Restaurant Operations Leader: Develop Talent & Growth

Chick-fil-A; Bridgewater Township (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct partnership with Owner/Operator

Leadership development and career grow

Competitive compensation

Performance-based growth opportunities

People-first work environment

Job summary

Chick-fil-A Bridgewater Towne Center is seeking an Operations Lead to own the restaurant’s day-to-day and long-term performance across FOH, BOH, and drive-thru.

You will lead by example, develop leaders, and drive sales growth while upholding safety and brand standards in a fast-paced, community-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in restaurant or operations management.
• Minimum of one year of college coursework completed.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to drive performance and results.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• High level of organization, ownership, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead full restaurant operations across Front of House and Back of House and drive drive-thru performance.
• Own day-to-day execution and long-term strategy for operational and financial results.
• Develop leaders, build high-performing teams, and foster a culture of accountability.
• Monitor key metrics (sales, guest satisfaction, speed of service) and optimize execution.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and brand standards.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Business acumen

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Some college coursework

Job description

Brand Summary

Working at a Chick-fil-A® restaurant is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to lead, develop people, and drive meaningful impact in a positive, people-focused environment. At Chick-fil-A Bridgewater Towne Center, we are committed to Serving Excellence With Care through our S.E.R.V.E model. This role plays a critical part in shaping culture, driving performance, and leading the restaurant to operational and financial success while making a lasting impact in the community.

Job Description

At Chick-fil-A, the Operations Lead is responsible for leading the entire restaurant operation. This role owns day-to-day execution, long-term strategy, and overall business performance across Front of House, Back of House, and drive-thru. The Operations Lead partners directly with the Owner/Operator to develop leaders, drive sales growth, ensure operational excellence, and build a high-performance culture. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires strong business acumen, people development, and the ability to execute at a high level.

Position Type

Full-time

Our Benefits Include

•A high-impact leadership role with full ownership of restaurant operations

•Direct partnership with the Owner/Operator

•Leadership development and long-term career growth opportunities

•Competitive compensation

•Performance-based growth opportunities

•A purpose-driven, people-first work environment

Operations Lead Responsibilities

S.E.R.V.E Model Expectations

•Serve with Hospitality: Set and protect the standard for guest experience and team culture

•Execute with Excellence: Drive operational consistency, speed, and accuracy across all areas

•Respect Food Safety & Standards: Ensure full compliance with all safety, quality, and brand standards

•Value Teamwork & Growth: Develop leaders, build strong teams, and create a culture of accountability

•Elevate the Experience: Continuously improve systems, processes, and overall restaurant performance

Business & Operational Ownership

•Own full restaurant performance, including operations, people, and financial results

•Oversee daily operations across FOH, BOH, and drive-thru, always ensuring excellence.

•Monitor and drive key performance metrics (sales, speed of service, accuracy, guest satisfaction)

•Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, throughput, and overall execution

•Ensure all systems, processes, and procedures are consistently followed

Leadership Development & Culture

•Develop and coach leaders at all levels, including Shift Leaders and department leads

•Build a strong leadership pipeline and succession plan

•Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement

•Set clear expectations and hold leaders accountable to performance standards

•Lead by example in professionalism, work ethic, and servant leadership

Financial Performance & Growth

•Drive sales growth through operational excellence, marketing alignment, and community engagement

•Manage labor, food cost, and operational expenses to meet business goals

•Partner with Marketing and Catering Leads to grow revenue streams

•Analyze business performance and implement strategies to improve profitability

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

•Ensure all food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards are upheld at all times

•Maintain an inspection-ready restaurant and uphold brand standards

•Oversee completion of all required logs, checklists, and compliance processes

•Ensure product quality and consistency across all shifts

Cross-Functional Leadership

•Partner with Marketing, Catering, and Facility Leads to ensure alignment across the business

•Ensure operational readiness for all promotions, events, and community initiatives

•Support execution of large orders, catering, and high-volume days

Accountability & Performance Management

•Hold leaders and team members accountable to Chick-fil-A standards and expectations

•Address performance issues with professionalism and consistency

•Track and report on business performance, team development, and operational goals

•Maintain strong communication with the Owner/Operator and leadership team

Qualifications and Requirements

•Proven leadership experience in restaurant or operations management

•Minimum of one year of college coursework completed

•Strong business acumen with the ability to drive performance and results

•Excellent communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills

•Ability to lead in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

•High level of organization, ownership, and attention to detail

•Flexible availability, including mornings, evenings, and weekends

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.