Manager, Local Store Marketing

575 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA

Posted Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 8:00 AM

Our restaurants are only the tip of the flame! If you’re looking for a fast-paced, innovative and welcoming workplace then a career with our Familia is right for you.

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…

POSITION

PURPOSE:

The Manager, Field Marketing is responsible for leading the company s Field Marketing strategy, developing and executing marketing campaigns that drive traffic and sales to our local stores and new store openings. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and strong project manager with a deep understanding of local market dynamics to deliver marketing programs that drive sales and elevate the El Pollo Loco brand.

This position will work closely with restaurant operators (both franchisee and corporate) as well as cross-functional teams to develop and implement marketing strategies, track and measure results, and drive improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Acts with independence and discretion in setting quarterly and annual objectives and priorities for local restaurant marketing, developing plans to meet established sales, transaction, and other goals.
• Leads the annual DMA planning meetings across all markets with franchise operators, communicating the marketing plan and ad fund budget and evangelizing local market programs to build awareness, community engagement and sales.
• Identifies, evaluates and executes local market activations that generate awareness and buzz for El Pollo Loco, ensuring that the brand stands out in the markets in which we operate.
• Leads the development of marketing strategies to drive brand awareness, sales and traffic for El Pollo Loco new restaurant openings (NROs) in new markets. Directs paid, earned and owned media efforts to maximize effectiveness of NRO budget.
• Project manages all new restaurant opening marketing initiatives, including the development and implementation of community engagement activities, grand opening plans, and partnering with operations and training teams to ensure marketing strategies align with operations excellence.
• Leads restaurant refresh program, including serving as the subject matter expert for all designated market areas (DMAs) when partnering with company and franchisee leadership to develop local marketing strategies for restaurant remodels that positively impact sales.
• Develops and execute marketing campaigns for local stores.
• Develops the strategy and management of the Field Marketing Toolkit and Portal, developing programs designed to drive sales and transactions that have been vetted through testing.
• Leads the implementation of the store level fundraising program, building brand affinity and community engagement in our markets.
• Leads analysis on efficacy of local marketing strategies.
• Develops strategies for improvement based on campaign results.
• Other activities, duties or responsibilities that are assigned by your supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/

CERTIFICATIONS:

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.

Education/

Work Experience:

Bachelor’s degree required. A minimum of five or more years of marketing, traditional and non-traditional brand management, or strategy planning experience. QSR or related industry experience is a plus.

License/

Certifications:

Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong people leadership skills, including the ability to recruit, train & develop at least one direct report.
• Ability to provide both thought leadership and effective customer service to franchisees and…