The Kitchen 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
Work schedule
- Overtime
Supplemental pay
- Other
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k)