Area Leader

El Pollo Loco•Anaheim, CA

About The Position

The Area Leader oversees operations across multiple restaurant locations within a designated geographical area, driving business growth, operational excellence, and a positive work environment. The role leads and develops restaurant leadership teams, maintains consistent operational and brand standards, manages budgets and costs, and monitors performance to improve sales, profitability, and customer experience. The position collaborates with internal departments on employee relations, safety and security matters, and regional marketing execution. Local travel within Southern California and travel to out-of-state restaurant locations may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required; a BA/BS degree is preferred.
Five or more years of prior General Management experience required.
Valid driver’s license that is maintained.
Experience successfully recruiting, building, and developing teams based on current and future needs.
Proven experience in a multi-unit or area management role within the Quick Service Restaurant industry.
Strong understanding of QSR or multi-unit retail, restaurant, or hospitality operations, including food safety, quality standards, and customer service.
Ability to analyze financial reports and implement business-improvement strategies.
Confidence executing strategic initiatives and making decisive, fact-based decisions.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external business partners.
Ability to prioritize and plan assignments and work under frequent, tight deadlines.
Ability to read, write, and interpret complex reports, documents, and correspondence.
Ability to manage competing time-sensitive requests while working effectively in a team environment under pressure.
Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters significant to the Company.
Ability to work weekends and extended schedules as needed.
Willingness and ability to travel locally within Southern California and to out-of-state restaurant locations as needed, by car or airplane.

Nice To Haves

BA/BS degree.
Three or more years of QSR experience as an Area Leader or District Manager.

Responsibilities

Hire, train, lead, coach, develop, and mentor General Managers, Assistant Managers, and Shift Leaders through one-on-one training, role modeling, developmental assignments, and guided study.
Coach team members on an ongoing basis to ensure they meet or exceed expectations.
Foster a positive, collaborative work environment and a culture of excellence and teamwork across the assigned area.
Implement and maintain operational standards across locations, including compliance with applicable laws, food quality and safety standards, and employee and restaurant safety policies.
Manage annual budgets for assigned restaurants and work toward financial targets.
Monitor and analyze KPIs, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
Provide timely feedback and proactive guidance to restaurant management.
Control area costs through effective inventory management, labor scheduling, and resource allocation.
Partner with General Managers to develop plans to reduce costs, increase sales, optimize profit, and meet budgetary standards and prior-year performance benchmarks.
Conduct regular meetings and restaurant visits, including inspections and area tours, to assess training, scheduling, employee relations, performance management, inventory, food and customer safety, cleanliness, and operational standards.
Maintain the brand integrity of restaurant facilities in accordance with brand and performance standards.
Resolve escalated customer complaints effectively and promptly.
Partner with People Services to resolve team member conflicts and employee relations matters that cannot be resolved at a lower management level.
Work with People Services and Loss Prevention to investigate and resolve security and cash-handling violations.
Represent the Company at state and federal agency hearings, conferences, and meetings as needed.
Collaborate with Operations Services, Training, and Marketing to execute regional marketing strategies and promotions, including limited-time-offer modules.
Monitor industry trends and competitor activity to inform business decisions.
Promote vertical and horizontal communication across the area about company news, events, offers, promotions, product developments, and best practices.
Perform other activities, duties, or responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.