ROLE OVERVIEW
The Kitchen Director is the highest-level leadership position within the Chick-fil-A kitchen. This role is responsible for shaping the heart and performance of our back-of-house operations — building a team that takes pride in their craft, delivering food of the highest quality with consistency and speed, and creating an environment where every Team Member feels valued and equipped to grow.
The Kitchen Director is not just an operator — they are a culture builder, a coach, and a strategic leader. They will own the kitchen completely: from food cost and waste management to hiring, training, and team development. They represent the standard of excellence that Chick-fil-A is known for, and they hold their team to it every day — with care, accountability, and a servant leadership mindset.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Operations Leadership
- Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations during every daypart, ensuring food quality, speed, and safety standards are consistently met
- Develop and maintain kitchen systems that drive efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and support a smooth guest experience
- Monitor and improve throughput, order accuracy, and kitchen cleanliness to Chick-fil-A standards
- Ensure compliance with all health, food safety, and sanitation regulations at all times
- Lead pre-shift huddles and post-shift debriefs to communicate goals and recognize wins
Food Cost & Waste Reduction
- Own the kitchen's food cost percentage — set targets, track actuals, and drive continuous improvement
- Implement and enforce portioning standards, inventory controls, and waste-tracking procedures
- Conduct regular food audits and adjust ordering practices to minimize over-purchasing and spoilage
- Analyze trends in food cost data and develop action plans to address variances
- Partner with the Operator to align food cost goals with overall restaurant financial performance
Interviewing & Hiring
- Lead the full hiring process for all kitchen Team Members — from job posting to offer letter
- Conduct structured, values-based interviews that assess character, work ethic, and cultural fit
- Build and maintain a hiring pipeline to ensure the kitchen is always staffed appropriately
- Represent Chick-fil-A's brand and culture during every candidate interaction
- Collaborate with the Operator to align staffing levels with business volume and labor targets
Team Development & Training
- Design and execute onboarding programs that get new hires productive and confident quickly
- Create individual development plans for high-potential Team Members and track their progress
- Deliver consistent, real-time coaching and feedback on the floor — both corrective and affirming
- Build a pipeline of kitchen leadership by identifying and developing future trainers and shift leads
- Foster a culture of continuous learning where Team Members are always growing in their skills
Culture of Care
- Lead with a servant leadership approach — know your team by name, know their goals, and invest in them personally
- Build a kitchen environment where every Team Member feels seen, respected, and motivated to do their best work
- Recognize and celebrate individual and team wins consistently
- Address Team Member concerns with empathy and urgency, creating psychological safety in the kitchen
- Model the character and work ethic you expect from your team — every shift, every day
Additional Responsibilities
- Manage kitchen scheduling to ensure proper coverage across all dayparts while maintaining labor efficiency
- Maintain accurate records including temperature logs, waste sheets, and inventory counts
- Coordinate with the front-of-house leadership team to ensure seamless guest service
- Assist the Operator with menu rollouts, LTOs, and operational changes
- Uphold all Chick-fil-A policies, brand standards, and core values without compromise
ABOUT THIS ROLE
We are looking for a bold, passionate, and experienced leader to step into the Kitchen Director role at our Chick-fil-A location. This is not a position for someone looking to manage from the sidelines — we need someone who leads from the front, sets the tone every day, and genuinely cares about the people they work alongside.
The right candidate understands that operational excellence and people development are not competing priorities — they go hand in hand. You will be empowered with full ownership of the kitchen: the results, the team, and the culture. If you are driven by high standards, energized by developing others, and committed to building something great, this role was made for you.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Required
- Proven leadership experience managing a team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
- Strong ability to coach, motivate, and develop people at all skill levels
- Demonstrated track record of improving operational systems and holding a team accountable to standards
- High integrity, reliability, and a genuine commitment to serving others
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills — both verbal and written
- Ability to remain calm, solutions-oriented, and decisive under pressure
Preferred (Not Required)
- Restaurant or food service industry experience — particularly in a high-volume or QSR environment
- Bilingual in English and Spanish — ability to communicate effectively with all Team Members
- Familiarity with Chick-fil-A kitchen systems, food safety certifications, or ServSafe
- Experience with food cost management, labor scheduling, or P&L awareness
- Previous experience interviewing and selecting candidates for a team
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- A servant leader who leads with humility, not ego
- Someone who takes ownership — of results, of people, and of the culture
- A communicator who gives clear direction and listens with intention
- A developer of people who finds satisfaction in watching others grow
- Someone who holds the line on standards because they care, not because they want to be right
- A problem solver who sees challenges as opportunities and brings the team along
- A person of strong character who represents Chick-fil-A's values inside and outside the restaurant
Supplemental pay
- Bonus pay
- Other
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Mileage reimbursement
- Other