Operations Director

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Operations Director

As Operations Director, you will play a critical role in driving the restaurant’s overall performance and daily execution. You will oversee day-to-day operations with a focus on operational excellence, labor optimization, food cost control, and consistent delivery of an exceptional guest experience.

You will lead and develop high-capacity team members and leaders, building a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous growth. Through intentional influence and servant leadership, you will align the team around clear expectations, measurable goals, and a shared commitment to excellence.

In partnership with the Operator and leadership team, you will help shape both the strategic direction and tactical execution of the business—translating vision into action, driving results, and ensuring sustainable, profitable growth while maintaining a culture of genuine care for guests and team members alike.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Operational Excellence (Day-to-Day Leadership)– Owns and optimizes daily restaurant operations, ensuring systems, standards, and guest experience are executed with consistency and excellence.

• Influence & Culture Leadership – Leads through influence, not position; builds trust, drives alignment, and shapes a high-performance culture across all levels of the team.

• Labor Stewardship – Strategically manages labor to balance service excellence with financial performance, using data to forecast, schedule, and maximize productivity.

• Food Cost & Financial Acumen – Maintains strong cost controls, protects inventory, minimizes waste, and drives profitability through disciplined operational practices.

• Leader Development – Identifies, coaches, and develops high-capacity leaders; builds clear growth paths and succession plans to strengthen the leadership pipeline.

• Strategic & Tactical Business Strategy – Thinks beyond daily operations to set long-term direction while executing short-term priorities that move the business forward.

• Execution & Results Orientation – Turns vision into action, ensures follow-through, and consistently delivers measurable results aligned with business goals.

• Servant Leadership – Leads by example, invests in others, and puts the success of the team and guests first.

Leadership Path & Training Process

At Chick-fil-A Spotsylvania Towne Centre, we believe in developing leaders from within and setting them up for long-term success. Here’s what the journey to Operation Director looks like:

30-Day Probation Period

The first 30 days serve as a mutual evaluation period—for both you and our leadership team—to ensure the role and environment are the right fit.

Start as a Team Member 30-Day

All leadership candidates begin in a team member role to gain hands-on experience and understand the foundation of our restaurant culture and operations.

90-Day Leadership Training Program

After the probation period, qualified candidates will enter a structured 90-day Shift Leader training process. This includes mentorship, skill development, and on-the-job leadership training.

Operations Director

Upon successful completion of training and demonstrated alignment with our values, you’ll be officially promoted to the Operations role.

Job Requirements / Prerequisites

• 1-2+ years of leadership experience in restaurant, retail, hospitality, or comparable operations environment
• Proven ability to lead leaders and influence at multiple levels of an organization
• Strong understanding of day-to-day restaurant operations, systems, and execution
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make strategic and tactical decisions accordingly
• Ability to think strategically while executing tactically
• Skilled in setting clear expectations, providing real-time feedback, and holding others accountable
• Demonstrates a growth mindset with the humility and self-awareness to receive feedback, be coached, and continuously improve
• Demonstrates servant leadership and high emotional intelligence
• Models professionalism, integrity, and personal accountability
• Strong communicator with the ability to inspire, challenge, and align teams
• Champions a culture rooted in Ownership, Responsibility, Excellence, and Care
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and Saturdays

Perks & Benefits:

• Competitive hourly pay + performance-based raises
• Bonus Opportunity
• Flexible hours to fit your schedule
• Structured leadership training & development
• Mentorship from the local Owner/Operator
• Free meals during shifts
• Paid Breaks
• Scholarship opportunities
• Sundays off – guaranteed
• A positive, values-driven work environment

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.