Executive Director

Brand summary

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.

Job description

We are seeking an Executive Director to serve as a key leader on our Director Team. This role is responsible for driving results through teams, systems, leadership development and strong change management.

This is not a role for someone looking to “manage tasks.” This is a role for someone who can own outcomes, build high-performing leaders, and execute a clear and compelling vision across the organization.

The Executive Director will work closely with senior leadership and the local owner/operator to translate business priorities into actionable strategies, ensure accountability at every level, and elevate the performance of the organization.

• Own Outcomes, Not Activities - Take full responsibility for delivering results aligned with company priorities. Ensure that goals are clear, measurable, and achieved.
• Build and Develop Leaders - Invest in the growth, coaching, and accountability of leaders across the organization. Create clarity around expectations and raise the standard of performance.
• Drive Strategic Execution - Translate vision into executable plans. Establish systems, rhythms, and processes that move the business forward consistently.
• Lead Through Systems - Build and refine scalable systems that reduce friction, improve consistency, and drive efficiency across operations.
• Establish Accountability Rhythms - Ensure regular check-ins, scorecards, and performance reviews are in place and effective. Address issues quickly and directly.
• Solve Meaningful Problems - Identify root causes, not just symptoms. Bring structure and discipline to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Model Leadership and Culture - Set the tone for professionalism, ownership, and integrity. Reinforce and protect the culture through your actions and expectations.
• Collaborate at a High Level - Work cross-functionally with other directors to ensure alignment, eliminate silos, and drive unified execution.

• Clear priorities that are consistently executed
• Leaders who take ownership and deliver results
• Strong systems that reduce dependency on constant oversight
• Measurable improvement in key business outcomes
• A culture where care is consistently demonstrated—in how leaders develop their teams, how the team serves guests, and how decisions are made
• High standards paired with genuine investment in people, resulting in both performance and retention

• You take ownership—no excuses, no deflection
• You think in systems, not just tasks
• You are comfortable holding others accountable at a high level
• You communicate clearly and directly
• You don’t need constant direction—you create clarity
• You are energized by building people and improving performance

• 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent leadership experience in a role with direct accountability for business outcomes and team performance
• Proven leadership experience with responsibility for outcomes, not just execution
• Experience leading leaders or high-performing teams
• Strong ability to think strategically and execute practically
• Demonstrated success in driving measurable results
• High level of personal accountability and professionalism

This role exists to multiply leadership capacity within the organization.

• If done well, it creates clarity, accelerates growth, and ensures the business continues to perform at a high level without constant intervention.