Catering Lead

Chick-fil-A; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Chick-fil-A is seeking a Catering Lead to oversee catering operations, ensuring quality, hospitality, and operational excellence across planning, preparation, delivery, and setup. You will lead a team and work closely with the Sales & Brand Growth Director to uphold safety and Chick-fil-A standards.

The role requires strategic thinking, strong organization, and the ability to inspire and develop team members, reporting to the Sales & Brand Growth Director.

Qualifications

• Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience leading catering, hospitality, or food service teams.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proven problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Tech-savvy with scheduling and order management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead catering team development and foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee all catering operations to meet Chick-fil-A standards and health regulations.
• Coordinate deliveries and on-site event setups for seamless execution.
• Maintain inventory and resources for catering events and orders.
• Ensure exceptional guest/client experiences and address issues promptly.
• Analyze catering performance and identify opportunities for growth and process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Conflict resolution

Communication

Guest service

Decision making

Adaptability

Team motivation

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Scheduling software

Order management tools

Job description

Chick-fil-A - Urgent Catering Lead Opportunity!

Are you looking for a dynamic work environment where your leadership skills can shine? Are you a natural leader with a passion for excellence and service? Do you thrive in a people-focused atmosphere that values excellence and teamwork? If so, Chick-fil-A is eager to welcome you as our highly skilled Catering Lead!

Role Overview

Chick-fil-A is seeking a Catering Lead to join our management team and to oversee our catering operations, ensuring every delivery and event reflects our commitment to quality, hospitality, and operational excellence. This role ensures our ROYAL standard is met and delivers Operational Excellence for every catering order. The Catering Lead works closely with the Sales & Brand Growth Director to guarantee the highest quality and safety standards. The Catering Lead is responsible for managing all aspects of catering—from planning and preparation to delivery and setup—while leading a team to achieve exceptional results. This role requires strategic thinking, strong organizational skills, and the ability to inspire and develop team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development - Mentor and motivate catering team members, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Operational Excellence - Oversee food assembly, order accuracy, and adherence to Chick-fil-A standards and health regulations.
• Delivery & Event Coordination - Manage catering schedules, logistics, and on-site setups to ensure seamless execution of events.
• Inventory & Resource Management - Maintain adequate catering supplies and implement systems for organization and upkeep.
• Guest/Client Experience - Ensure every interaction reflects Chick-fil-A's Operational Excellence, addressing guest/client needs and resolving issues promptly and professionally.
• Strategic Planning - Analyze catering performance, identify growth opportunities, and implement process improvements.

A Typical Day as a Catering Lead

• Morning Leadership: Begin by reviewing the day’s catering schedule, assigning tasks, and ensuring the team is prepared for success.
• Quality Oversight: Check food assembly for accuracy and compliance with Chick-fil-A standards.
• Team Coordination: Support Catering Assistants during order preparation and deliveries, stepping in to resolve challenges as needed.
• Delivery & Event Management: Oversee on-site setups, ensuring presentation and service exceed expectations.
• Guest/Client Engagement: Interact with clients to confirm details, address concerns, and deliver exceptional service.
• End-of-Day Wrap-Up: Review completed orders, update inventory, and plan for upcoming events while providing feedback to the team.

Leadership Qualities We Value

• Visionary Thinking - Ability to set clear goals and inspire others to achieve them.
• Decisiveness & Accountability - Confident decision-making and ownership of outcomes.
• Emotional Intelligence - Strong interpersonal skills to lead with empathy and build trust.
• Adaptability - Thrive in fast-paced environments and manage change effectively.
• Communication Mastery - Clear, persuasive communication with team members, customers, and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess a valid state driver's license with proof of liability insurance and a clean driving record (or no accidents in the last three (3) years).
• Proven leadership experience in catering, hospitality, or food service
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities
• Tech-savvy with scheduling and order management tools
• Passion for people and delivering world-class service
• A keen attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

1. Some college or higher education.
2. Previous catering or food service experience in a restaurant or similar environment
3. Strong project management skills
4. Willingness to learn and receptive to change in a growing environment
5. A minimum of two (2) years of professional work experience

This position will report to the Sales & Brand Growth Director.

Why Join Us?

At Chick-fil-A, leadership means serving others first. As a Catering Lead, you'll have the opportunity to grow professionally, lead a dynamic team, and make a lasting impact on our guests and community experiences.

Working at a Chick-fil-A restaurant is more than a job - it's an opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a positive, people-focused environment. Most Chick-fil-A restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent, franchised Operators who invest in the future of their Team Members and give back to their communities.