Brand Operations Specialist

Job Summary

The Brand Operations Specialist is a natural people connector, working cross-functionally to support strategic brand initiatives. Initiatives will include strategic culinary, menu and marketing projects and will require coordination between those departments as well as the Supply Chain team. They are responsible for maintaining and building upon First Watch’s menu platform, including proper launch and execution of Core and LTO Menus, management of internal timelines, ensuring accuracy of all printed menus, production and distribution. This person is a collaborative team player and is energized by creating processes to better support our internal, cross-functional teams and our restaurant operators. This position is based in the First Watch Home Office in Bradenton, FL, with travel up to 10% of the time.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities.

• Supports the cross-functional menu rollout process from conception to completion in conjunction with Culinary, Brand and Supply Chain teams as well as other departments within the Home Office.
• Assists with the menu versioning and pricing process.
• Aligns resources within the Culinary, Brand, Quality Assurance Food Safety and Supply Chain teams to streamline project management and deliver initiatives to the Ops Excellence team.
• Manages and prioritizes the development and execution of menu projects that will include working with external partners, proofreading, creating distribution lists based on versioning and managing menu deliveries.
• Supports menu innovation and implementation in partnership with culinary and operations through regional pilots and tests to solve business needs and when successful, supports systemwide rollouts for new menu initiatives.
• Develops key messaging for internal audiences, in partnership with the training team or operations excellence teams, regarding certain brand operations initiatives and rollouts.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of marketing, PR, menu-related or First Watch experience.
• BA/BS in Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations or a related field. Experience in print production preferred.
• Strong organizational, project and time management skills, a keen eye for detail and a passion for maintaining brand excellence.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing priorities and have a strong understanding of the Brand, Marketing and Culinary side of the business.
• Must be able to effectively work in a team environment with a natural inclination toward motivating and encouraging others.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to all levels; from hourly employees to senior management.
• Demonstrate a spirit of hospitality, gumption and maintain a positive presence.
• Demonstrate leadership management, leading by example and acting as a “brand ambassador.”
• Proficient in MS Office (focus on Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic math.

Who We Are

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For ever kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact in our communities – raising approximately $2.3 million to date. A recipient of many “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards in 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America by the Best Practice Institute – an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal – after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 660 restaurants in 33 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.

First Watch is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, First Watch will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.