Bachelor's degree in food & beverage, business, marketing, or management preferred
5-7 years of leadership experience in multi-unit restaurant operations
Proven success in achieving results and team building
Strong passion for service excellence and quality
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and lead with integrity
In-depth knowledge of industry principles and best practices
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
Valid driver's license with frequent travel required
Responsibilities
Lead operational activities across multiple First Watch restaurants
Train, coach, and develop General Managers and Operations Managers
Monitor training progress of Management in Training (MIT) and hourly employees
Ensure compliance with management development programs for Operations Managers
Execute manpower planning for effective recruitment and training of restaurant management
Maintain a safe and harassment-free workplace in all restaurants
Address and resolve performance-related issues promptly
Develop and manage budgets, including capital investments and administrative expenses
Promote First Watch brand outside of the restaurant
Benefits
Comprehensive training and development programs
Opportunities for career advancement within the company
Supportive work culture focused on employee and guest satisfaction
Commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive workplace
Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
Full Job Description
The Director of Operations is responsible for supporting the mission, vision and values of First Watch through all that he/she does in their role every day. The DO's primary purpose is to develop General Managers and restaurant management teams to build and increase sales over the previous year and improve profitability, while ensuring employee and guest satisfaction, without compromising the integrity or You First culture of the concept. The Director of Operations is responsible for the success of all First Watch operations within their span of control (5-8 direct reports and 200-300 employees).
Job Responsibilities
Leads operational activities for a group of First Watch Restaurants by performing the following in accordance with Company guidelines regarding management development, sales, and profitability, planning and customer and employee relations
Trains, coaches and develops General Managers and Operations Managers, through timely performance and observation feedback and evaluations
Follows up on training of MIT's/CAFE's and hourly employees. Works closely with the Training General Manager to monitor progress
Ensures development of Operations Managers within compliance of the FW management development programs
Through effective manpower planning executes the continuous development of the management team and ensures timely and cost effective recruitment of restaurant level management and their training within First Watch
Ensures the maintenance of a safe and harassment free workplace in all restaurants
Takes quick and responsible action in solving problems and able to uses reason when dealing with individual or staff performance based issues to include personality conflicts
Develops for prior approval and then meets or exceeds the area's budget, including capital investments, General and Administrative expenses
Promotes First Watch outside the restaurant
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent - concentration in food & beverage, business, marketing or management is preferred
Five to seven years of progressive leadership experience in multi unit restaurant industry operations
Proven track record of achieving results and building & maintaining successful teams
Passion for providing excellent service and quality
Ability to partner and build relationships while demonstrating leadership and integrity and promoting team success
Extensive knowledge of the principles, procedures, and best practices in the industry
Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced, dynamic environment
Valid driver's license and ability to travel frequently within assigned market
