General Manager

Join to apply for the General Manager role at El Pollo Loco, Inc.

$27.00/hr - $31.00/hr

As a General Manager, you’ll be the spark that keeps the flame alive, leading a passionate team, driving success, and ensuring every guest gets a taste of the Loco experience. You’ll oversee all restaurant operations with a focus on quality, growth, and building a team that’s as fired‑up as you are.

The General Manager assumes full accountability for the comprehensive operations of an El Pollo Loco restaurant, encompassing all facets of the business. This role leads initiatives aimed at providing an exceptional and consistent experience for both customers and team members, meticulously ensuring adherence to all El Pollo Loco policies, procedures, and standards while striving to meet or exceed sales and profitability targets.

Accountabilities include maintaining optimal staffing levels and fostering the professional growth of the restaurant team to effectively execute all operational objectives.

• Strategically manages, coaches, and recognizes team member performance to drive efficient and effective restaurant operations.
• Executes and trains team on opening and closing procedures in alignment with El Pollo Loco policies, overseeing restaurant setup, food preparation, and cleaning processes.
• Optimizes labor and workforce planning through effective and efficient team deployment and scheduling, ensuring staffing levels align with anticipated sales volume and labor hour targets.
• Provides hands‑on support by ensuring proper coverage of all restaurant workstations, including backup support for team member breaks as necessary.
• Maintains focus on guest service and speed of service, ensuring achievement of company goals for timeliness and compliance with operational efficiency metrics.
• Schedules workforce to meet labor hour guidelines and sales projections.
• Oversees hiring processes in the restaurant, from interviews and references to I‑9 verification and new hire orientations, ensuring all staffing requirements are compliantly met.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management to support restaurant operations.

To 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 and/or experience required.

Must be at least 18 years old. High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred. Must be an EPL Assistant Manager or have the equivalent of 3 or more years of management experience, preferably in a restaurant environment.

• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle that may be used for company business.
• Must obtain Serve Safe Certification.

• Competitive pay and quarterly bonuses
• No overnight hours
• Free meals during your shift
• Employee discount on food
• Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance + Flexible Spending Account
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting (must be at least 21 to participate)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance, Legal Insurance, Long Term Disability Coverage and Pet Insurance
• Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more

When it comes to our people, our motto is:
Let them cook. We see you as our secret ingredient and value the passion, ideas, and energy you bring—whether cooking in the restaurant or working in support. We pride ourselves on providing a place where you can express, develop, and belong, all while enjoying a healthy work‑life balance.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

• Management and Manufacturing
• Restaurants

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