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Area Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

El Pollo Loco

Area Leader

Gardena, CA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Area Leader is responsible for overseeing the operations of multiple restaurant locations within a designated geographical area. This role drives business growth while ensuring operational ...

El Pollo Loco

Area Leader

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Area Leader is responsible for overseeing the operations of multiple restaurant locations within a designated geographical area. This role drives business growth while ensuring operational ...

Colgate-Palmolive Company

Area Leader

Cambridge, OH · On-site

$96K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Area Leader is responsible for effectively managing production activities for a specific area of the Plant and developing collaborative partnerships with CP colleagues. This role demands a high ...

The J.M. Smucker Company

Area Leader

Longmont, CO · On-site

$93K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Opportunity as an Area Leader Leverage your leadership skills to drive business results while supporting our sandwich making technicians within our Longmont facility, where we make some of the ...

Colgate-Palmolive Company

Area Leader

Cambridge, OH · On-site

$96K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Area Leader is responsible for effectively managing production activities for a specific area of the Plant and developing collaborative partnerships with CP colleagues. This role demands a high ...

The J.M. Smucker Company

Area Leader

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Your Opportunity as the Area Leader The Area Leader will be responsible for the leadership and business results of a team of hourly Technicians and Team Leaders; ensure the team meets safety, quality ...

El Pollo Loco

Area Leader

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensure control over assigned area costs through effective inventory management, labor scheduling, and resource allocation leadership. * Collaborate with each General Manager, crafting strategic plans ...

loco

Area Leader

Alhambra, CA

The Area Leader is responsible for overseeing the operations of multiple restaurant locations within a designated geographical area. This role drives business growth while ensuring operational ...

J.M. Smucker Company

Area Leader

Longmont, CO

$93K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Opportunity as an Area Leader Leverage your leadership skills to drive business results while supporting our sandwich making technicians within our Longmont facility, where we make some of the ...

loco

Area Leader

Gardena, CA · On-site

The Area Leader is responsible for overseeing the operations of multiple restaurant locations within a designated geographical area. This role drives business growth while ensuring operational ...

Gregorys Coffee

Area Leader

Darien, CT · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Gregory's Coffee is looking to hire an amazing Area Leader to join our team! Gregorys Coffee is a family run company that puts people first. Joining our team means joining a community of baristas ...

CAVA-University Blvd

Area Leader

Orlando, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Area Leader is responsible for providing direction and executing operational processes and procedures for our GARDEN AREA. This multi-unit leader will be expected to provide oversight and ...

Gregorys Coffee

Area Leader

Darien, CT

Gregory's Coffee is looking to hire an amazing Area Leader to join our team! Gregorys Coffee is a family run company that puts people first. Joining our team means joining a community of baristas ...

Valet Living

Area Leader

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Valet Living is hiring a field-based Area Leader to help oversee our nightly waste, recycling, and compost collection services. In this role, you'll manage a team of 15 to 40 part-time Service Valets ...

Valet Living, LLC

Area Leader

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Valet Living is hiring a field-based Area Leader to help oversee our nightly waste, recycling, and compost collection services. In this role, you'll manage a team of 15 to 40 part-time Service Valets ...

7-Eleven

Area Leader Trainee

Kenosha, WI

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Area Leader Trainee 7-Eleven is an iconic family of brands with over 86,000 locations, surpassing every retailer in the world. We revolutionize convenience, restaurants and fuel through cutting edge ...

New

7-Eleven

Area Leader Trainee

Kenosha, WI

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Area Leader Trainee 7-Eleven is an iconic family of brands with over 86,000 locations, surpassing every retailer in the world. We revolutionize convenience, restaurants and fuel through cutting edge ...

New

Valet Living, LLC

Area Leader

Austin, TX · On-site

$23.50 - $25.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Valet Living is hiring a field-based Area Leader to help oversee our nightly waste, recycling, and compost collection services. In this role, you'll manage a team of 15 to 40 part-time Service Valets ...

Valet Living, LLC

Area Leader

Austin, TX · On-site

$24 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Valet Living is hiring a field-based Area Leader to help oversee our nightly waste, recycling, and compost collection services. In this role, you'll manage a team of 15 to 40 part-time Service Valets ...

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Area Leader information

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How much do area leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for area leader in the United States is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an area leader?

Area Leaders are professionals responsible for overseeing operations, teams, or branches within a designated geographic area or business unit. Their main duties include managing staff, ensuring company standards are met, implementing policies, and driving performance to achieve organizational goals. Area Leaders often serve as the link between upper management and local teams, providing guidance, support, and strategic direction. They are essential in maintaining consistent service quality and operational efficiency across multiple locations.

How does an area leader typically collaborate with teams across different locations, and what strategies help ensure consistent performance?

As an Area Leader, you'll often oversee multiple teams across various locations, requiring frequent communication and coordination to ensure alignment with company goals. Regular site visits, virtual meetings, and standardized reporting are common strategies for maintaining consistency and addressing challenges promptly. Building strong relationships with local managers and fostering an open feedback culture also helps in identifying issues early and sharing best practices across teams. Successful Area Leaders balance hands-on support with empowering local leaders to drive performance and innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an area leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Area Leader, you need strong leadership, organizational, and operational management skills, often supported by a degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with workforce management software, budgeting tools, and performance tracking systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and motivational skills help drive team performance and foster a positive work environment. These skills ensure the effective oversight of multiple locations or teams, consistent achievement of business goals, and sustainable growth.

What is the difference between Area Leader vs Store Manager?

AspectArea LeaderStore Manager
CredentialsTypically requires leadership experience, industry-specific certifications, and sometimes a degree in business or managementRequires retail management experience, customer service skills, and often a high school diploma or degree
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple store locations within a region, traveling between sitesManages a single store, working primarily within that location
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in retail chains, hospitality, and service industriesPrimarily in retail, supermarkets, and specialty stores

While both roles involve leadership and operational oversight, an Area Leader manages multiple stores within a region, focusing on regional performance, whereas a Store Manager is responsible for the daily operations of a single store. The Area Leader's role is broader, often requiring more strategic planning and travel, while the Store Manager handles day-to-day staff and customer service within one location.

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Area Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Area Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Area Leader

El Pollo Loco

Gardena, CA • On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

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!
• Competitive pay and bonus
• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting
• Basic Life and AD&D/Long Term Disability
• Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid Holidays
• Vehicle stipend + gas card
• Free El Pollo Loco food (Dine Out Card) + Restaurant Discount
• Discounts on El Pollo Loco food, theme parks, movie tickets, sports, hotels and more
POSITION PURPOSE:
The Area Leader is responsible for overseeing the operations of multiple restaurant locations within a designated geographical area. This role drives business growth while ensuring operational excellence and fostering a positive work environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Hire, train, lead, coach, develop, and mentor restaurant leadership teams including General Managers (GMs), Assistant Managers (AMs), and Shift Leaders (SLs), including one-on-one training, role modeling, developmental job assignments, and guided self-study materials.
  • Provide ongoing coaching to ensure all team members consistently meet and/or exceed expectations.
  • Foster a positive and collaborative work environment within designated area, promoting a culture of excellence and teamwork.
  • Implement and maintain operational standards, ensuring consistency across all locations in compliance with federal/state/local laws including employment laws, food quality and safety standards, and employee/restaurant safety policies and procedures. Manage annual budgets for each assigned restaurant location, working to achieve financial targets.
  • Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions. Provide timely, insightful feedback, and proactive guidance to restaurant management.
  • Ensure control over assigned area costs through effective inventory management, labor scheduling, and resource allocation leadership.
  • Collaborate with each General Manager, crafting strategic plans to reduce costs, boost sales, and optimize profit to maximize results over previous year's performance benchmarks and in alignment with budgetary standards.
  • Conduct regular meetings and restaurant visits (i.e., deep dive inspections, area tours, announced/unannounced visits, etc.) to ensure compliance with proper staff training and scheduling, employee relations and performance management, inventory control, food and customer safety, cleanliness, and other operational standards.
  • Preserve brand integrity of restaurant facilities through established brand and performance standards.
  • Provide effective and timely resolution to escalated customer complaints.
  • Collaborate with the People Services Department to resolve team member conflicts and address employee relations matters that cannot be resolved at a lower management level.
  • Work cross-functionally with the People Services and Loss Prevention departments to investigate and settle security and cash handling violations.
  • Represent the Company at state and federal agency hearings, conferences, meetings, as needed.
  • Collaborate with the Operations Services, Training, and Marketing teams to execute regional marketing strategies and promotions (i.e., LTO modules).
  • Stay informed about industry trends and competitor activities to make informed business decisions.
  • Champion effective vertical and horizontal communications within the area including company-wide news of interest, upcoming events, limited time offers, promotions, product developments, "Best Practices" among peers, etc.
  • Other activities, duties or responsibilities that are assigned by your supervisor.

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:
High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required, BA/BS degree preferred; five (5) or more years of prior General Management experience required; three (3) or more years of QSR experience as an Area Leader or District Manager, preferred.
License/Certifications:
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Experience with successfully recruiting, building, and developing a team (based on current and future needs).
  • Proven experience in a Multi-Unit/Area Manager role within the Quick Service Restaurant industry.
  • Strong understanding of QSR or multi-unit retail/restaurant/hospitality operations, including food safety, quality standards, and customer service.
  • Ability to analyze financial reports and implement strategies for business improvement.
  • 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.
  • Ability to read, write, and interpret complex reports, documents, and correspondence.
  • 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 work weekends and extended work schedules as needed.
  • Must be willing and able to travel locally within Southern California and to out-of-state restaurant locations, as needed by car or airplane.

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.
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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