Senior Manager of Human Resources

at  El Pollo Loco

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
• Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid Holidays
• Dog friendly office
• Amazing office culture
• Free El Pollo Loco food (Dine Out Card) + Restaurant Discount
• Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more…

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 Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, preferred. Minimum of 5 years Human Resource Generalist experience in a multi-state, multi-site role required, preferably in the restaurant/retail/hotel industry.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• In-depth understanding of employee relations, organizational culture, employee engagement, and HR best practices.
• Extensive knowledge of state/federal/local employment regulations and compliance.
• Track record exhibiting growth within the Human Resources discipline, including employee relations, performance management and administration
• Proven experience leading workplace investigations, including assessing employee relations issues, gathering evidence, and ensuring fair, thorough, and compliant resolutions.
• Ability to partner with and influence management and all levels of employees.
• Flexible work style and approach based on operational needs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Solid knowledge of FMLA/CFRA and ADA matters throughout all areas, including engagement in the interactive process and reasonable accommodations.
• 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
• Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external business partners. Must present evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills including conflict resolution, coaching, team building and leadership.
• Adept at managing and prioritizing competing time sensitive requests while working well in a team atmosphere that may be under pressure.
• 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.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company.
• Ability to work extended work schedules, including weekends and evenings as needed.
• This is a field position based out of Las Vegas, Nevada, but will require occasional travel to California to visit the Support Center and assigned restaurant locations.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish highly desirable.
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  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

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Senior Human Resources Manager serves as a key strategic partner to Field Operations, driving exceptional people outcomes in areas such as turnover reduction, talent selection, staffing optimization, and cultural leadership. This role provides leadership and consultation to Field Operations on complex employee relations matters, workplace investigations, policy and procedure adherence, and compliance audits. Collaborates with Operations leadership on talent management and succession planning initiatives, while leading strategic efforts around people processes across the assigned region. This role is pivotal in helping design and executing effective people strategies to attract, develop, and retain top talent, ensuring the organization’s long-term success

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as an ambassador of the People Services team. Partners with People Services team and Field Operations Leaders to drive talent and leadership development, succession planning, and performance management.
• Supports core HR processes such as talent assessments, internal mobility, workforce planning, and disciplinary actions to strengthen leadership pipelines and operational performance.
• Proactively addresses HR challenges in the field, recommending improvements to company processes and procedures.
• Analyzes employee data to identify trends, enhance performance, and improve retention and engagement. Monitors engagement and retention metrics, conducts exit interviews, and presents findings and solutions to People Services leadership, aligned with organizational performance metrics.
• Leads development and action planning for restaurant managers in the assigned region.
• Partners with People Development and Training to design and conduct field training sessions, ensuring new managers are proficient in HR policies, procedures, and company culture.
• Investigates and resolves field complaints, ensuring timely, thorough, and documented responses to claims of harassment, discrimination, and other concerns.
• Ensures consistency in disciplinary actions across locations for performance and behavioral issues.
• Collaborates with internal partners (e.g., Leave of Absence Administration, HR Systems) to address employee needs.
• Works with Talent Acquisition and Operations to meet staffing and pipeline goals, actively participating in the selection and onboarding of field managers.
• Conducts regular visits with Area Leaders and Operations Directors to evaluate performance and perform compliance audits. Provides actionable feedback to restaurant leadership.
• Participates in unemployment hearings, wage claims, and audits; supports legal on cases related to employment laws and regulations.
• Ensures compliance with FMLA/CFRA and ADA, including facilitating the interactive process and accommodations as required.
• Maintains travel across the designated area to support field operations.
• Collaborates effectively with support center and field teams.
• Other activities, duties or responsibilities that are assigned by your supervisor.