Sr. Manager, Capital Sourcing

At El Pollo Loco, we are on a mission to be the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant. We believe in growth, training, career trajectories, and collaboration across functions. Our restaurant support center offers an innovative workplace and a culture where collaboration thrives and departments work together.

• STRONG office culture recognized as a Great Place to Work and driven by our core values:
  Simple, Together, Relentless, Ownership, Nimble, Growth
• Career growth opportunities
• Competitive pay and bonus potential
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance and HSA Savings Account
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match and immediate vesting
• Paid Vacation, Sick Pay and 12 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free El Pollo Loco food and restaurant discounts
• Perk Spot discounts program

The Capital Sourcing Lead is responsible for leading the end-to-end procurement process for all restaurant developments, including General Contractor (GC) bidding, furniture, fixtures, and kitchen equipment (FF&E). This role oversees the full Request for Proposal (RFP) lifecycle, negotiates construction and vendor contracts, and manages Cap Ex budgets.

• Manage the sourcing and procurement of Cap Ex and development categories, including General Contractors, kitchen equipment, furniture, and architectural fixtures.
• Support new market expansion by sourcing materials and contractors for the refined "iconic prototype" design, ensuring build costs align with the target of approximately $1.8 million per location.
• Drive robust unit economics by protecting margins through a methodical approach to cost savings and value engineering across all construction and equipment categories.
• Review and interpret architectural plans, construction blueprints, and equipment schedules to ensure accurate bidding and scope alignment.

• Lead the competitive bidding process for General Contractors across NROs and remodel projects.
• Utilize a Universal Vendor Qualification Matrix during the Request for Information phase to evaluate potential partners on corporate stability, portfolio versatility, integration maturity, and support infrastructure.
• Execute comprehensive financial modeling utilizing a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach that evaluates acquisition, operating, maintenance, and indirect costs against residual value.
• Select final vendors using a standardized weighted scoring matrix, prioritizing Technical/Functional Fit (40%) and Total Cost of Ownership (25%).

• Negotiate construction contracts, manage change orders, and track project-level Cap Ex budgets.
• Establish and enforce Service Level Agreements with binding performance standards, including target uptime, resolution times, and liquidated damages for non-compliance.
• Ensure all procured physical goods and systems meet mandatory environmental durability standards (e.g., thermal management, IP ratings) and ADA accessibility requirements.
• Design and manage a structured vendor performance review program, including scorecards, KPIs, and regular business reviews.

• Mandate that all third-party vendors adhere to industry-standard security frameworks, including mandatory data encryption and Multi-Factor Authentication for administrative interfaces.
• Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, contracts, pricing agreements, and vendor documentation.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Finance, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• 7-10+ years of progressive procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience, focusing heavily on construction, Capex, and development within the restaurant, retail, or hospitality industry.
• Proven experience leading hard bids with General Contractors and interpreting architectural blueprints.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and ability to travel for vendor meetings at their facilities, pre/post construction walk-throughs, travel with facilities and broker facilities, and review…