Merchandising & In-Store Experience Manager

El Pollo Loco; Costa Mesa, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, in Costa Mesa, seeks a Merchandising & In-Store Experience Manager to own in-store experience initiatives across system-wide LTOs, local marketing, and merchandise programs. Lead cross-functional teams and manage timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships to ensure brand consistency and sales growth.

The role supports the field with merchandising materials, in-store music, and uniform programs, requiring strong project management and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of marketing experience in QSR or related industry, including merchandising/in-store programs.
• Strong ability to drive on-site customer journey and sales through merchandising decisions.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage timelines/budgets with agencies and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Manage implementation of system LTOs and market tests.
• Drive merchandising decisions to boost awareness and sales.
• Lead cross-functional teams to meet marketing calendars and deadlines.
• Coordinate timelines and budgets with agencies, fulfilment centers, print vendors, and designers.
• Oversee in-store music program and vendor relationships.
• Guide uniform programs and ensure consistent brand presentation.
• Create and deliver field communications about store experience initiatives.

Skills

Merchandising

Marketing

Project management

Analytical thinking

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe Photoshop/Indesign

Education

3+ years marketing experience

Tools

Basecamp

Asana

Job description

Merchandising & In-Store Experience Manager

575 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA

Job Description

Posted Monday, August 10, 2026 at 7:00 AM

At El Pollo Loco, we are on a mission to be the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant. When it comes to our people, we are all about growth. Whether that means specialized training, a clearly laid out career trajectory or collaborating cross-functionally, we are committed to the success of our people the same way we’ve been committed to the success of the El Pollo Loco brand for the last 50 years. In fact, we see you as our secret ingredient. While our chicken is fire, it’s our people who set us ablaze.

Our restaurants are only the tip of the flame! If you’re looking for an innovative, winning, and welcoming workplace, then a flamin’ good career in our Restaurant Support Center is right for you.

At our Support Center, we believe our best work is done Together, when departments collaborate and everyone is confident in contributing their ideas. This is why we are in the office 3 days per week.

Let’s Get Loco!

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Merchandising & In-Store Experience Manager plays an essential role in driving EPL’s brand success with ownership over EPL’s in-restaurant experience initiatives, including the development and implementation of all merchandising and in-store experience materials for system wide Limited Time Offers (LTOs), market test programs, FSI & coupons, Local Store Marketing (LSM) merchandise, in-store music programming, team uniform programs, and other brand initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the implementation of 6 system LTO’s and 8-10 marketing tests, annually.
• Drive strategic merchandising decisions that will increase awareness and maximize sales of products and services being promoted. Owns the on-site customer journey and identifies new merchandising strategies to achieve revenue goals.
• Independently lead cross-functional teams to develop and deliver merchandising that meets Marketing Calendar deadlines and aligns with marketing initiatives.
• Manage merchandising timelines and budgets with creative agencies, fulfilment centers, print vendors, graphic designers, and other marketing vendors.
• In collaboration with Field Marketing team, manage merchandising material available on the LSM marketing portal for company owned and franchised restaurants.
• Own and manage the in-store music program for all company-owned and franchised restaurants, leading vendor relationships, inclusive of playlist curation and budget management, ensuring the in-store audio experience aligns with EPL’s brand identity.
• Manage the team uniform strategy, including design, vendor relationships, and rollout; partner with Operations to ensure consistent brand presentation across the system.
• Write field communications relating to store experience initiatives.
• Be the subject matter expert on merchandising and experience strategies and act with independent judgment and discretion to make data-driven adjustments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may 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:

Minimum of 3 years of marketing experience in QSR or related industry, including experience managing merchandising and/or in-store experience programs.

License/Certifications:

Maintain a valid driver's license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of all phases of sales promotion development and merchandising.
• Working knowledge of sales components and product mix.
• Working knowledge of retail trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics.
• Experience in managing projects with advertising and marketing agency partners.
• Confidence in execution of strategic initiatives.
• Must be decisive and able to make fact-based decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset and skills; meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external business partners.
• Ability to prioritize and plan work assignments and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret complex reports, documents, and correspondence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook required. Must be internet savvy. Experience with Adobe Photoshop or InDesign a plus.
• Experience with a Project Management software like Basecamp or Asana is a plus.
• Adept at managing and prioritizing competing time sensitive requests while working well in a team atmosphere that may be under pressure.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company.
• Experience managing in-store audio/music programs and related vendor and licensing agreements a plus.
• Experience managing uniform or apparel programs is a plus.
• Must be willing and able to travel locally within Southern California and to out-of-state restaurant locations, as needed by car or airplane.

Our Company

In 1980 the first American El Pollo Loco opened on Alvarado Street in Los Angeles, quickly becoming a destination for the best citrus-marinated, fire-grilled pollo in town. Over the past four decades, El Pollo Loco has grown into more than 500 restaurants across 9 states, becoming an L.A. mainstay and cultural benchmark along the way. Today, we continue to work just as hard to always provide our customers with Quality Chicken. Fast. Easy. Affordable.

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. At El Pollo Loco, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range. Individual pay decisions will vary based on a variety of factors including years of experience, industry experience, education, geography, etc.

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.