Director of Real Estate

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

• 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 
• 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...

Position Purpose:

Works closely with the Chief Development Officer in leading and directing the Real Estate expansion of El Pollo Loco company and franchise restaurants including the implementation of strategic planning for the Brand’s long-range goals.  Oversees all real estate programs including new market planning and analysis, site selection, negotiating new leases (company leases), and broker agreements. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directs and leads the company’s corporate growth strategy and function in support of the brand’s business objectives. 
• Identifies and researches new potential markets for company and franchise growth.
• Identifies and acquires specific sites with a given territory to achieve growth plans while collaborating with the senior leadership team on perspectives as to site viability.
• Supervises Real Estate Manager(s) as required.
• Creates entry plans for new markets working with company resources and/or franchisees and brokers that identify and prioritize trade areas.
• Sources and works with real estate brokers for company locations.
• Coaches and counsels franchisee to help identify brokers and other development resources for their markets.
• Works closely with the Finance and Legal teams to complete pro forma analyses to ensure maximum return on invested capital for company locations.
• Collaborates with the Legal Department to negotiate letters of intent and leases on new and existing properties as well as obtains approval of leases for new sites.
• Establishes departmental standards for basic Real Estate activities, to include templates for Letters of Intent (LOI), Landlord Work Letters, RESAC Presentations, Site Submittal Forms, Pipeline Reports, etc.
• Grows industry knowledge in order to maintain tools as required by activity, such as tracking development progress, demographic vendors, regression model vendors, etc.
• Works in conjunction with the Design and Construction Departments and Operations to assess site viability and cost factors.
• Prepares and presents Real Estate Committee site packages for executive management (RESAC) approval.
• Interacts professionally and ethically, constructively participating as a collaborative team member or leader in pursuit of common goals.
• Position includes regular airline/car travel to markets and sites.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee and may include other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position may have supervision over a Real Estate Manager.

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 accommodations 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 and/or Experience:                                                                                 

BS degree preferred and 5+ years’ real estate experience required including at least 3 years’ experience in Real Estate management with a multi-unit/state restaurant or retail establishment. Exceptional contract negotiation skills with a proven track record of successfully opening sites in geographically diverse locations throughout the U.S. required.  Record of leading, managing, coaching and developing high performance teams.      

License/Certifications:                                                        

A valid driver’s license is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strategic thinking skills with the ability to balance long-term objectives with day-to-day tactical realities as well as analytical skills with the demonstrated ability to handle complexity.
• Ability to quickly adapt to change and adjust priorities to meet the organization’s needs.
• Communicates clearly, concisely, accurately and timely, both verbally and in writing.
• Possesses professional interpersonal skills to maintain quality working relationships and foster trust and integrity in all aspects of the position.
• Self-directed with excellent prioritization, organizational and project management skills with the ability to coordinate multi-stage, multiple projects with ease; embraces a strong commitment to follow-up, ability to multi-task, and a sense of urgency.
• Ability to work weekends and extended work schedules as needed.
• Must be decisive and make fact based decisions.
• Must possesses a high degree of attention to detail with exceptional problem solving skills.
• Ability to work 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.