General Manager

About the role

The General Manager assumes full accountability for the comprehensive operations of an El Pollo Loco restaurant, leading initiatives to provide an exceptional and consistent experience for both customers and team members. This position ensures adherence to all El Pollo Loco policies, procedures, and standards while striving to meet or exceed sales and profitability targets.

Responsibilities

• Strategically manage, coach, and recognize team member performance to drive efficient and effective restaurant operations.
• Execute and train team on opening and closing procedures in alignment with El Pollo Loco policies, overseeing restaurant setup, food preparation, and cleaning processes.
• Optimize labor and workforce planning through effective team deployment and scheduling to uphold productivity and customer service standards.
• Ensure staffing levels align with anticipated sales volume and labor modeling to meet labor hour targets.
• Provide hands-on support by ensuring proper coverage of all restaurant workstations, including backup support for team member breaks.
• Monitor and adjust food production to align with business needs and maintain food cost standards.
• Maintain focus on guest service and speed of service, ensuring achievement of company goals for timeliness.
• Educate team on restaurant operational efficiency metrics and ensure compliance with standards.
• Enforce uniform and grooming policies, addressing accommodation requests with Human Resources.
• Oversee daily compliance with safety and cleanliness protocols through restaurant walk-throughs.
• Collaborate with Operations Services team to ensure proper team member training and adherence to health department and food safety standards.
• Enforce safety practices, Quality Service Cleanliness (QSC) standards, and restaurant security protocols.
• Manage and enforce EPL’s policies and procedures, escalating complex issues to the Area Leader or HR.
• Execute timely reporting procedures for work-related accidents and incidents.
• Perform administrative duties, including cash register assignments, pre- and post-shift cash audits, and secure fund management.
• Analyze the restaurant’s Profit and Loss (P&L) statements to evaluate performance against EPL objectives.
• Manage communication channels, including phone calls, emails, and customer complaints.
• Promote and manage the restaurant’s catering program through local marketing efforts.
• Conduct weekly inventory checks, place food orders with approved vendors, and update inventory information.
• Schedule workforce based on sales projections and labor hour guidelines.
• Oversee hiring processes, including interviews, references, I-9 verification, and new hire orientations.
• Ensure compliance with timekeeping policies, including EPL’s prohibition against off-the-clock work.
• Conduct performance reviews, document policy non-compliance, and execute performance management as needed.
• Maintain a continuous improvement mindset, addressing customer feedback promptly.
• Foster open team communication and ensure all team members are treated with respect and dignity.
• Report claims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage violations, or workplace violence to the Area Leader and HR.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management to support restaurant operations.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred.
• Must be an EPL Assistant Manager or have 3+ years of management experience, preferably in a restaurant environment.
• Must obtain Serve Safe Certification and pass the EPL Food Safety Audit (FSA) class upon hire.

Skills

• Experience with recruiting, building, and developing a team.
• Ability to lead by example, coach, and train team members to meet operational needs and customer expectations.
• Enthusiastic and positive demeanor with a genuine passion for exceptional customer service.
• Willingness to cross-train and develop skills to cover various areas of restaurant operations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Strong communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills; ability to speak, write, and comprehend basic English.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability and willingness to transfer to different locations within the assigned area based on operational needs.
• Demonstrated reliability and punctuality with a commitment to meeting scheduled work shifts.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing procedures and protocols.
• Commitment to upholding company values and standards of excellence in customer service.

Physical Demands

• Regularly stands, talks, hears, uses close and distance vision, tastes, or smells.
• Repetitively reaches, handles, feels, and/or grasps objects with hands.
• Occasionally bends, stoops, kneels, crouches, and/or crawls.
• May independently lift objects weighing up to 20 lbs., and 40 lbs. with assistance.
• Regularly exposed to noise; occasionally exposed to heat, burn hazards, and/or wet surfaces.
• May be exposed to certain cleaning chemicals in the performance of job duties.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and quarterly bonus potential.
• Career growth opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
• Great work-life balance with no overnight shifts.
• Free meal during your shift and employee discount on food.
• Flexible schedule (Full-Time).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus HSA Savings Account.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible spending accounts, life insurance, legal insurance, and pet insurance.
• 401(K) Retirement Plan with company match and immediate vesting.
• PerkSpot discounts program.

The pay range identified is the hourly or salary rate El Pollo Loco expects to pay for the posted position. Individual pay will vary based on years of experience, industry experience, education, geography, and other factors.