Food Safety & Operations Leader — Hands-On Shift Lead

Chick-fil-A; Lutz (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits available

401(k) with company match

Scholarships up to $2,500 annually

Discounted meals

Closed on Sundays

Leadership development and advancement

Job summary

Chick-fil-A Cypress Ranch in Florida seeks an experienced Food Safety & Operations Leader to uphold food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence. You’ll lead safety initiatives, train teammates, oversee compliance, and support daily restaurant operations, including running shifts.

The role blends hands-on leadership with inspections, audits, and team development, requiring strong communication, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment while maintaining

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of Chick-fil-A experience.
• ServSafe Manager Certification or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Strong knowledge of Chick-fil-A operations, food safety standards, and sanitation.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Chick-fil-A food safety standards and local health regulations.
• Conduct routine food safety inspections and monitor temperatures, holding times, sanitation.
• Maintain accurate food safety logs, cleaning checklists, and compliance docs.
• Lead health department inspections, EcoSure evaluations, and audits.
• Identify food safety risks, implement corrective actions, and resolve them promptly.
• Train, coach, and hold team members accountable for safety and sanitation.
• Promote a culture of food safety and continuous improvement.
• Partner with leadership to maintain standards across all shifts.
• Lead shifts and support Front of House and Back of House as needed.
• Assist with team positioning, shift transitions, and opening/closing procedures.
• Support productivity, cleanliness, and operational readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Team management

Education

ServSafe Manager Certification

Job description

Position Overview

Chick-fil-A Cypress Ranch is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Food Safety & Operations Leader to ensure the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence.

This position combines food safety oversight with hands-on restaurant leadership. The ideal candidate will lead food safety initiatives, train and develop team members, oversee compliance, and support daily restaurant operations, including running shifts and covering operational positions as needed.

Benefits

· Health benefits available

· 401(k) with company match

· Scholarships up to $2,500 annually

· Discounted meals

· Closed on Sundays

· Leadership development and advancement opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Food Safety & Compliance

· Ensure compliance with Chick-fil-A food safety standards and local health regulations.

· Conduct routine food safety inspections and monitor food temperatures, holding times, sanitation, and proper food handling.

· Maintain accurate food safety logs, cleaning checklists, and compliance documentation.

· Lead preparation for health department inspections, EcoSure evaluations, and food safety audits.

· Identify food safety risks, implement corrective actions, and ensure timely resolution.

Leadership & Training

· Train, coach, and hold team members accountable for food safety and sanitation procedures.

· Promote a culture of food safety, cleanliness, and continuous improvement.

· Partner with restaurant leadership to maintain consistent standards across all shifts.

Restaurant Operations

· Lead restaurant shifts as assigned, ensuring operational efficiency, food quality, and exceptional guest service.

· Provide hands-on support by working in Front of House and Back of House positions as needed.

· Assist with team positioning, shift transitions, opening and closing procedures, and daily operational priorities.

· Support restaurant leadership in maintaining productivity, cleanliness, and operational readiness.

Required Qualifications

· Minimum of two (2) years of previous Chick-fil-A employment experience. Candidates without this experience will not be considered.

· ServSafe Manager Certification or ability to obtain it within 90 days of employment.

· Strong knowledge of Chick-fil-A operations, food safety standards, and sanitation procedures.

· Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 50 lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Join Our Team

At Chick-fil-A Cypress Ranch, food safety and operational excellence are essential to how we care for our guests and team members. We are looking for a hands-on leader who takes ownership, develops others, and consistently upholds our standards.

If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about food safety and leadership, we encourage you to apply!

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.