El Pollo Loco
Ignite Your Leadership Career
As a General Manager, you'll be the spark that keeps the flame alive—leading a passionate team, driving restaurant performance, and creating memorable experiences for every guest who walks through our doors. You'll inspire your team, grow future leaders, and oversee every aspect of the restaurant with a focus on operational excellence, people development, profitability, and exceptional guest service.
If you're an energetic leader who thrives on building winning teams, delivering results, and making a positive impact every day, we invite you to bring your passion to El Pollo Loco.
The General Manager is the leader of the restaurant and is fully accountable for achieving outstanding operational, financial, and people results. This role is responsible for delivering an exceptional guest experience while driving sales, profitability, food safety, and operational excellence.
Through coaching, developing, and inspiring the restaurant team, the General Manager builds a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement that reflects the El Pollo Loco brand and values.
The General Manager leads by example, develops future leaders, and creates an environment where both team members and guests feel valued every day.
Leadership & Team Development
- Recruit, hire, train, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing restaurant team.
- Build future leaders by developing Assistant Managers, Shift Leaders, and Team Members.
- Foster a positive culture built on accountability, teamwork, recognition, and respect.
- Conduct regular coaching sessions, performance evaluations, and development planning.
- Lead by example while maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity.
Operational Excellence
- Oversee daily restaurant operations and ensure compliance with El Pollo Loco standards.
- Execute and train on all opening, closing, food preparation, cleaning, and cash-handling procedures.
- Ensure proper staffing levels and deployment throughout each shift.
- Maintain exceptional product quality, food safety, cleanliness, and speed of service.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, local health department regulations, OSHA requirements, and food safety standards.
- Provide hands-on operational support by working all restaurant stations as needed.
Financial Performance
- Own the restaurant's Profit & Loss statement and overall financial performance.
- Drive sales growth while achieving labor, food cost, and controllable expense targets.
- Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly business trends to identify opportunities and implement action plans.
- Manage inventory levels, ordering, waste reduction, and cost controls.
- Maximize profitability while maintaining outstanding guest service.
Guest Experience
- Deliver exceptional hospitality that exceeds guest expectations.
- Drive improvements in Guest Satisfaction (OSAT), online reviews, and overall guest loyalty.
- Resolve guest concerns professionally and promptly.
- Ensure restaurant cleanliness, organization, and brand standards are consistently maintained.
- Lead the team to achieve company goals for speed of service, accuracy, and food quality.
Workforce Planning
- Create effective labor schedules based on sales forecasts and labor models.
- Optimize staffing to balance productivity, labor efficiency, and exceptional guest service.
- Monitor labor performance daily and adjust staffing as business demands change.
- Ensure all meal, rest break, and labor law requirements are consistently followed.
Talent Acquisition
- Lead all restaurant hiring activities, including recruiting, interviewing, reference checks, I-9 verification, onboarding, and orientation.
- Maintain staffing levels that support operational excellence.
- Build a strong talent pipeline through continuous recruiting efforts.
Community Engagement
- Represent El Pollo Loco within the local community.
- Support local marketing initiatives, fundraising events, and community partnerships.
- Build relationships that increase brand awareness and drive restaurant traffic.
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as assigned to support restaurant operations and company objectives.
Education & Experience
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- High School Diploma or GED preferred.
- Current El Pollo Loco Assistant Manager or
- Minimum of three (3) years of management experience, preferably in the restaurant or hospitality industry.
- Demonstrated experience leading large teams and driving operational excellence.
- Experience managing financial performance, labor, and food cost budgets preferred.
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Strong leadership and coaching skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Proven ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to analyze restaurant financial reports and implement business improvement strategies.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.
- Strong commitment to food safety and operational excellence.
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Valid driver's license with reliable transportation.
- Must obtain and maintain ServSafe Manager Certification.
- Ability to obtain any additional certifications required by local or state regulations.
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Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to bend, reach, climb, kneel, and perform repetitive movements.
- Ability to work in varying temperatures, including kitchen and outdoor environments.
- Must be available to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
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Competitive Salary
- Paid Vacation
- Employee Meal During Shift
- Employee Food Discounts
- Leadership Development Programs
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- We Promote From Within
- No Overnight Operating Hours
- A Culture Built Around Recognition, Development, and Teamwork
When it comes to our people, our motto is simple:
Let Them Cook.
Our fire-grilled chicken may be what guests come for, but it's our people who make the experience unforgettable.
We believe every team member deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, lead, and build a meaningful career. Whether you're developing future leaders, serving guests, or driving business results, you'll have the support and resources to reach your full potential.
At El Pollo Loco, you'll find more than a job—you'll find a place where your leadership matters, your ideas are valued, and your career can flourish.
If you're ready to lead with passion, inspire others, and make an impact every day, we'd love to have you join our team.
Fire-Grilled Chicken. Flamin' Good Careers.
