Kitchen Director

Kitchen Director Job Posting – Robinson

Overview

Chick-fil-A Robinson is seeking an experienced, hands-on leader to serve as our Kitchen Director. This is a senior leadership position responsible for the overall performance of our Back of House operation, including food quality and safety, team development, operational excellence, financial stewardship, equipment and facility care, and execution of Chick-fil-A standards.

The Kitchen Director is expected to lead both on the floor and through others. This individual will develop strong kitchen leaders, build sustainable systems, identify opportunities before they become problems, and take ownership of the results of the department.

This role reports to the restaurant's senior leadership and has direct access to the Operator.

Chick-fil-A Operational Immersion

Candidates with prior Chick-fil-A leadership experience may transition directly into the Kitchen Director role based on experience and readiness.

For external candidates who are new to Chick-fil-A, the position will begin with an approximately 3–6 month operational immersion and training period. During this time, you will work directly within restaurant operations to learn Chick-fil-A systems, standards, positions, culture, and expectations from the ground up before assuming full Kitchen Director responsibilities.

This training period is an intentional part of our Director development process. We believe our senior leaders should deeply understand the work they will ultimately lead and be able to earn credibility with the team through firsthand operational experience.

Director-level compensation and applicable benefits begin on your first day of employment and remain in effect throughout the training period. The length of the immersion period will vary based on prior experience, demonstrated proficiency, and readiness to assume full responsibility for the department.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Execution

• Own the overall performance and day-to-day execution of Back of House operations at Chick-fil-A Robinson.
• Maintain a regular presence across both opening and closing operations, including peak business periods, to observe performance and coach leaders in real time.
• Ensure consistent execution of Chick-fil-A recipes, procedures, weights, measurements, holding times, product temperatures, and preparation standards.
• Drive speed, accuracy, productivity, and operational readiness while maintaining exceptional food quality.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and develop systems, processes, and training to improve kitchen performance.
• Lead preparation and execution for new products, promotions, seasonal volume, catering needs, and other operational changes.
• Remain willing and able to work alongside the team when necessary while developing leaders who can independently run excellent shifts.

Food Safety & Quality

• Serve as a subject-matter leader for Chick-fil-A food safety standards and systems.
• Ensure consistent completion and follow-up of food safety procedures, SAFE Daily Criticals, temperature monitoring, HERO procedures, and other required food safety processes.
• Monitor food quality throughout the day and immediately address deviations from Chick-fil-A standards.
• Maintain readiness for food safety evaluations and Chick-fil-A operational assessments.
• Obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Manager certification.
• Create a culture in which food safety and quality are understood as leadership responsibilities, not simply checklist requirements.

Financial Stewardship

• Understand and take ownership of key Back of House financial performance indicators.
• Monitor food cost, waste, labor productivity, repair and maintenance expenses, supplies, linen, and other controllable costs.
• Review performance regularly and develop corrective action plans when results fall outside established goals.
• Participate in inventory management, ordering, forecasting, and supply-chain planning.
• Partner with senior restaurant leadership to balance operational excellence with responsible financial stewardship.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability without compromising food quality, food safety, team experience, or guest experience.

Equipment, Maintenance & Cleanliness

• Own kitchen cleanliness and organization standards.
• Develop and maintain effective cleaning and preventive-maintenance systems for kitchen equipment.
• Ensure workstations, storage areas, equipment, and Back of House spaces consistently meet Chick-fil-A standards.
• Identify equipment concerns early and coordinate appropriate repair and maintenance.
• Partner with restaurant leadership on facility needs that affect kitchen operations, safety, or performance.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Back of House leaders and Team Members.
• Build a strong leadership pipeline capable of running excellent operations without constant Director intervention.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with key Back of House leaders to review performance, development, goals, and accountability.
• Provide timely, direct, and respectful feedback.
• Participate in interviewing, selecting, onboarding, and developing kitchen leadership talent.
• Partner with restaurant leadership to appropriately document and address performance, attendance, policy, and employee-relations concerns.
• Support retention efforts and help create a kitchen culture where high standards and genuine care for people coexist.
• Participate in restaurant leadership meetings, development initiatives, and team culture events.

Measures of Success

The Kitchen Director will be accountable for measurable improvement and sustained performance in areas including:

• Food safety and Chick-fil-A assessment results
• Food quality and consistency
• Food cost and waste
• Back of House labor and productivity
• Repair and maintenance costs
• Operational speed and capacity
• Cleanliness and equipment condition
• Guest experience metrics related to food quality, accuracy, and speed
• Team Member turnover and retention
• Leadership development and internal promotion
• Successful execution of catering, product launches, and high-volume periods
• Overall restaurant profitability and financial stewardship within areas influenced by Back of House operations

Qualifications

• Previous restaurant leadership or kitchen management experience required; high-volume restaurant experience with drive-thru strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and hold teams accountable.
• Strong operational judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable using financial and operational data to identify opportunities and improve results.
• Ability to organize multiple priorities and maintain high standards in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to provide clear, constructive feedback.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to food safety, cleanliness, quality, and operational excellence.
• Dependable and willing to work a flexible schedule that provides meaningful exposure to both AM and PM operations.
• ServSafe Food Manager certification required or must be obtained within the designated timeframe.
• Must demonstrate a positive, professional leadership style consistent with Chick-fil-A Robinson's standards and values.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English is preferred

What We Offer

• Competitive Director-level compensation
• Paid time off
• Healthcare access and subsidies for eligible roles
• 401k match after first year
• Tuition reimbursement for those who qualify
• Sundays off, aside from occasional meetings or special events
• Leadership development and opportunities for continued advancement
• Direct access to and mentorship from the Operator
• The opportunity to lead and influence a significant department within a high-volume Chick-fil-A restaurant
• A leadership environment focused on excellence, development, accountability, and care for people