Director of Talent Acquisition & Corporate HR

As the Director of Talent Acquisition & Corporate HR, you’ll be the driving force behind the people who power our brand—from our restaurant teams to our Support Center. You’ll lead bold strategies to attract top talent, shape a best-in-class candidate experience, and strengthen our company from the inside out. With a passion for people and an eye for growth, you’ll help build the teams that bring our Loco culture to life. Are you ready to fuel the future of El Pollo Loco?

What’s in it for you!
• Hybrid work schedule
• Competitive pay and bonus
• Restricted Service Awards (RSAs)
• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance + Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting
• 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...

Why work for us?
When it comes to our people, our motto is: Let them cook. In fact, we see you as our secret ingredient. While our chicken is fire, it’s our people
Who set us ablaze. You’re the ones bringing the passion, ideas and energy–the flavor–whether cooking in the restaurant or working in the support center. That’s why we take pride in providing a place where you can express, develop and belong… all while enjoying a healthy balance. Here, fire-grilled chicken makes flamin’ good careers.


POSITION PURPOSE:
The Director of Talent Acquisition and Corporate Human Resources serves as a strategic member of the HR leadership team, responsible for developing and executing talent acquisition strategies while also leading core HR initiatives for the Restaurant Support Center. This role partners closely with the Chief People Officer and senior leaders, to attract top talent, build high-performing teams, and support the company’s continued growth and transformation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead the full lifecycle of talent acquisition strategy and operations across Field and Support Center, including recruiting, sourcing, hiring processes, candidate experience, and employer branding, to support current and future growth.
• Build trusted partnerships with senior leaders and hiring managers by providing insights on labor market trends, developing strategic hiring plans, and delivering effective talent solutions aligned with business goals.
• Lead key Corporate HR initiatives for Support Center employees, including talent management, succession planning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness strategies that strengthen internal capabilities and drive long-term growth.
• Advise Support Center leaders and employees on performance, employee relations, compliance, investigations, engagement initiatives, and merit/bonus processes.
• Manage all recruiting-related vendor partnerships, including job boards, staffing agencies, background check providers, and the Applicant Tracking System (Dayforce), ensuring effective tools, compliance, and return on investment.
• Oversee recruiting for restaurant operations, including field hiring forecasts, New Restaurant Openings, and proactive sourcing strategies that support diversity, community outreach, and pipeline development.
• Conduct and manage full-cycle Support Center recruitment for Director-level and above positions, while owning the employee referral program and preferred vendor relationships for temporary and direct placement staffing.
• Develop and deliver hiring manager training, interview guides, and selection tools to improve decision-making, promote consistency, and enhance the quality of hires.
• Analyze, track, and report on recruiting metrics and team performance, using data to drive decision-making, identify process improvements, and align hiring forecasts with workforce planning.
• Continuously improve TA operations by evaluating recruiting processes, systems, candidate feedback, and vendor performance to identify opportunities for innovation, scalability, and efficiency.
• Oversee Support Center office services including space planning, internal office moves, and coordination of general facilities support, while also executing other duties as assigned.

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, MBA or Master’s degree in a related field preferred. A minimum of 10+ years of progressive Talent Acquisition experience in a high-volume, multi