Leadership Development Program (Canada)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Company-provided laptop

Professional development stipend

Job summary

Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center is seeking applicants for its Leadership Development Program (LDP), which lasts 24 to 36 months. Participants will take on roles as Grand Opening Supervisors and Interim Managers, with a starting salary of $85,000 per year. The program includes extensive training and requires 100% travel.

Successful candidates will have a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Benefits include comprehensive insurance packages and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Qualifications

• 5 years of leadership experience or a relevant bachelor's degree.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and travel extensively.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and supervise trainers for Grand Openings.
• Manage operations and team members as an Interim Manager.
• Develop and implement training plans and performance reviews.

Skills

Leadership experience

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Overview

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a 24‑ to 36‑month developmental program that prepares participants to grow their business acumen and restaurant leadership skills. Participants spend time in two core positions: Grand Opening Supervisor and Interim Manager. The program begins with initial training in the United States and the remainder of the training takes place in Canada.

Salary and Compensation

The annual starting salary for exempt LDP participants is $85,000 per year. During training, non‑exempt participants are compensated at an hourly rate of $30 per hour.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents
• Life and accident insurance
• Paid short‑term disability (12 weeks)
• 401(k) retirement plan and employer‑funded defined benefit pension plan
• Paid time off: 56 hours at hire and additional 40 hours every six months; paid holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas); jury duty leave up to 26 weeks; bereavement leave up to 20 days; military leave up to 26 weeks; bonding leave up to 4 weeks; 3 additional days of paid time off for rest
• Income tax filing stipend for states outside home state
• Company‑provided laptop, professional development stipend, and reimbursement for moving expenses, housing, and rental car
• Access to Chick‑fil‑A Wellness Center, wellness program, Employee Assistance Program, and discounted products through Chick‑fil‑A Marketplace

Grand Opening Supervisor Responsibilities

• Recruit, select, and schedule Grand Opening Trainers; ensure onboarding documents are complete and compliant with applicable law.
• Supervise Trainers and ensure they understand and train operators on brand standards and operational functions.
• Oversee the Grand Opening budget, including labor, travel, meals, and entertainment.
• Consult with the operator on planning strategy and execution of their vision; provide “Raving Fans” strategy.
• Consult on brand standards, vendor strategy, and restaurant layout; collaborate with marketing for PR and marketing activations.
• Ensure food safety and quality with necessary equipment and office items; advise on back‑office systems.
• Forecast sales and consult on inventory levels; provide resources and tools for consistency with brand standards.
• Support operators in finalizing exit strategy for the Grand Opening support team.

Interim Manager Responsibilities

• Manage all operations and team members at the assigned Chick‑fil‑A restaurant.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and supervise team members; handle payroll, labor scheduling, and performance management.
• Develop and implement Pathway training plan; conduct performance reviews and create management plans.
• Create role clarity and clear communication within the team.
• Ensure compliance with all employment laws; develop processes and procedures.
• Assess current state of the business; develop a 30/60/90‑day business plan.
• Analyze customer engagement data and create strategy to improve results.
• Evaluate vendor performance; implement inventory and ordering processes.
• Identify and solve bottlenecks; analyze data to make optimal decisions for financial return.
• Ensure restaurant readiness and smooth transition to incoming operator.

Responsibilities For Other Positions LDP Participants May Hold

Participants may also work in the Mobile Kitchen Lead role or various temporary business positions at the Support Center. Specific responsibilities are provided as needed to successful applicants.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• Bachelor’s Degree or 5 years of leadership experience
• Ability to consume the entire Chick‑fil‑A menu without dietary restrictions
• Independence and minimal oversight
• Business judgment and sound decision‑making skills
• Experience leading teams
• Problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Clear and consistent feedback communication
• Conflict management in a respectful and timely manner
• Responsibility and action as needed
• Effective listening and seeking to understand
• Curiosity about the needs of others
• Rapport establishment and inspiration
• Clear and concise communication

Physical Requirements

• Work in a fast‑paced restaurant environment
• Travel 100% of the time
• Availability to work on weekends

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• Valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license

Required Years Of Experience

5

Travel Requirements

100%

Required Level Of Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Preferred Level Of Education

N/A

Required Major/Concentration

All Majors/Concentrations

EEO Statement

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.