DIRECTOR/SR. DIRECTOR, STRATEGY, INSIGHTS & ANALYTICS

El Pollo Loco•Costa Mesa, CA

3d•$180,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Director of Insights and Analytics leads the development and execution of data-driven strategies to improve business performance and customer engagement. The role spans business analytics, sales forecasting, consumer insights, Customer Care Center operations, pricing analytics, marketing and loyalty analytics, and budget management. The leader works with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to support company growth, improve decision-making, and provide insights on business performance, macro trends, and competitive conditions. The position participates in annual business planning and prepares materials for business meetings, including Board of Directors meetings and earnings calls. It also builds and develops a high-performing analytics team, manages advertising and analytics budgets, and supports a collaborative, innovative, and continuously improving culture. The role follows the Support Center hybrid work policy, with employees working in the office three days per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field.
At least 15 years of experience in analytics, preferably in the restaurant or retail industries.
Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
Strong analytical skills and proficiency with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI and statistical analysis software such as R or Python.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex data insights to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
Strategic, results-oriented approach and ability to drive change.
Experience with budget management and financial forecasting.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company.
Ability to work at the Support Center in accordance with the hybrid work policy.
Ability to adapt to evolving projects and changing business needs while focusing on results.
Ability to initiate process improvements and take responsibility beyond the current position’s scope.
Ability to work with ambiguity, analyze and synthesize complex data, and draw business insights.
Strong influencing and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Develop and oversee business analytics strategies and provide actionable insights on KPIs to improve revenue, profitability, customer loyalty, and operational efficiency.
Lead the sales forecasting process, own and refine the forecasting model, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support sales targets.
Oversee consumer insights and research to identify brand metrics, trends, preferences, and behaviors, and apply findings to product development, marketing, loyalty, and customer experience.
Lead the Customer Experience Team and Customer Care Center operations; develop service processes, ensure scripts are brand appropriate, manage vendors and platform costs, and use data to improve customer experience and unit-level operations.
Develop and implement pricing strategies using market analysis and competitive intelligence; monitor price sensitivity and performance; and manage a third-party pricing consultant across company and franchise locations.
Analyze marketing campaigns and loyalty programs using test-and-learn strategies, and provide insights to improve retention, engagement, and brand loyalty.
Manage the Advertising Fund, allocate resources, and work with finance and other departments to track spending and maximize return on investment for analytics initiatives.
Work with the CEO, CFO, and other executive leaders to provide timely business performance, macro-trend, and competitive insights.
Participate in annual planning to shape the Annual Operating Plan and prepare materials for business meetings, Board of Directors meetings, and earnings calls.
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing analytics team and foster collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Oversee budgets with direct responsibility of $1–2 million and indirect responsibility of $45–55 million.