Kitchen Director

Chick-fil-A Kitchen Director – Role Overview

The Kitch Director leads and oversees all aspects of Back-of-House (BOH) operations - ensuring food safety systems are followed, cravable food is being served according to Chick-fil-A standards, fast and accurate speed of service is being provided, and that a culture of positivity and team development is continually being fostered. This role mixes leadership, operational excellence, and hands-on kitchen management.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily BOH operations, overseeing food safety, food quality, fast and accurate food preparation, catering execution and portion consistency.
• Lead by example in pace, attitude, and adherence to Chick-fil-A’s core values.
• Ensure strong communication between front-of-house and BOH teams

People Development

• Recruit, train, and coach BOH team members.
• Assign positions, and create a positive, accountable kitchen culture.
• Mentor future leaders and support the restaurant’s leadership pipeline.

Food Safety & Cleanliness

• Enforce all OSHA and Chick-fil-A safety and sanitation policies.
• Conduct temperature logs, opening/closing checklists, and equipment inspections.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
• Ensure regular deep cleaning maintenance is completed for designated kitchen equipment

Inventory & Cost Management

• Oversee product ordering, receiving, and inventory counts.
• Identify opportunities and create systems track food cost and reduce food and labor waste.

Leadership & Culture

• Cultivate a team that models Chick-fil-A’s hospitality—even in BOH.
• Foster unity, respect, and purpose within the kitchen.
• Support store-wide goals alongside the Director Team and Operator.

Traits of a Strong Kitchen Director

• Character - calm under pressure, hard working with a high personal pace and stamina, and a passion for continual improvement and consistent excellence
• Competence - strong communicator that proactivity communicates with clarity, conciseness and kindness and an organized self-starter with a systems-oriented leadership style
• Care - servant-hearted leader with a heart for encouraging and supporting others and an inherent desire to see others grow, develop and reach their full potential.

Typical Experience

• Experience in food service management or culinary leadership - prior Chick-fil-A leadership experience (Team Lead, Manager, BOH Supervisor) is common but not required.
• Strong track record of leading teams and improving operations.
• Bilingual is preferred but not required

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.