El Pollo Loco, Inc.
Software Development Manager
El Pollo Loco, Inc., Costa Mesa, California, United States, 92626
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Software Development Manager
role at
El Pollo Loco, Inc.
3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
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Base pay range $145,000.00/yr - $160,000.00/yr
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
HSA savings 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 Software Development is a player/coach responsible for leading, developing, and mentoring the company’s software engineering team while also contributing hands‑on to coding, solution design, integrations, and troubleshooting. This role oversees internal application development, enterprise integrations, API services, and modernization efforts across multiple platforms, including Java‑based systems, JavaScript web applications, SQL databases, and enterprise integrations that support restaurant operations and Support Center functions. This leader ensures high‑quality, secure, and well‑documented software delivery by establishing engineering standards, coordinating closely with the Technical QA & Documentation Manager, and serving as the final gatekeeper for production deployments. The Manager partners with cross‑functional teams—including POS, Data & Analytics, Infrastructure, HR, and Marketing—to deliver scalable, reliable, and business‑driven solutions aligned with organizational priorities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leads and manages a hybrid software development team including SQL data analysts, Java/.NET developers, web developers, and long‑term contractors.
Functions as a hands‑on “player/coach,” contributing directly to coding, integrations, API development, and system architecture.
Oversees the full software development lifecycle (requirements, design, development, code review, documentation, and deployment).
Establishes and enforces coding standards, secure development practices, version control norms, and documentation guidelines.
Develops and maintains applications and integrations supporting Oracle Simphony POS, Oracle Fusion (upcoming), DayForce HRIS, Olo, Snowflake/Chabi, and CloverDX ETL workflows.
Coordinates with the Technical QA & Documentation Manager to ensure test plans, documentation, and acceptance criteria are complete prior to deployment.
Serves as the final approver for production releases, ensuring compliance with PCI/SOX standards and validated rollback procedures.
Collaborates with Restaurant Systems, Infrastructure, Data & Analytics, Finance, HR, Marketing, and Operations to deliver reliable, scalable solutions.
Supports data workflows, APIs, and system‑to‑system integrations with emphasis on performance, logging, and monitoring.
Troubleshoots complex issues, assists with root‑cause analysis, and implements preventative measures to strengthen system stability.
Evaluates new technologies, vendor tools, and modernization opportunities.
Manages team capacity, sprint planning, backlog prioritization, and delivery timelines.
Provides coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to developers and analysts.
Creates and maintains technical documentation, including diagrams, integration specifications, release notes, and support references.
Other duties as assigned by 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 may 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 preferred in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
6–10 years of software development experience.
At least 3 years in a leadership role (Engineering Manager, Lead Developer, or similar).
Strong experience with Java, JavaScript, and SQL development.
Experience with enterprise integrations, APIs, and multi‑system data workflows.
License/Certifications
Java, AWS, or Microsoft development certifications.
Scrum/Agile certifications (ScrumMaster, PMI-ACP).
Secure coding or compliance‑related certifications (e.g., PCI/SOX).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong technical expertise with Java, JavaScript frameworks, SQL databases, and modern API design.
Experience integrating with systems such as Simphony POS, DayForce, Oracle Fusion, Olo, Snowflake, and SSO platforms like OneLogin.
Familiarity with ETL tools (CloverDX) and cloud data platforms (Snowflake).
Strong understanding of source control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, branching strategies, and automated deployments.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, priorities, and deadlines.
Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to guide teams through complex technical challenges.
Strong communication skills for coordination across both technical and non‑technical teams.
Ability to enforce documentation, development standards, and release governance in partnership with QA & Documentation.
Ability to work onsite 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.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Engineering and Information Technology
Industries Restaurants
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at El Pollo Loco, Inc. by 2x
Get notified about new Software Engineering Manager jobs in
Costa Mesa, CA .
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Software Development Manager
role at
El Pollo Loco, Inc.
3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Base pay range $145,000.00/yr - $160,000.00/yr
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
HSA savings 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 Software Development is a player/coach responsible for leading, developing, and mentoring the company’s software engineering team while also contributing hands‑on to coding, solution design, integrations, and troubleshooting. This role oversees internal application development, enterprise integrations, API services, and modernization efforts across multiple platforms, including Java‑based systems, JavaScript web applications, SQL databases, and enterprise integrations that support restaurant operations and Support Center functions. This leader ensures high‑quality, secure, and well‑documented software delivery by establishing engineering standards, coordinating closely with the Technical QA & Documentation Manager, and serving as the final gatekeeper for production deployments. The Manager partners with cross‑functional teams—including POS, Data & Analytics, Infrastructure, HR, and Marketing—to deliver scalable, reliable, and business‑driven solutions aligned with organizational priorities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leads and manages a hybrid software development team including SQL data analysts, Java/.NET developers, web developers, and long‑term contractors.
Functions as a hands‑on “player/coach,” contributing directly to coding, integrations, API development, and system architecture.
Oversees the full software development lifecycle (requirements, design, development, code review, documentation, and deployment).
Establishes and enforces coding standards, secure development practices, version control norms, and documentation guidelines.
Develops and maintains applications and integrations supporting Oracle Simphony POS, Oracle Fusion (upcoming), DayForce HRIS, Olo, Snowflake/Chabi, and CloverDX ETL workflows.
Coordinates with the Technical QA & Documentation Manager to ensure test plans, documentation, and acceptance criteria are complete prior to deployment.
Serves as the final approver for production releases, ensuring compliance with PCI/SOX standards and validated rollback procedures.
Collaborates with Restaurant Systems, Infrastructure, Data & Analytics, Finance, HR, Marketing, and Operations to deliver reliable, scalable solutions.
Supports data workflows, APIs, and system‑to‑system integrations with emphasis on performance, logging, and monitoring.
Troubleshoots complex issues, assists with root‑cause analysis, and implements preventative measures to strengthen system stability.
Evaluates new technologies, vendor tools, and modernization opportunities.
Manages team capacity, sprint planning, backlog prioritization, and delivery timelines.
Provides coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to developers and analysts.
Creates and maintains technical documentation, including diagrams, integration specifications, release notes, and support references.
Other duties as assigned by 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 may 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 preferred in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
6–10 years of software development experience.
At least 3 years in a leadership role (Engineering Manager, Lead Developer, or similar).
Strong experience with Java, JavaScript, and SQL development.
Experience with enterprise integrations, APIs, and multi‑system data workflows.
License/Certifications
Java, AWS, or Microsoft development certifications.
Scrum/Agile certifications (ScrumMaster, PMI-ACP).
Secure coding or compliance‑related certifications (e.g., PCI/SOX).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong technical expertise with Java, JavaScript frameworks, SQL databases, and modern API design.
Experience integrating with systems such as Simphony POS, DayForce, Oracle Fusion, Olo, Snowflake, and SSO platforms like OneLogin.
Familiarity with ETL tools (CloverDX) and cloud data platforms (Snowflake).
Strong understanding of source control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, branching strategies, and automated deployments.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, priorities, and deadlines.
Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to guide teams through complex technical challenges.
Strong communication skills for coordination across both technical and non‑technical teams.
Ability to enforce documentation, development standards, and release governance in partnership with QA & Documentation.
Ability to work onsite 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.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Engineering and Information Technology
Industries Restaurants
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at El Pollo Loco, Inc. by 2x
Get notified about new Software Engineering Manager jobs in
Costa Mesa, CA .
#J-18808-Ljbffr