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El Pollo Loco

Off-Premises Manager

El Pollo Loco, Costa Mesa, California, United States, 92626

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3535 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA Job Description

Posted Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 7:00 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 • Flexible Spending 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, Off-Premises is a critical partner in delivering on El Pollo Loco’s strategic plan through the development of El Pollo Loco’s Marketplace Delivery and Catering programs. This role is instrumental in unlocking catering revenue growth by working with internal and external partners to drive strategy and execution across company and franchise locations in all markets. The Manager, Off-Premises will also drive growth in Marketplace Delivery, working with our third-party partners and restaurant operators to optimize delivery menu, marketplace presence, advertising & promotions, and operational performance. Key accountabilities include providing strategic contributions to menu development, packaging, sales, pricing strategies, operational procedures, project management, and fostering effective cross-functional communication. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Catering – 67% Own the delivery of high-quality catering platforms that meet or exceed customer expectations. Develop and update catering menus to align with market trends, dietary preferences, and company standards. Collaborate with culinary teams to create innovative and appealing catering options. Drives the design and execution of catering packaging to ensure an excellent customer experience. Evaluate and optimize the digital ordering experience on El Pollo Loco’s first-party ordering channel Accountable for driving third-party catering marketplaces (EZ Cater, etc.) to improve platform visibility, brand perception and digital catering revenue Develop and execute sales strategies to drive catering revenue and achieve sales targets. Set competitive and profitable pricing structures based on market analysis and cost considerations. Establish and maintain – in partnership with Operations - efficient catering operational procedures, including order fulfillment, delivery logistics, and quality control. Lead catering projects from concept to completion, ensuring deadlines are met and objectives are achieved. Responsible for providing thought leadership and operational excellence in driving the marketing, sales, culinary, and operational teams to align catering initiatives with overall business goals. Analyze catering program performance metrics and provide regular reports to senior management. Identify training needs, make recommendations, and implement development programs to assist field (restaurant) catering teams Marketplace Delivery – 33% Build relationships with marketplace delivery vendors (DoorDash, UberEats, GrubHub, etc.), implementing strategies and tactics that drive awareness, brand perception, revenue, and improved operational performance. Drive the evolution marketplace pricing strategies and recommend changes to improve platform placement, conversion, revenue, and profit. Optimize advertising and promotional investment on delivery marketplaces to effectively drive profitable traffic. Improve brand presence on delivery marketplaces by ensuring creative assets best portray our menu and the El Pollo Loco brand. Serve as the primary point of contact for company and franchise operators for new restaurant openings, advertising and promotional effectiveness, and operational improvements. Identify and evaluate new business channels and innovation opportunities with delivery marketplaces. 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 hospitality management, business, or a related field is preferred. Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in catering, marketplace, restaurant operations, or related roles – preferably in a multi-unit setting. Working knowledge of managing catering operations, marketplace (restaurant or non-restaurant) and demonstrating leadership skills. License/Certifications: Possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In-depth knowledge of catering and marketplace trends, customer preferences, and industry best practices. Leadership skills to guide and motivate restaurant catering teams Analytical mindset with the ability to use data to drive decision-making. Confidence in execution of strategic initiatives. Must be decisive and able to make fact-based decisions. Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset and skills; meticulous attention to detail Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and plan work assignments and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines. Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external business partners. Ability to read, write, and interpret complex reports, documents, and correspondence. High level of proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office Suite applications, customized database applications, and internet research tools. Adept at managing and prioritizing competing time sensitive requests while working well in a team atmosphere that may be under pressure. Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company. Ability to work weekends and extended work schedules as needed. Must be willing and able to travel locally within Southern California and to out-of-state restaurant locations, as needed by car or airplane. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr