CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER

575 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA

Job Description

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM

Whats in it for you

• Hybrid work schedule
• Competitive pay and bonus
• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting
• HSA savings accounts
• Free El Pollo Loco food (Dine Out Card) + Restaurant Discount
• Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more
  

POSITION PURPOSE

Supervises all aspects of construction for company owned projects, including new restaurants, conversions, remodels, and special projects. Provides full-service construction management for company projects, including creating project budgets, scopes of work, bid instructions, milestone schedules, contractor and consultant management, permitting, inspections, invoice management, and budget reconciliation. Work with construction suppliers to order and complete projects. Orchestrates cross?functional teams for remodel and new construction from pre?construction through post?opening. Position also serves as administrator for project tracking and reporting software; responsible for generating periodic reporting to organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Hires and manages vendors, general contractors and subcontractors to perform work on EPL new construction and remodel projects. Responsible for initiating bidding and bid evaluation on assigned projects.
• Manages invoice approval to ensure all contract obligations are fulfilled per contract.
• Presents status and financial reports to leadership and make recommendations based on the same.
• Maintains clear records of communications and change orders with contractors, vendors, and landlords to limit EPL exposure.
• Directs the submittal of working drawings and related documents for an EPL project as required by Municipal Agencies. Responsible for obtaining final approvals on all municipal required documents (plans, permits, inspection cards, certificate of occupancy, etc.).
• Established construction project milestones and schedules. Responsible for schedules with general contractors.
• Inspects and approves materials and workmanship at predetermined stages to ensure adherence to plans and specifications. Responsible for resolution of labor/material conflicts.
• Ensures Operations sign?off on plans is completed prior to start of construction.
• Coordinates all aspects of remodel construction, including scoping, budgeting, bidding, contracting, project management, and coordination with Operations staff for off?hours construction.
  

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job, with or without an accommodation. Reasonable accommodations 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

• Experience with multi?unit construction and remodel programs.
• Prefer experience with multi?unit, quick?service restaurant company.
• Prefer experience with Sitefolio or other project tracking software.
  

License/Certifications

Possess and maintain a valid driver's license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of accounting and construction cost accounting.
• Able to manage and report on many projects concurrently.
• Expert knowledge of governmental regulations.
• Ability to communicate policies and procedures effectively through excellent verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in all aspects of the position.
  
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with a strong commitment to follow up.
• Ability to manage frequent travel and projects in multiple locations.
• Communication
• Encourages open sharing of ideas.
• Communicates clearly, concisely, accurately and timely, both orally and written.
• Relationships
• Values diversity, understands employee base and is sensitive to other cultures.
• Projects and maintains open lines of communication.
• Is an active, supportive participant in the Research and Development function and strategy.
• Adds to the creation of a positive, fun work environment.
• Is comfortable working with outside vendors.
• Planning and Organizing
• Sets quarterly and annual objectives and priorities, developing plans to accomplish established goals.
• Exhibits good judgment and learns from experience.
• Gathers and analyzes all relevant information before making decisions.
• Consistently meets deadlines.
  

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.

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