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El Pollo Loco, Inc. · 11 hours ago

Director of Risk

Costa Mesa, CA

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

El Pollo Loco, Inc. is a fast-paced and innovative workplace that is seeking a Director of Risk to manage their risk management program and asset protection strategy. This role involves overseeing insurance claims, developing safety protocols, and collaborating with various teams to minimize incidents and control risk costs.

Food and Beverage

Responsibilities

Assist in developing the Core Crisis Team protocols and chairs the restaurant safety hotline

Publish dashboards and KPIs: frequency/severity, lag time to report, claim cycle time, open reserves, mod rate, claim and incident costs, and cost per restaurant

Maintain compliance with internal policies and required postings/processes; support audits and regulatory inquiries

Build annual risk plan; prioritize initiatives by ROI and operational lift

Lead all property, general liability, crime, and other insured claims from notice through closure

Partner with brokers, carriers, TPAs, defense counsel, and adjusters

Build claim intake, investigation, documentation, and escalation standards; train field teams to use them

Track reserves, settlements, recoveries, and subrogation; drive timely, well-supported claim outcomes

Support annual policy renewals: exposure data, loss runs, underwriting narratives, broker and carrier relationship management, and program recommendations

Own the workers’ comp program: reporting, investigations, return-to-work, accommodations, and claim resolution

Partner with HR and Operations to improve injury reporting speed, medical management, and modified duty plans

Audit clinic/occupational provider performance and TPA handling; correct gaps and reduce friction for employees

Analyze incident data to identify patterns (slips/trips/falls, cuts, burns, violence, fleet, ergonomic, etc.) and produce actionable data reports for operations and human resources teams

Develop restaurant-ready safety protocols, checklists, and SOPs; align with Ops execution and labor practices

Build and run training programs for managers and crews; measure completion, field adoption, and impact

Lead root-cause reviews for serious incidents; drive corrective action plans and verify closeout

Run loss prevention strategy: cash handling, theft, fraud, robbery deterrence, access controls, and CCTV standards

Partner with IT/Security and Ops on alarm monitoring, key control, safe standards, and incident response

Support operations team in deign and delivery of workplace violence and de-escalation training programs

Support investigations of internal/external theft, fraud, and misconduct; maintain chain-of-custody and documentation

Other tasks as needed

Qualification

Risk managementClaims managementSafety protocolsAsset protectionLeadership skillsAnalytical skillsMicrosoft Office SuiteTraining experienceCommunication skillsProblem-solving skills

Required

Certification(s) such as ARM, CPCU, CIRM, ASP/CSP, or similar and multi-site retail or restaurant experience strongly preferred

Ten+ years of experience in risk management, claims, safety, and/or asset protection, and demonstrated experience delivering results in performing the core duties and responsibilities described above

Bachelor's degree in related filed strongly preferred

Valid Driver's License Required

Exceptional communication and presentation skills

Deep understanding of both the franchisee business model and QSR/Restaurant Industry

Train-the-trainer experience, coaching and willingness to develop others

Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and guide restaurant teams

Confidence in execution of strategic initiatives

Must be decisive and able to make fact-based decisions

Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset and skills; meticulous attention to detail

Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external business partners

Ability to prioritize and plan work assignments and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines

High level of proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office Suite applications, customized database applications, and internet research tools

Adept at managing and prioritizing competing time sensitive requests while working well in a team atmosphere that may be under pressure

Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company

Ability to report to the Support Center as required for cross-collaborative work with business partners and other corporate functions

Must be willing and able to travel to restaurant sites as needed by car or airplane

Preferred

Franchise system experience and familiarity with franchisor/franchisee risk boundaries strongly preferred

Bachelor's degree in related filed strongly preferred

Benefits

Hybrid work schedule

Competitive pay and bonus

Restricted Service Awards (RSAs)

Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance + HSA Savings Account

401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting

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