Manager of Restaurant Development

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 Corporate 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
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid Holidays
• Amazing office culture
• 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 of Restaurant Design plays a key role in shaping El Pollo Loco’s restaurant environment by leading creative and functional design solutions that elevate the brand, support business objectives, and meet aggressive development timelines. Partnering closely with Real Estate, Construction, and cross-functional teams, this role ensures consistent, high-quality restaurant design across new builds, remodels, and conversions, while maintaining brand standards and supporting franchise partners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Leads design process for new construction, conversions, and remodels that delivers a consistent in-restaurant customer experience.
• Responsible for quality assurance of drawings by EPL’s preferred Architects of Record. This includes civil/site design, kitchen design, interior design, and architectural design.
• Work with Franchise Partners to ensure EPL design intent is executed to the highest standards and in coordination with their outside Architects of Record.
• Support EPL Development Goals by creating initial test fits and lease exhibits for prospective new restaurant sites.
• Support EPL Cross-Functional Team Goals to deliver effective store layouts meeting functional and business needs.
• Maintaining and updating EPL FF&E Brand Standards for system-wide distribution.
• Prepares presentation decks related to all phases of design and present content to consultants, franchisees, and executive-level leaders.
• Ability to travel and attend work-related conferences and functions.

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 in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field is required. A minimum of 5+ years of broad experience in design, detailing, and construction documentation in the restaurant or hospitality industry required, with at least 3 years of brand-specific restaurant or retail design experience.

License/Certifications:
None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Strong 2D and 3D drawing capabilities, including hand sketching, CAD, Revit, Bluebeam Revu, and SketchUp.
• Proficiency in photo editing and graphic design tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Skilled in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for project tracking and presentation development.
• Working knowledge of International Building Code (IBC), Health Code, and ADA compliance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to present effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work at the Support Center consistent with the hybrid work policy.


Our Company
In 1980 the first American El Pollo Loco opened on Alvarado Street in Los Angeles, quickly becoming a destination for the best citrus-marinated, fire-grilled pollo in town. Over the past four decades, El Pollo Loco has grown into more than 490 restaurants across 7 states, becoming an L.A. mainstay and cultural benchmark along the way. And today, we continue to work just as hard to always provide customers with fresh and innovative L.A. Mex from our famous family dinners to Mexican entrees.


The pay range identified is the hourly or salary rate El Pollo Loco expects to pay for the posted position. This range does not include any benefits or bonus opportunities that might be available for the position based on position and eligibility criteria. Individual pay will vary based on a variety of factors including years of experience, industry experience, education, geography, etc.