Director of Design and Architecture

Costa Mesa, CA, United States

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 (2 days a week in the office or fewer depending on the position)

• Competitive pay and bonus

• Industry-leading supplemental insurance at no cost (up to $50,000 value)

• 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:

Responsible for the creation and management of the El Pollo Loco brand image and specifications and for the consistent application of the image in new construction and remodel projects. Interfaces with marketing, operations, and other departments required to gain information and support for new designs. Develops design concepts independently based on design briefs and other brand requirements. Prepares and presents design concepts to management for review and approval. Responsible for building, signage, food service equipment, furniture, artwork and other specifications and the publishing of required manuals and support documents. Supervises a team of external resources for architectural working drawings for company-operated restaurants.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Director, Design & Architecture is the creative force behind new restaurant designs to be used in company and franchise new restaurant construction and remodel. Potential design projects may include free-standing drive-thru, end-cap drive-thru, non-drive-thru, in-line, non-traditional and other formats. Must have the ability to work independently to develop concepts and manage them through design development to final completion and documentation. Will frequently use drafting and modeling software like AutoCAD, Sketch-Up or others.

Works cross-functionally with other internal departments and externally with outside architects, engineers, contractors, equipment manufacturers, to research create the designs. Frequently leads presentations to senior leadership on designs and other special projects.

Creates, manages, and communicates all final specifications. Creates drawings, catalogs, manuals, and other materials to clearly define approved specifications (buildings, layout, design) internally and externally. Reviews and approves new construction and remodel project plans for brand standard compliance for all company and franchise construction.

Leads or participates in value-engineering efforts with an ongoing focus on cost-effective specifications and design solutions. Supports construction team as needed.

Collaborates and partners with other departments including Franchise Sales, Company and Franchise Operations, Marketing, and Construction to support brand growth in new markets.

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 and/or Experience

Minimum of 5+ years of experience in restaurant/hospitality design, preferably in multi-state, fast casual dining and quick service restaurant operations in a corporate or franchise environment. Must be experienced in design/modeling software.

License/Certifications

Current driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to read, write, and interpret routine and complex reports, documents and correspondence.

Ability to effectively speak and consult with internal customers, external customers, vendors, and franchisees.

Ability to effectively listen and respond to customer needs.

Ability to effectively make oral presentations to broad audiences.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to interpret bar graphs.

Ability to solve practical and abstract problems and deal with a variety of known and unknown variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Ability to organize, prioritize, plan, multi-task, execute work assignments and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.

Proficiency with design/modeling software such as AutoCAD or Sketch up, Microsoft Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and the internet required.

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.

Must be persuasive, possess logical thought patterns to affect change and be decisive.

Strong analytical and reconciliation skills, as well as attention to detail needed.

Passion for driving brand performance though design.

Must possess professional interpersonal skills, maintain a positive attitude, be flexible and self-directed, embrace a sense of urgency, and work well with team members.

Ability to work extended work schedules as needed.

Excellent project management skills required.

The position occasionally stands, walks, climbs/balances, stoops/kneels/crouches/crawls.

Car and airline travel is a requirement.

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.

#LI-Hybrid

Other details Pay Type Salary

Min Hiring Rate $140,000.00

Max Hiring Rate $180,000.00

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