo Loco, Inc. is seeking a Merchandising & In-Store Experience Manager to lead store experience initiatives, LTO merchandising, and in-store programs across system-wide locations.

You will drive strategic merchandising decisions, manage budgets with agencies and vendors, and partner with Field Marketing to optimize the customer journey and brand presentation. Travel locally within Southern California and to out-of-state locations as needed.