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Leadership Development Accelerator

Executive Overview: The Path to Ownership

The Chick-fil-A Leadership Accelerator is a premier residency designed specifically for high-potential college graduates and emerging leaders who aspire to become a Chick-fil-A Franchisee (Owner/Operator).


Becoming a Chick-fil-A Operator is one of the most competitive entrepreneurial opportunities in the business sector. Our commitment is to provide you with the the operational, financial, and relational wisdom required to lead a multi-million dollar business. You will work directly with our local Operator and senior Executive Team to master the Chick-fil-A model from the ground up.

The Developmental Journey

The residency is structured as a progression, moving from tactical mastery to strategic influence. Areas of focus include:

  • Operational Excellence: Mastering the "Winning Hearts Every Day" strategy.
  • Financial Stewardship: P&L management, labor optimization, and food cost gaps.
  • Talent Coaching: Recruitment, "Selecting Top Talent," and developing a high-performance culture.
  • Strategic Growth: Leveraging customer data, marketing platforms, and LEAN methodology to scale results.
  • Compliance & Risk: Deep dives into HR, California labor law, and safety protocols.

What We Look For (The Candidate Profile)

We are seeking "Level 5 Leaders" who possess a rare blend of Humility and Professional Drive.

  • Growth Mindset: You view feedback as a gift and obstacles as opportunities.
  • Mission Alignment: You embody our C.A.R.E. values of Consistency, Accountability, Resiliency, and Empowerment.
  • Servant Leadership: You aren't afraid to get your hands dirty on the front lines while maintaining a strategic bird's-eye view.
  • Emotional Intelligence: You demonstrate high discernment and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.

Requirements to Apply

  • Academic Foundation: A completed Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or 3+ years of significant management experience.
  • Full Availability: 40+ hours per week, including Saturdays.
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit: A clear desire to pursue Chick-fil-A ownership or high-level organizational leadership.
  • Integrity: A track record of making ethical decisions under pressure.
  • Mobility: A driver’s license and reliable transportation.

The "Accelerator" Advantage (Benefits)

  • Direct Mentorship: Weekly 1v1 sessions with the Operator to review goals and performance.
  • Competitive Compensation: A sliding scale that grows as your level of responsibility increases.
  • Educational Resources: Access to the Leadwell Leadership Library and our Leadership Reading Exchange.
  • The Operator Pipeline: Assistance and endorsement for those applying to Chick-fil-A Inc.’s Corporate Leadership Development Program (LDP).
  • Holistic Wellness: Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and tuition reimbursement.

Our Shared Commitment

Throughout this accelerator, you will be challenged. We use the Five Dysfunctions of a Team framework to build trust, engage in healthy conflict, and drive collective results. If you are looking for a "job," this isn't it. If you are looking for a vocation that prepares you to lead an organization at the highest level, we are excited to hear your story.

Work schedule

  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability
  • Holidays
  • Day shift
  • Night shift
  • Overtime

Supplemental pay

  • Bonus pay

Benefits

  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • 401(k) matching
  • Employee discount
  • Paid training

Chick-fil-A - Chick-fil-A: Centre City Parkway in Escondido

515 W 13th Ave, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
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This job posting is for an opportunity at a Chick-fil-A® Restaurant business independently owned and operated by a local franchised Operator. If you choose to apply for this position, you understand and acknowledge that your application and any information included with it will only be submitted to the Operator. Chick-fil-A, Inc. will not receive a copy of your employment application and will not be involved in any decisions regarding whether to hire you. If you are hired for this position, you also understand and acknowledge that the Operator’s restaurant business will be your employer, not Chick-fil-A, Inc., and that the Operator is solely responsible for all decisions related to your employment, including hiring, firing, discipline, compensation, scheduling and supervision.