Area Leader

El Pollo Loco•Garden Grove, CA

8d•$95,000 - $105,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Area Leader oversees operations across multiple restaurant locations in a designated geographical area. The role drives business growth, operational excellence, and a positive work environment. It leads and develops restaurant leadership teams, maintains consistent operational and safety standards, manages budgets and costs, monitors performance, and works with General Managers and cross-functional teams to improve sales, profitability, and customer experience. The position also requires regular restaurant visits, local and out-of-state travel as needed, and the ability to work weekends and extended schedules as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Five or more years of prior General Management experience required.
Valid driver's license that is maintained.
Experience successfully recruiting, building, and developing teams.
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, with 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 of significance 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 preferred.
Three or more years of QSR experience as an Area Leader or District Manager preferred.

Responsibilities

Hire, train, lead, coach, develop, and mentor General Managers, Assistant Managers, and Shift Leaders through individual training, role modeling, developmental assignments, and guided self-study.
Provide ongoing coaching to help team members meet or exceed expectations.
Foster a positive, collaborative work environment across the assigned area.
Implement and maintain consistent operating standards and ensure compliance with applicable laws, food quality and safety standards, and employee and restaurant safety procedures.
Manage annual budgets for assigned restaurant locations and work toward financial targets.
Monitor and analyze KPIs, identify improvement opportunities, implement corrective actions, and provide timely feedback and guidance to restaurant management.
Control area costs through inventory management, labor scheduling, and resource allocation.
Work with General Managers on 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, safety, cleanliness, and operational standards.
Maintain restaurant facilities in accordance with brand and performance standards.
Resolve escalated customer complaints effectively and promptly.
Partner with People Services to resolve team 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.
Partner with Operations Services, Training, and Marketing to implement regional marketing strategies and promotions.
Monitor industry trends and competitor activity to inform business decisions.
Promote effective communication within the area about company news, events, promotions, product developments, and best practices.
Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.