Construction Project Manager

575 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM

What’s in it for you!

• Hybrid work schedule
• Competitive pay and bonus
• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting
• HSA savings accounts
• Free El Pollo Loco food (Dine Out Card) + Restaurant Discount
• Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more…

Supervises all aspects of construction for company owned projects, including new restaurants, conversions, remodels, and special projects. Provides full-service construction management for company projects, including creating project budgets, scopes of work, bid instructions, milestone schedules, contractor and consultant management, permitting, inspections, invoice management, and budget reconciliation. Work with construction suppliers to order and complete projects. Orchestrates cross‑functional teams for remodel and new construction from pre‑construction through post‑opening.

Position also serves as administrator for project tracking and reporting software; responsible for generating periodic reporting to organization.

• Hires and manages vendors, general contractors and subcontractors to perform work on EPL new construction and remodel projects. Responsible for initiating bidding and bid evaluation on assigned projects.
• Manages invoice approval to ensure all contract obligations are fulfilled per contract.
• Presents status and financial reports to leadership and make recommendations based on the same.
• Maintains clear records of communications and change orders with contractors, vendors, and landlords to limit EPL exposure.
• Directs the submittal of working drawings and related documents for an EPL project as required by Municipal Agencies. Responsible for obtaining final approvals on all municipal required documents (plans, permits, inspection cards, certificate of occupancy, etc.).
• Established construction project milestones and schedules. Responsible for schedules with general contractors.
• Inspects and approves materials and workmanship at predetermined stages to ensure adherence to plans and specifications. Responsible for resolution of labor/material conflicts.
• Ensures Operations sign‑off on plans is completed prior to start of construction.
• Coordinates all aspects of remodel construction, including scoping, budgeting, bidding, contracting, project management, and coordination with Operations staff for off‑hours construction.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job, with or without an accommodation. Reasonable accommodations 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.

• Experience with multi‑unit construction and remodel programs.
• Prefer experience with multi‑unit, quick‑service restaurant company.
• Prefer experience with Sitefolio or other project tracking software.

Possess and maintain a valid driver's license

• Knowledge of accounting and construction cost accounting.
• Able to manage and report on many projects concurrently.
• Expert knowledge of governmental regulations.
• Ability to communicate policies and procedures effectively through excellent verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in all aspects of the position.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with a strong commitment to follow up.
• Ability to manage frequent travel and projects in multiple locations.
• Communication
• Encourages open sharing of ideas.
• Communicates clearly, concisely, accurately and timely, both orally and written.
• Relationships
• Values diversity, understands employee base and is sensitive to other cultures.
• Projects and maintains open lines of communication.
• Is an active, supportive participant in the Research and Development function and strategy.
• Adds…