Executive Director

Executive Leadership PositionReports To: Operator/OwnerStatus: Full-Time | Non-ExemptOur PurposeAt Chick-fil-A, our purpose is to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.The Executive Director of Operations serves as a key executive leader responsible for transforming vision into execution. This leader creates systems that allow the restaurant to thrive while developing leaders, serving guests with excellence, and protecting the culture that makes Chick-fil-A unique.This position leads through influence—not simply authority—and builds a healthy, high-performing organization that consistently delivers remarkable experiences for guests and team members alike.Position OverviewThe Executive Director of Operations provides strategic leadership for the restaurant's daily operations and long-term growth. This individual partners closely with the Operator to execute the restaurant's vision by leading directors, developing future leaders, improving operational systems, and driving financial performance.Success in this role is measured not only by operational results but also by the development of people, stewardship of resources, and the ability to create a culture in which excellence becomes the standard.Core ResponsibilitiesVision & Strategic LeadershipChampion and execute the Operator's vision throughout every area of the business.Align all leaders around common goals, expectations, and key initiatives.Lead strategic planning and execution of annual and quarterly business objectives.Drive organizational health through intentional leadership development.Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, servant leadership, and continuous improvement.Protect and strengthen the restaurant culture through consistent leadership.Leadership DevelopmentThe Executive Director of Operations is first and foremost a developer of people.Responsibilities include:Coach and mentor Directors, Managers, and Team Leaders.Conduct regular one-on-one development meetings.Build leadership succession plans.Create individualized growth plans.Identify and develop future executive leaders.Conduct annual performance reviews.Hold leaders accountable to measurable expectations while encouraging personal growth.Operational ExcellenceProvide oversight of every operational system within the restaurant while ensuring consistent execution of Chick-fil-A standards.Responsibilities include:Ensure operational consistency in Front of House and Back of House.Lead execution of Winning Hearts Every Day.Maintain exceptional food safety and quality standards.Improve the speed of service and order accuracy.Drive operational efficiency through effective systems.Analyze operational performance and implement improvements.Ensure readiness for food safety audits, QIVs, SAFE inspections, and operational evaluations.Financial StewardshipOperate the business with an ownership mindset.Responsibilities include:Drive restaurant profitability.Develop annual operating plans and budgets with the Operator.Manage labor, productivity, food cost, and controllable expenses.Analyze financial reports and identify operational opportunities.Review forecasting and sales projections.Oversee expense management.Partner with leaders to improve financial performance while preserving exceptional guest experiences.Guest ExperienceChampion a culture where every guest feels genuinely cared for.Responsibilities include:Model genuine hospitality.Lead improvements in Customer Experience Monitor (CEM) performance.Ensure Winning Hearts Every Day is consistently executed.Review guest feedback and implement operational improvements.Coach leaders to resolve guest concerns using the HEARD Model with empathy and ownership.Maintain a welcoming, clean, and refreshing environment.Team Member ExperienceBuild an environment where people love to work.Responsibilities include:Recruit and retain exceptional talent.Ensure effective onboarding and training.Recognize and celebrate team member success.Maintain high engagement and morale.Foster healthy communication throughout the organization.Promote teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect.Facilities & SystemsProtect restaurant assets.Oversee preventive maintenance programs.Coordinate equipment repairs and facility improvements.Ensure operational systems remain organized, efficient, and scalable.Maintain vendor relationships and operational resources.Leadership ExpectationsThe Executive Director of Operations consistently demonstrates:Servant LeadershipOwnership MentalityHumilityIntegrityEmotional IntelligenceStrategic ThinkingCourageous ConversationsExcellent CommunicationProblem SolvingSound Decision MakingAdaptabilityProfessionalismKey Performance IndicatorsSuccess in this role is measured by performance in the following areas:FinancialSales GrowthRestaurant ProfitabilityFood CostLabor ProductivityExpense ManagementOperationsSpeed of ServiceOrder AccuracyFood SafetyQIV PerformanceOperational ExcellenceFacilities StandardsGuest ExperienceCustomer Experience Monitor (CEM)Overall SatisfactionCARES PerformanceWinning Hearts Every Day ExecutionLeadershipLeadership Bench StrengthTeam Member RetentionDirector DevelopmentSuccession PlanningTeam EngagementAccountabilityQualificationsPreferred ExperienceBachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality, Management, or a related field preferred.4 or more years of progressive leadership experience in operations or restaurant managementDemonstrated experience leading and developing teams and leadersStrong financial acumen and operational management experience.Experience with financial management for a business, including budgeting, cost control, and profitability analysisExperience overseeing operational systems to ensure food safety, quality standards, and efficient serviceRequiredAbility to reside within, or be willing to relocate to, a 30-minute driving radius of the restaurant.Ability to respond to operational needs, provide leadership support during peak business periods, and be available for urgent situations when necessary.Ability to pass and maintain the ServSafe Food Manager certificationExceptional communication, coaching, and organizational skills.Ability to work full-time in a fast-paced restaurant environment, including standing/walking for extended periods and occasionally lifting up to 40 poundsAvailability to work Monday through Saturday, including mornings, evenings, some Sundays, and holidays as business needs require.What Success Looks LikeA successful Executive Director of Operations builds leaders who build leaders. They create systems that produce