Pathway to Leadership – Chick-fil-A In-Restaurant Program
Are you passionate about service, leadership, and making a meaningful impact in your community? Chick-fil-A’s Pathway to Leadership is an immersive in-restaurant development program designed to equip team members with the skills, experience, and character needed to grow into leadership roles. Whether you’re exploring a career in restaurant management or pursuing long-term opportunities with Chick-fil-A, this program offers hands-on training, personal mentorship, and real responsibility in a fast-paced, team-centered environment. For those who demonstrate exceptional leadership and alignment with Chick-fil-A's mission, the Pathway to Leadership can serve as a stepping stone toward candidacy for Chick-fil-A's Leadership Development Program and a chance to be a future Chick-fil-A Operator.
Key Responsibilities
- Rotate through multiple areas of the business, including Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH), to gain comprehensive operational experience.
- Lead and support team members by promoting operational consistency and maintaining a standard of excellence.
- Balance responsibilities of shift leadership alongside essential operational tasks including inventory management, product ordering, staff scheduling, and conducting interviews.
- Champion and embody the Chick-fil-A’s “Winning Hearts Every Day” mission, ensuring a consistently positive guest experience.
- Deliver exceptional 2nd Mile Service to create memorable guest experiences and exceed expectations.
- Align daily actions and decisions with the vision and values set by the Operator and leadership team.
Leadership Skills Required
· Demonstrates the core leadership qualities we value in leaders and future Chick-fil-A Operators:
o Character – Lives out Chick-fil-A’s values with integrity and consistency.
o Chemistry – Builds strong relationships, encourages teamwork, and helps others grow.
o Competency – Thinks strategically, learns quickly, and drives results through effective systems.
· Embraces a servant leadership mindset—team-oriented, people-focused, and committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
· Highly organized with strong communication skills—verbal, written, and digital.
· Coachable and growth-minded, open to feedback and willing to provide it constructively to others.
· Able to learn quickly, adapt in a fast-paced environment, and lead others through change.
· Leads with a passion for mentoring and developing team members at all levels.
· Skilled in problem-solving and time management, able to prioritize tasks efficiently.
· Stays calm and focused under pressure, making thoughtful decisions while supporting both guests and the team.
Additional Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays (open availability)
- Reliable transportations to meet opening and closing shifts as needed
- Minimum 2 year commitment expected
Our Benefits Include:
- Competitive Pay - Along with a competitive paycheck, you will work in a nurturing environment where you will learn valuable business and people skills.
- Medical, Dental, Vision benefits.
- Closed Sundays - All Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed on Sundays so you can have a day off to spend with family and friends.
- Free Break Meals - One free meal per shift.
- Scholarship Opportunities - Award amounts include: $1,000, $2,500, or $25,000.
- Discounted Tuition Program – Chick-fil-A Team Members are eligible for discounted tuition at participating colleges and universities.
- Future Career Opportunities - We strive to promote intentional growth and development to help you reach your professional goals. This will strengthen your leadership skills which could lead to opportunities to become a Chick-fil-A Operator or Corporate Staff Member with Chick-fil-A, Inc. or any other profession that you chose.
- Opportunities for Travel - Travel to different Chick-fil-A grand openings to learn and development your skills.
- Positive Culture - At Chick-fil-A, we want every guest and Team Member to have a premium experience. We believe in going above and beyond for each other and our guests.
- Work Directly With A Chick-fil-A Operator - The Operator is an independent business person, responsible for the operation of the restaurant, who invests time in his or her employees, teaching them important business skills for the future.
Work schedule
- Weekend availability
- Holidays
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Flexible schedule
- 401(k) matching
- 401(k)
- Employee discount