Director

Workstream; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Bonuses

Career advancement

Team-focused environment

Job summary

Chick-fil-A Merle Hay is seeking a Director to oversee daily restaurant operations, drive world-class execution, and coach leaders across FOH and BOH. You will model servant leadership, manage performance, and align with the Winning Hearts Everyday strategy in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, talent development, and maintaining top quality, hospitality, and cleanliness standards while delivering an exceptional guest experience in a community-focused setting.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of restaurant management experience, preferably in quick-service or fast-casual environments.
• Proven leadership abilities with a track record of guiding teams and driving results.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for building relationships with staff and guests.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced setting.
• Commitment to high standards of quality, service, and cleanliness.

Responsibilities

• Model Leadership: Lead day-to-day activities in a high-volume restaurant.
• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement plans to drive operational excellence and hit business goals.
• Operational Oversight: Guide operators and management teams to ensure consistent standards and hospitality.
• Financial Management: Monitor KPIs, identify improvements, and drive profitability and efficiency.
• Team Development: Recruit, train, and coach leaders and frontline staff to foster excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Team management

Operational excellence

Tools

Microsoft Office

Restaurant management software

Job description

Director

A Chick-fil-A Director is someone who consistently demonstrates our core values, embraces the Chick-fil-A culture and has a servant’s heart. They have a passion for people and serving others, have strong character, take initiative and work with a sense of urgency at all times. A Chick-fil-A Director is responsible for overseeing and executing daily restaurant operations and keeping team members, trainers and team leaders, accountable for each component of our Winning Hearts Everyday strategy. A Director's main areas of focus are implementing systems to ensure world-class execution, so that the restaurant's Front of House and Back of House run effectively, and coaching/developing team members, trainers, and directors. Directors will lead by example and set the tone that others will follow.

This role is focused on improving restaurant performance by executing Chick-fil-A’s vision of being the world’s most caring company. A Director will assist the Executive Director in responsibility for restaurant operations, financials, sales growth, assisting in talent acquisition, and guest experience. As a whole, a director will approach the business as a business owner, looking at both the here-and-now and long-term goals of the business.

Description

Responsibilities

• Model Leadership: Lead and participate in day-to-day activities in a high-volume, fast-paced restaurant
• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement strategic plans to drive operational excellence and achieve business objectives across both the FOH and BOH for the Merle Hay Chick-fil-A.
• Operational Oversight: Provide leadership and guidance to Chick-fil-A Operators and their management teams to ensure consistent execution of operational standards, including food quality, service, cleanliness, and hospitality.
• Financial Management: Monitor financial performance and key performance indicators (KPIs), identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to maximize profitability and efficiency.
• Team Development: Support Directors in recruiting, training, and developing high-performing management teams and frontline staff. Provide coaching and mentorship to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with Chick-fil-A brand standards, policies, and procedures across all operational areas, including food safety, customer service, and facility maintenance.
• Community Engagement: Actively participate in community events and initiatives to promote Chick-fil-A's brand and values. Build relationships with local organizations and stakeholders to enhance brand awareness and support community outreach efforts.
• Communication and Collaboration: Facilitate open communication and collaboration between Chick-fil-A Directors, team leads and team members to drive alignment and achieve shared goals.
• Performance Evaluation: Conduct regular performance evaluations and assessments of Chick-fil-A Merle Hay to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. Develop action plans to address performance gaps and drive continuous improvement.
• Crisis Management: Lead the response to operational challenges, emergencies, or crises as they arise, ensuring swift and effective resolution while minimizing impact on business operations.
• Innovation and Growth: Identify opportunities for innovation and growth within the Chick-fil-A system, including new initiatives, menu enhancements, technology solutions, and expansion opportunities.
• A faith background is welcomed as a strength- our team values servant leadership, humility, and purpose in our work.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Potential Performance-based incentives and bonuses
• Health insurance and other benefits
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development
• Positive and supportive work environment with a focus on teamwork and personal growth

Requirements

• 3+ years of restaurant management experience, preferably in a quick-service or fast-casual environment
• Proven leadership abilities with a track record of effectively managing teams and driving results
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with team members, customers, and stakeholders
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated commitment to upholding high standards of quality, service, and cleanliness
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and restaurant management software
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays (minimum two nights a week and Saturday availability)

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.