DIRECTOR/SR. DIRECTOR, STRATEGY, INSIGHTS & ANALYTICS

At El Pollo Loco, we are on a mission to be the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant. When it comes to our people, we are all about growth. Whether that means specialized training, a clearly laid out career trajectory or collaborating cross-functionally, we are committed to the success of our people the same way we’ve been committed to the success of the El Pollo Loco brand for the last 50 years. In fact, we see you as our secret ingredient. While our chicken is fire, it’s our people who set us ablaze.

Our restaurants are only the tip of the flame! If you’re looking for an innovative, winning, and welcoming workplace, then a flamin’ good career in our Restaurant Support Center is right for you.

At our Support Center, we believe our best work is done Together, when departments collaborate and everyone is confident in contributing their ideas. This is why we are in the office 3 days per week. 

Let’s Get Loco!

What’s in it for you!

• STRONG office culture recognized as a Great Place to Work® and driven by our core values: Simple. Together. Relentless. Ownership. Nimble. Growth
• Career growth opportunities
• Competitive pay and bonus potential
• Be an Owner: Equity Compensation
• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance + HSA Savings Account
• 401(K) Retirement Plan with company match and immediate vesting 
• Paid Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid Holidays 
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free El Pollo Loco food + restaurant discounts
• PerkSpot discounts program

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Director of Insights and Analytics will lead the development and execution of data-driven strategies that enhance our business performance and customer engagement. This role encompasses Business Analytics, Sales Forecasting, Consumer Insights, Customer Care Center operations, Pricing Analytics, Marketing and Loyalty Analytics, and Budget Management. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who can motivate and empower a high-functioning team to achieve ambitious goals and support the company’s growth objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Business Analytics: Develop and oversee comprehensive business analytics strategies to inform decision-making across all levels of the organization. Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide actionable insights to drive revenue, profitability, customer loyalty, and operational efficiency
• Sales Forecasting: Lead the sales forecasting process, utilizing historical data and market trends to create accurate and reliable forecasts. Ownership of the forecasting model and accountability for refining the model as needed to ensure accuracy.  Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and support in achieving sales targets.
• Consumer Insights: Oversight of consumer insights and research, leading an consumer insights team that conducts in-depth consumer research to identify brand metrics, trends, preferences, and behaviors. Utilize insights to inform product development, marketing strategies, loyalty programs, and customer experience enhancements.
• Customer Care Center: Lead the Customer Experience Team responsible for our Customer Care Center operations. Develop systems and processes that enable high levels of service and customer satisfaction. Work closely with the Integrated Marketing team to ensure that scripts are brand appropriate. Manage vendors, balancing effective tools with overall platform costs.  Leverage data to improve customer experience and unit-level operations.
• Pricing Analytics: Develop and implement pricing strategies based on market analysis and competitive intelligence. Monitor price sensitivity and performance to optimize revenue and profitability. Manage a third-party pricing consultant across company and franchise locations.
• Marketing and Loyalty Analytics: Analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and loyalty programs. Utilize test and learn strategies to unearth incrementality and impact. Provide insights to enhance customer retention, engagement, and overall brand loyalty.
• Budget Management: Manage the Advertising Fund, ensuring optimal allocation of resources. Collaborate with finance and other departments to track spending and maximize ROI on analytics initiatives.
• Analytics and Insights Leadership: Work closely with the CEO, CFO, and other Executive Leaders to provide timely insights into business performance, macro trends, and competitive insights.
• Business Planning: Actively participate in annual planning to shape the company Annual Operating Plan (AOP), and prepare materials for business meetings throughout the year, including Board of Directors and Earnings Calls.
• Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing analytics team. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering team members to achieve their full potential.
• Budget Oversight:
  • Direct Responsibility: $1-2M
  • Indirect Responsibility: $45-55M

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, Marketing, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in analytics, preferably within the restaurant or retail industries.
• Proven leadership experience, with a track record of managing and developing high-performing teams.

License/Certifications: N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and statistical analysis software (e.g., R, Python).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex data insights to diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and the ability to drive change.
• Experience with budget management and financial forecasting.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex data to various stakeholders.
• The position is a typical office environment where the position is seldom exposed to dust and noise.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company.
• Ability to work at the Support Center consistent with the hybrid work policy.
• Ability to work on projects with rapidly-evolving dynamics, and flexibility to readily adapt to changing business needs with a focus on generating results
• Proactively initiates changes to improve work processes & takes responsibility beyond scope of the current position
• Ability to work with ambiguity and to analyze & synthesize complex data and draw business insights
• Proven influencer and collaborator with outstanding verbal, written communication and presentation skills

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 500 restaurants across 9 states, becoming an L.A. mainstay and cultural benchmark along the way. Today, we continue to work just as hard to always provide our customers with Quality Chicken. Fast. Easy. Affordable.

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. At El Pollo Loco, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range.   Individual pay decisions will vary based on a variety of factors including years of experience, industry experience, education, geography, etc.