External Leadership Development Program

Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 76,500 - 93,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Company-provided laptop

Job summary

The Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center is excited to offer a Leadership Development Program (LDP) aimed at individuals aspiring to enhance their business acumen and leadership skills. Participants will engage in significant roles such as Grand Opening Supervisor and Interim Manager, gaining hands-on experience in restaurant operations.

Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor’s degree and be prepared for extensive travel. The program includes a competitive starting salary of $85,000 annually, along with comprehensive benefits including health, vacation time, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ability to execute the business and restaurant operations.
• Effective communication skills.
• Willingness to travel 100% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Supervise team members and manage performance.
• Create and implement training plans.
• Analyze financial data and maximize restaurant return.

Skills

Business acumen

Leadership skills

Communication

Creativity

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

• What is the Leadership Development Program (LDP)?
• Preparing to apply
• 60‑minute Live Informational Session: Prior to applying, it is strongly recommended to attend a Live Informational Session to learn more about the program and ask questions to a recruiter and current LDP participants. This virtual event dives deep into the history and purpose of LDP, the logistics of the program, training, salary and benefits, the interview process, and more. Please register here.

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a 24 to 36‑month developmental program available to individuals who are interested in growing their business acumen and restaurant leadership skills in pursuit of future leadership opportunities with Chick‑fil‑A or other businesses. In the program, LDP participants spend time in two different positions: Grand Opening Supervisor and Interim Manager. Participants may also be assigned to rotational opportunities at the Support Center or other staff projects as needed.

Competitive LDP Candidates Will

• Know and Execute the Business
• Know and Execute the Restaurant
• Show Ownership
• Act Wisely
• Communicate Clearly
• Connect Personally
• Persist Creatively
• Lead Humbly

Salary and Compensation

• Annual starting salary: $85,000 per year for exempt LDP participants.
• Hourly rate for non‑exempt LDP participants in training: $30 per hour.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and eligible dependents.
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• 12 weeks fully paid short‑term disability.
• 401(k) retirement plan and employer‑funded defined benefit pension plan.
• Paid time off: 56 hours at hire plus 40 hours every six months thereafter.
• Paid holidays on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• Paid time off to serve on a jury up to 26 weeks.
• Paid bereavement leave up to 20 days.
• Paid time off to perform certain military service obligations up to 26 weeks.
• Bonding leave: up to four weeks following birth or adoption.
• Three additional days of paid time off for rest.
• Income tax filing stipend for states outside the home state.
• Two personal trips for the employee and two for their spouse and legal dependents each year.

Additional perks include company‑provided laptop, professional development stipend, housing and rental car, financial wellness support, access to the Chick‑fil‑A Wellness Center, a company wellness program, a company Employee Assistance Program, and access to discounted products and services through Chick‑fil‑A Marketplace.

Chick‑fil‑A, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We make employment decisions on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

Responsibilities

Interim Manager Responsibilities

• Protect the Chick‑fil‑A brand by ensuring food safety and quality and executing on the Winning Hearts Every Day Strategy.
• Assess and analyze the current state of the restaurant business in terms of people, quality and customer service, sales, brand growth, and financial return.
• Develop a 30‑, 60‑, or 90‑day business plan.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and supervise team members, manage payroll, scheduling, and performance.
• Develop and implement training plans that meet Pathway standards.
• Create role clarity and facilitate clear communication among the team.
• Conduct performance reviews and create performance management plans.
• Ensure compliance with all employment laws.
• Recruit, select, and schedule Field Talent Staff as needed.
• Supervise trainers’ performance and ensure they train team members to Chick‑fil‑A procedures and brand standards.
• Implement food‑safety systems such as LEAN Chicken and complete SAFE Daily Critical and eRQA daily.
• Ensure restaurant leaders are ServSafe certified.
• Maintain necessary equipment, small wares, office items for food safety, quality, and quick service.
• Maintain restaurant facilities and equipment condition.
• Ensure restaurant cleanliness and create sustainable cleaning systems.
• Analyze Customer Engagement Monitor survey results and develop strategy for improvement.
• Evaluate vendor performance and make necessary changes.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and oversee ordering processes.
• Identify and solve business bottlenecks to maximize throughput.
• Analyze financial data to maximize restaurant return.
• Ensure smooth transition of the restaurant to the incoming operator.

Grand Opening Supervisor Responsibilities

• Support the new restaurant opening process, consulting with operators on planning and execution of the Operator’s vision.
• Consult on brand standards, operational issues, sales generation, vendor strategy, and restaurant layout.
• Recruit, select, and schedule Field Talent Staff and ensure onboarding compliance.
• Supervise Field Talent Staff, manage performance, and ensure they train operators’ team members.
• Oversee and manage the opening budget, including labor, travel, meals, and entertainment.
• Consult on systems to ensure food safety such as LEAN Chicken.
• Complete SAFE Daily Critical and eRQA daily and advise on corrective measures.
• Forecast sales and advise operators on inventory levels.
• Provide consultation on resources and tools to ensure brand consistency, including Pathway.
• Support operators in setting up restaurants with necessary equipment and tools.
• Consult on back‑office systems.
• Help identify and solve business bottlenecks.
• Create an exit strategy for the new opening support team to ensure minimal impact to brand standards and guest experience.

Information on responsibilities for other positions, such as Mobile Kitchen Lead, staff projects, and other assignments, will be provided as needed to LDP participants.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to consume the entirety of the Chick‑fil‑A menu without dietary restrictions to ensure quality and provide recommendations.
• Valid US or Canadian driver’s license.
• Willing to travel 100% of the time.
• Available to work on weekends.

Physical Requirements

• Requires prolonged standing.
• Ability to work in noisy, crowded, and fast‑paced restaurant environments.
• Ability to travel domestic or international flights and drive long distances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior restaurant industry experience strongly preferred.
• Bilingual/Spanish proficiency.

Required Years of Experience

5 years

Preferred Years of Experience

5 years

Travel Requirements

100%

Required Level of Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Preferred Level of Education

Bachelor's degree

Required Major/Concentration

All majors/concentrations

Relocation Assistance Provided

No