Area Leader

Position Purpose

The 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 Responsibilities

• Hire, 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 and/or 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 federal/state/local laws including employment laws, food quality and safety standards, and employee/restaurant 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 year's performance benchmarks and in alignment with budgetary standards.
• Conduct regular meetings and restaurant visits (i.e., deep dive inspections, area tours, announced/unannounced 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/Work Experience: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required, BA/BS 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.

License/Certifications: Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with successfully recruiting, building, and developing a team (based on current and future needs).
• Proven experience in a Multi-Unit/Area Manager role within the Quick Service Restaurant industry.
• Strong understanding of QSR or multi-unit retail/restaurant/hospitality 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 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and bonus
• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting
• Basic Life and AD&D/Long 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 more