Chick-fil-A FOOTHILL RANCH - Senior Kitchen Manager

Chick-fil-A; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 74,501,000 - 85,962,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to one week Paid Sick Leave

Complimentary meals

Job summary

Chick-fil-A Foothill Ranch is seeking a Senior Kitchen Manager to oversee daily Back of House restaurant operations, advancing the Owner/Operator’s vision for hospitality, profitability, and team development. You will lead with Chick-fil-A’s culture of service and oversee standards for food safety, guest experience, and performance metrics.

The role requires proven leadership in a high-volume setting, strong business acumen, and the ability to coach a 15–20 person team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading high-volume restaurant operations (5–7+ years).
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or related field preferred.
• Strong business acumen with track record of profitability and operational excellence.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills; able to resolve conflicts.
• Experience leading a team of 15–20 people.
• Fluent in Spanish or strong working Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of Back of House restaurant operations.
• Uphold Chick-fil-A standards for food safety, cleanliness, speed, and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and labor regulations.
• Monitor sales, labor, food cost, and productivity; adjust strategies for profitability.
• Recruit, interview, and develop leadership and hourly staff; succession planning.
• Mentor and coach managers and team members; foster servant leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Spanish language

Communication

Conflict resolution

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Business / Hospitality)

Job description

Position Summary

The Senior Kitchen Manager is a leadership role responsible for overseeing the daily kitchen operations of the Chick-fil-A restaurant while advancing the Owner/Operator’s vision. This leader ensures operational excellence, profitability, and team member development while upholding Chick-fil-A’s culture of hospitality, stewardship, and servant leadership. The Senior Kitchen Manager serves as the strategic link between high-level goals and day-to-day execution, driving results in sales growth, guest experience, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage all aspects of restaurant operations in the Back of House.
• Maintain and enforce Chick-fil-A standards for food safety, cleanliness, speed of service, and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and labor regulations.
• Monitor operational metrics (sales, labor, food cost, productivity) and adjust strategies to maximize profitability.

Team Development & Leadership

• Recruit, interview, and develop high quality talent for leadership and hourly positions.
• Maintain succession plans for key leadership roles.
• Mentor and coach other managers and team members to achieve operational and personal growth goals.
• Foster a culture of care, accountability, and servant leadership in alignment with Chick-fil-A values.

Guest Experience

• Champion Chick-fil-A’s “REMARKable” guest experience by modeling hospitality and ensuring every guest feels cared for, every visit.
• Implement strategies to measure and improve guest satisfaction (through various data analytics, assessments, secret shops, surveys, guest feedback).
• Ensure that all food served is of the highest quality and safety metrics.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Partner with the Owner/Operator to set financial goals and help develop annual & quarterly business plans.
• Manage budgets, analyze P&L reports, and implement cost-control measures.
• Identify opportunities for profitability and efficiency in the kitchen while building and maintaining systems around inventory and food cost.
• Oversee vendor relationships and supply chain management to ensure efficiency and quality of product inventory

Culture & Community Impact

• Model Chick-fil-A’s mission: “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”
• Represent Chick-fil-A Foothill Ranch in a positive way by supporting and participating in community partnerships, sponsorships, and charitable events.
• Promote Chick-fil-A’s culture of excellence, integrity, and service both inside and outside the restaurant.

Qualifications

• Proven experience high-volume restaurant leadership (minimum 5–7 years preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or related field (preferred but not required).
• Strong business acumen with a track record of driving profitability and operational excellence.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Previous experience leading a team of at least 15-20 people at a time.
• Proficiency in analyzing financial reports, labor models, and operational metrics.
• Commitment to Chick-fil-A’s values and passion for serving others.
• Fluent in Spanish or have strong working Spanish

Core Competencies

• Servant Leadership – Models humility, empathy, and care in leading others.
• Strategic Thinking – Balances long-term vision with daily execution.
• Operational Excellence – Maintains uncompromising standards for quality and efficiency.
• People Development – Builds leaders and fosters growth within the organization.
• Resilience & Adaptability – Thrives in a fast-paced environment with changing demands.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Work 45-50 hours / week on average
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 40 pounds, and work in a fast-paced restaurant/kitchen/drive-thru environment.
• Willingness to be highly visible and engaged in restaurant operations daily.

Compensation & Benefits

• $26-$30/hr
• Up to one week Paid Sick Leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth, and upward mobility
• Complimentary meals.

This role is ideal for a high-capacity leader who is passionate about operational excellence, people development, and advancing Chick-fil-A’s culture of service and impact.

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.