Our restaurants are only the tip of the flame. If youre looking for a fast-paced innovative and welcoming workplace then a career with our Corporate Familia is right for you.Whats in it for you• Competitive pay and bonus• Medical Dental Vision Insurance • 401K Plan with match and immediate vesting• Basic Life and AD&DLong Term Disability• Vacation Sick Pay 12 Paid Holidays• Vehicle stipend gas card• Free El Pollo Loco food Dine Out Card Restaurant Discount • Discounts on El Pollo Loco food theme parks movie tickets sports hotels and moreThe Area Leader is responsible for overseeing the operations of multiple restaurant locations within a designated geographical area. This role drives business growth while ensuring operational excellence and fostering a positive work environment. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESHire train lead coach develop and mentor restaurant leadership teams including General Managers GMs Assistant Managers AMs and Shift Leaders SLs including one-on-one training role modeling developmental job assignments and guided self-study materials. Provide ongoing coaching to ensure all team members consistently meet andor exceed expectations.Foster a positive and collaborative work environment within designated area promoting a culture of excellence and teamwork. Implement and maintain operational standards ensuring consistency across all locations in compliance with federalstatelocal laws including employment laws food quality and safety standards and employeerestaurant safety policies and procedures. Manage annual budgets for each assigned restaurant location working to achieve financial targets.Monitor and analyze key performance indicators KPIs to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions. Provide timely insightful feedback and proactive guidance to restaurant management. Ensure control over assigned area costs through effective inventory management labor scheduling and resource allocation leadership.Collaborate with each General Manager crafting strategic plans to reduce costs boost sales and optimize profit to maximize results over previous years performance benchmarks and in alignment with budgetary standards. Conduct regular meetings and restaurant visits i.e. deep dive inspections area tours announcedunannounced visits etc. to ensure compliance with proper staff training and scheduling employee relations and performance management inventory control food and customer safety cleanliness and other operational standards.Preserve brand integrity of restaurant facilities through established brand and performance standards. Provide effective and timely resolution to escalated customer complaints.Collaborate with the People Services Department to resolve team member conflicts and address employee relations matters that cannot be resolved at a lower management level. Work cross-functionally with the People Services and Loss Prevention departments to investigate and settle security and cash handling violations. Represent the Company at state and federal agency hearings conferences meetings as needed.Collaborate with the Operations Services Training and Marketing teams to execute regional marketing strategies and promotions i.e. LTO modules. Stay informed about industry trends and competitor activities to make informed business decisions.Champion effective vertical and horizontal communications within the area including company-wide news of interest upcoming events limited time offers promotions product developments Best Practices" among peers etc. Other activities duties or responsibilities that are assigned by your supervisor.QUALIFICATIONS - EDUCATION EXPERIENCE LICENSECERTIFICATIONSTo perform this job successfully an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The requirements listed below are representative of the education andor experience required. EducationWork ExperienceHigh school diploma or equivalent GED required BABS degree preferred five 5 or more years of prior General Management experience required three 3 or more years of QSR experience as an Area Leader or District Manager preferred.LicenseCertificationsPossess and maintain a valid drivers license Knowledge Skills and AbilitiesExperience with successfully recruiting building and developing a team based on current and future needs. Proven experience in a Multi-UnitArea Manager role within the Quick Service Restaurant industry.Strong understanding of QSR or multi-unit retailrestauranthospitality operations including food safety quality standards and customer service.Ability to analyze financial reports and implement strategies for business improvement.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 detailAbility 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. 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.Ability to work weekends and extended work schedules as needed.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 CompanyIn 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 490 restaurants across 7 states becoming an L.A. mainstay and cultural benchmark along the way. And today we continue to work just as hard to always provide customers with fresh and innovative L.A. Mex from our famous family dinners to Mexican entrees.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.