Kitchen Leadership Pathway

Start as a Team Member. Build Skills. Become a Leader.

Full-Time | Kitchen Team | Leadership Development Track

At Chick-fil-A, we believe great leaders are developed, not simply hired.

Our Kitchen Leadership Pathway is designed for motivated individuals who want more than a job. It is an opportunity to begin as a full-time Kitchen Team Member, learn the business from the ground up, develop leadership skills, and work toward a leadership position within approximately 6-9 months, based on performance, readiness, and demonstrated leadership.

You do not need previous leadership experience to be successful in this program. What matters most is your character, work ethic, coachability, initiative, and desire to grow.

What You'll Do

As a Kitchen Team Member, you will learn to operate our kitchen at a high level while developing the skills necessary to eventually lead others.

You will:

• Prepare food safely, accurately, and efficiently while following Chick-fil-A standards
• Learn and consistently execute food safety and sanitation procedures
• Maintain high standards for food quality, cleanliness, organization, and speed
• Work effectively as part of a high-performing team
• Learn multiple kitchen positions and understand how each position contributes to the overall operation
• Develop the ability to recognize problems and take initiative to solve them
• Assist in training and encouraging other team members as you develop
• Learn how to communicate effectively with team members and leaders
• Develop an understanding of labor, food cost, waste, productivity, and operational performance
• Take increasing ownership of the success of the kitchen
• Demonstrate the standards and behaviors expected of a future leader

Your Development Path

This is not simply a Team Member position with the possibility of promotion.

You will have a development path.

Phase 1: Learn the Business

Team Member

Your first priority is learning how we operate.

You will become proficient in kitchen positions, food safety, quality standards, hospitality, speed of service, cleanliness, and teamwork.

Phase 2: Demonstrate Leadership

Team Member / Emerging Leader

As you demonstrate consistency and initiative, you will begin taking on additional responsibility.

You may have opportunities to:

• Help train new team members
• Coach others on standards
• Take ownership of specific kitchen responsibilities
• Assist leaders during shifts
• Help identify and solve operational problems
• Begin learning the fundamentals of shift leadership

Phase 3: Lead Others

Trainer / Team Leader

For candidates who demonstrate the necessary performance, maturity, and leadership ability, the goal is to progress into a formal leadership position within approximately 6-9 months.

The specific position and timing will depend on your readiness and performance.

Future leadership opportunities may include:

Team Member → Trainer → Team Leader → Kitchen Leadership

Your growth does not have to stop at Team Leader.

ServSafe Manager Certification will be required to complete proficiency as Operations Leader

What We're Looking For

We are looking for people who want to build something, not simply collect a paycheck.

You may be a strong candidate for this program if you:

• Want to build a long-term career with Chick-fil-A
• Take pride in doing things correctly
• Have a strong work ethic and sense of personal responsibility
• Are dependable and follow through on commitments
• Receive feedback well and actively apply it
• Enjoy helping and encouraging others
• Take initiative without always being asked
• Stay calm and productive in a fast-paced environment
• Care about quality and attention to detail
• Are willing to learn every aspect of the kitchen
• Want to become the kind of leader others can rely on
• Are willing to be held to a high standard

Previous restaurant or leadership experience is helpful, but it is not required.

We can teach you the skills.

We are looking for the right character, attitude, and desire to grow.

What You'll Learn

Through hands-on experience, coaching, and leadership development, you will build skills in:

Kitchen Operations

• Food preparation and production
• Food safety and sanitation
• Quality control
• Speed and efficiency
• Inventory and waste awareness
• Equipment and kitchen organization

Leadership

• Training and coaching
• Communication
• Accountability
• Delegation
• Problem solving
• Conflict resolution
• Leading by example

Business Operations

• Labor and productivity
• Food cost
• Waste management
• Operational standards
• Shift execution
• Restaurant performance

These are skills that can serve you throughout your career, whether you continue your journey with Chick-fil-A or take them into another leadership opportunity.

Why Build Your Career With Chick-fil-A?

We believe a great workplace should help you become better both professionally and personally.

As a full-time team member, you will have access to opportunities including:

• Sunday off
• Scholarship opportunities
• Free meals while working
• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Vision benefits
• Leadership development and hands-on training
• Opportunities for advancement
• The opportunity to build a long-term career with a respected brand

Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to work in an environment where your growth is intentional.

We want to know where you want to go and help you develop the skills to get there.

This Program Is For You If...

You are looking at this position and thinking:

"I don't just want a job. I want to become good at something, learn how to lead people, and build a career."

If that sounds like you, we want to meet you.

Work schedule

• 8 hour shift
• 10 hour shift
• 12 hour shift
• Weekend availability
• Holidays
• Night shift
• Overtime

Supplemental pay

• Other

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Referral program
• Employee discount
• Paid training
• Other