DIRECTOR, STRATEGY at El Pollo Loco

Costa Mesa, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

22 May, 26

Salary

230000.0

Posted On

21 Feb, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Planning, Data-Driven Strategies, Business Performance Enhancement, Strategic Initiatives Partnership, Creative Thinking, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Data Synthesis, Leadership, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Business Judgment, Analytical Skills, Market Expansion, Financial Planning, Competitive Analysis, Operational Optimization, Investor Relations

Industry

Restaurants

Description

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 • Restricted Service Awards (RSAs) • Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance + HSA Savings Account • 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... POSITION PURPOSE: The Sr. Director/Director of Strategy will lead the development and execution of data-driven strategies that enhance our business performance and will act as a central figure in partnering with the leadership team on strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a creative, entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to synthesize large data sets from multiple sources to can drive strategy into action. They are highly adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong leadership presence and the ability to work cross-functionally to motivate, influence, and inspire teams. This role will have significant access to the leadership team and must be seen as a trusted partner. Sound business judgment and the ability to work with ambiguity are imperative. This role requires a blend of analytical skills, creativity, and leadership to help expand our brand, improve profitability, and position the company for continued success. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic Planning: Lead the development of the company's long-term strategy, including market expansion, new business and innovation opportunities, and . Provide strategic guidance to the executive team and ensure alignment with overall business objectives. Own the development of the company’s 5-year financial plan. Market & Competitive Analysis: Analyze industry trends, competitor activities, and market dynamics to identify new opportunities, threats, and potential areas for growth. Use consumer and market insights to refine the company’s positioning and develop actionable business plans. Operational Optimization: Work closely with the operations team to identify process improvements, streamline workflows, and enhance operational efficiency across all locations. Develop strategies to reduce costs, improve margins, and enhance guest experience. Financial Performance: Partner with the finance team to evaluate financial performance, set key performance indicators (KPIs), and develop cost-effective strategies to drive revenue growth and profitability. Corporate Development: Identify and assess potential opportunities to expand the company’s footprint and capabilities. Investor Relations: Regularly communicate strategy updates, progress, and results to senior leadership, board members, and key stakeholders, helping to prepare for quarterly IR calls and other IR events. Analytics and Insights Leadership: Work closely with the CEO, CFO, and other Executive Leaders to provide strategic reviews of specific topics and lead key strategic sessions (eg, periodic Business reviews, Strategic Offsites, etc.) Annual Planning: Work with Finance and the Insights and Analysis team to shape the company Annual Operating Plan (AOP), and prepare materials for business meetings throughout the year. Board of Directors Meetings: Lead timeline for board meeting preparation, working closely with the leadership team and key stakeholders to craft the agenda and create materials. Owns the final board deliverables. 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 Business, Finance, Marketing, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic leadership roles, preferably within a restaurant or hospitality industry, and with a proven track record of success in strategy development, market expansion and/or financial performance improvement Proven leadership experience, with a track record of managing and developing high-performing teams. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable strategies for diverse audiences. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (including exceptional PowerPoint communication skills), with the ability to influence and collaborate with diverse teams and with senior leadership. Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and the ability to drive change. Pattern thinking with ability to work with ambiguity and to analyze & synthesize complex data and draw business insights Proven experience with business forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis. Deep understanding of restaurant operations, including menu development, supply chain management, menu development, and guest experience optimization. Knowledge of emerging trends in the restaurant industry, including technology, marketing/brand positioning, sustainability, and consumer behavior. Ability to lead cross-functional teams in a collaborative, fast paced environment, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Proactively initiates changes to improve work processes & takes responsibility beyond scope of the current position, with the ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company. Ability to work at the Support Center consistent with the company’s hybrid work policy. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including MS Excel and PowerPoint, as well as BI and related software tools. 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.

Responsibilities

The Director of Strategy will lead the development and execution of data-driven strategies to enhance business performance and partner with leadership on strategic initiatives, including owning the development of the company's 5-year financial plan. Key duties involve strategic planning, market analysis, operational optimization, financial performance evaluation, corporate development, and leading board meeting preparation.