Software Development Manager
5 days ago
Costa Mesa
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! Hybrid work schedule Competitive pay and bonus 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 The Manager of Software Development is a player/coach responsible for leading, developing, and mentoring the company's software engineering team while also contributing hands-on to coding, solution design, integrations, and troubleshooting. This role oversees internal application development, enterprise integrations, API services, and modernization efforts across multiple platforms, including Java-based systems, JavaScript web applications, SQL databases, and enterprise integrations that support restaurant operations and Support Center functions. This leader ensures high-quality, secure, and well-documented software delivery by establishing engineering standards, coordinating closely with the Technical QA & Documentation Manager, and serving as the final gatekeeper for production deployments. The Manager partners with cross-functional teamsincluding POS, Data & Analytics, Infrastructure, HR, and Marketingto deliver scalable, reliable, and business-driven solutions aligned with organizational priorities. • 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. Education/Work Experience: • Bachelor's degree preferred in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field., • 610 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., • Java, AWS, or Microsoft development certifications., • Scrum/Agile certifications (ScrumMaster, PMI-ACP)., • 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. 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. #LI-Hybrid