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El Pollo Loco, Inc. · 11 hours ago

Software Development Manager

Costa Mesa, CA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level

$145K/yr - $160K/yr

6+ years exp

El Pollo Loco, Inc. is a well-known restaurant chain that is looking for a Software Development Manager to lead and mentor their software engineering team. The role involves overseeing application development, enterprise integrations, and ensuring high-quality software delivery while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Food and Beverage

Responsibilities

Leads and manages a hybrid software development team including SQL data analysts, Java/.NET developers, web developers, and long-term contractors

Functions as a hands-on “player/coach,” contributing directly to coding, integrations, API development, and system architecture

Oversees the full software development lifecycle (requirements, design, development, code review, documentation, and deployment)

Establishes and enforces coding standards, secure development practices, version control norms, and documentation guidelines

Develops and maintains applications and integrations supporting Oracle Simphony POS, Oracle Fusion (upcoming), DayForce HRIS, Olo, Snowflake/Chabi, and CloverDX ETL workflows

Coordinates with the Technical QA & Documentation Manager to ensure test plans, documentation, and acceptance criteria are complete prior to deployment

Serves as the final approver for production releases, ensuring compliance with PCI/SOX standards and validated rollback procedures

Collaborates with Restaurant Systems, Infrastructure, Data & Analytics, Finance, HR, Marketing, and Operations to deliver reliable, scalable solutions

Supports data workflows, APIs, and system-to-system integrations with emphasis on performance, logging, and monitoring

Troubleshoots complex issues, assists with root-cause analysis, and implements preventative measures to strengthen system stability

Evaluates new technologies, vendor tools, and modernization opportunities

Manages team capacity, sprint planning, backlog prioritization, and delivery timelines

Provides coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to developers and analysts

Creates and maintains technical documentation, including diagrams, integration specifications, release notes, and support references

Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualification

JavaJavaScriptSQLAPI developmentEnterprise integrationsScrum/Agile certificationsSecure coding certificationsETL toolsCloud data platformsDocumentation standardsProblem-solving skillsCommunication skills

Required

Bachelor's degree preferred in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field

6–10 years of software development experience

At least 3 years in a leadership role (Engineering Manager, Lead Developer, or similar)

Strong experience with Java, JavaScript, and SQL development

Experience with enterprise integrations, APIs, and multi-system data workflows

Java, AWS, or Microsoft development certifications

Scrum/Agile certifications (ScrumMaster, PMI-ACP)

Secure coding or compliance-related certifications (e.g., PCI/SOX)

Strong technical expertise with Java, JavaScript frameworks, SQL databases, and modern API design

Experience integrating with systems such as Simphony POS, DayForce, Oracle Fusion, Olo, Snowflake, and SSO platforms like OneLogin

Familiarity with ETL tools (CloverDX) and cloud data platforms (Snowflake)

Strong understanding of source control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, branching strategies, and automated deployments

Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, priorities, and deadlines

Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to guide teams through complex technical challenges

Strong communication skills for coordination across both technical and non-technical teams

Ability to enforce documentation, development standards, and release governance in partnership with QA & Documentation

Ability to work onsite at the Support Center consistent with the hybrid work policy

Benefits

Hybrid work schedule

Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance

401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting

HSA savings accounts

Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid Holidays

Amazing office culture

Free El Pollo Loco food (Dine Out Card) + Restaurant Discount

Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more…

Company

El Pollo Loco, Inc.

Glassdoor3.5

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.

Founded in 1980

Costa Mesa, California, USA

5001-10000 employees