Operations Director (Executive Leadership Track)

Operations Director (Executive Leadership Track)

Chick-fil-A Hendersonville / Hendersonville South

At Chick-fil-A Hendersonville and Hendersonville South, we believe leadership is far more than running operations — it is building people, strengthening culture, pursuing excellence, and creating an environment where both guests and team members thrive.

We are seeking experienced, high-capacity leaders to join our Director team. This is a senior leadership opportunity designed for individuals who lead with ownership, humility, professionalism, emotional intelligence, and high character.

Our organization is values-driven and built upon principles such as integrity, servant leadership, stewardship, accountability, and genuine care for people. We are looking for leaders who desire to positively influence others through strong character, wise decision-making, professionalism, and consistent leadership.

This role works directly alongside the Operating Partner and Executive Leadership Team to help execute organizational vision, develop future leaders, strengthen culture, and drive operational excellence across the business.

Our Mission

“We serve great food, quickly and accurately, in a clean and safe environment, and with a smile.”

What Makes This Role Different

This is not a traditional restaurant management position.

Our Directors help lead the organization at a high level through:

• Leadership development
• Organizational strategy
• Guest experience execution
• Financial stewardship
• Talent development
• Accountability systems
• Culture protection
• Team alignment and communication

This role requires a leader who can think strategically, execute operationally, and develop people relationally.

You will play a key role in helping shape the future of the organization while working closely with Executive Leaders and Operating Partners.

This position also provides long-term growth opportunities toward:

• Executive Leadership
• Multi-department operational oversight
• Strategic business leadership
• Future Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator opportunities

Our Culture

At Chick-fil-A Hendersonville and Hendersonville South, we believe great leadership begins with character.

We strive to build a culture marked by:

• Integrity
• Humility
• Excellence
• Servant leadership
• Accountability
• Stewardship
• Respect for others
• Positive influence
• Genuine care for people

We believe leadership is a responsibility, culture must be protected intentionally, and people should be treated with dignity, care, and respect.

We are looking for leaders who desire to grow professionally while also making a meaningful impact on the people around them.

High Character Leadership Expectations

Because Directors help shape culture and influence people throughout the organization, we place a high value on character-centered leadership.

We are seeking leaders who consistently demonstrate:

• Integrity in both words and actions
• Humility and teachability
• Emotional maturity and self-awareness
• Professionalism under pressure
• Respectful and healthy communication
• Personal accountability
• Wise judgment and decision-making
• Consistency, honesty, and trustworthiness
• A servant-hearted approach to leadership
• The ability to positively influence and develop others

Our leaders are expected to help cultivate a culture built on trust, respect, responsibility, encouragement, and excellence.

Core Leadership Responsibilities

Leadership Development

• Build and maintain a strong leadership pipeline
• Coach and develop Team Leaders, Senior Leaders, and future Directors
• Lead accountability conversations and performance coaching
• Ensure leadership systems and development processes are executed consistently
• Identify and develop high-potential leaders within the organization

Talent & Organizational Health

• Oversee training systems and leadership development pathways
• Ensure team members are equipped, developed, and supported effectively
• Help maintain a healthy, positive, and high-accountability culture
• Protect organizational alignment, communication, and operational consistency
• Lead with professionalism, humility, emotional intelligence, and integrity
• Participate in recruiting and hiring processes
• Help strengthen and preserve the organization’s culture and values

Operational Excellence

• Execute operational strategy at a high level
• Ensure excellence in speed, accuracy, hospitality, cleanliness, and food safety
• Identify operational opportunities and implement solutions proactively
• Maintain high standards across all guest-facing operations
• Ensure systems are organized, efficient, and scalable

Financial Stewardship

• Help steward labor, food cost, and operational resources responsibly
• Build and manage schedules that balance hospitality and profitability
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste
• Partner with leadership teams on operational planning and business performance
• Drive operational excellence while protecting long-term organizational health

Guest Experience & Hospitality

• Champion a guest-first mindset throughout the organization
• Ensure guests receive fast, accurate, and remarkable service
• Develop systems that elevate hospitality and operational consistency
• Coach leaders and teams to create an exceptional guest experience every day

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking leaders who are:

• Highly motivated and growth-minded
• Strong communicators with emotional intelligence
• Passionate about leadership and people development
• High-character individuals with strong integrity and professionalism
• Humble, coachable, and eager to grow
• Driven by excellence and continuous improvement
• Strategic thinkers and problem solvers
• Dependable, accountable, and trustworthy
• Able to thrive in fast-paced environments
• Passionate about positively influencing people and culture

We value leaders who:

• Lead through service and humility
• Operate with honesty and professionalism
• Build people, not just manage them
• Contribute positively to culture and team health
• Take ownership and lead responsibly
• Desire to create long-term impact through leadership

Qualifications

• Leadership or management experience required
• Restaurant, hospitality, retail, military, or operations leadership experience preferred
• Proven ability to lead teams in high-performance environments
• Strong communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills
• High level of ownership, professionalism, and accountability
• Strong organizational and strategic-thinking abilities
• Ability to build systems, develop people, and execute consistently
• Growth-minded, coachable, and highly motivated

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Director-level compensation
• Sundays off
• Bonus opportunities
• Leadership development and executive mentoring
• Intentional growth and advancement opportunities
• Scholarship opportunities
• High-performance, growth-oriented culture
• Opportunity to make a meaningful long-term impact through leadership

Who Thrives Here

This role is ideal for leaders who

• Naturally take ownership
• Thrive in high-accountability environments
• Care deeply about operational excellence and people development
• Lead with humility, professionalism, integrity, and emotional maturity
• Are energized by building systems and developing teams
• Value high character, strong leadership, and positive influence
• Want long-term growth and meaningful leadership opportunities
• Desire to be part of a purpose-driven and values-centered organization

If you are looking for a leadership role with real influence, real responsibility, and the opportunity to help build something exceptional, we would love to connect with you.

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.