Operations Leader

We're looking for someone who wants to learn how to run a Chick-fil-A location from the ground up and understand the business end to end: people, operations, inventory, guest experience, and leadership. As Operations Lead, you'll work directly under the Operating Partner as second-in-command of the location, helping lead the team and keep things running smoothly during every event.

About the Role

We're looking for someone who wants to learn how to run a Chick-fil-A location from the ground up and understand the business end to end: people, operations, inventory, guest experience, and leadership.

Our location operates inside the Spectrum Center, serving fans during Hornets games and other arena events. It's a fast-paced, high-volume location, which makes it a unique opportunity for someone who wants real operational experience.

As Operations Lead, you'll work directly under the Operating Partner as second-in-command of the location, helping lead the team and keep things running smoothly during every event.

Responsibilities

• Work directly alongside the Operating Partner to learn all aspects of running the location, including scheduling, ordering, inventory, and event-day prep
• Help lead team members during event shifts
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and training of new team members
• Assist with opening and closing procedures specific to an event-driven arena location
• Monitor food safety, cleanliness, and operational standards during events
• Help manage guest experience and resolve issues during games/events
• Learn financial basics of the business: labor cost, food cost, and sales tracking
• Step into a leadership role during shifts when the Operating Partner is unavailable
• Serve as a dependable second-in-command, helping keep the team aligned and operations running smoothly at every event

Requirements

• Prior Chick-fil-A experience or equivalent leadership experience in restaurant/retail/hospitality is preferred
• Ability to work event-based hours, including nights and weekends when games or events are scheduled
• Strong communication and people-leadership skills
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with short, intense rushes
• Reliable, coachable, and eager to learn the business side of operations
• Willingness to be trained and mentored directly by the Operating Partner over the coming months

Ideal Candidate

Someone who takes pride in leading a team and keeping things running smoothly, even when it's busy. You're someone who:

• Wants to grow into a management-track role within Chick-fil-A
• Has led people before, even informally
• Asks questions, takes initiative, and wants to understand the "why" behind decisions, not just the "how"
• Is looking to build serious operational and leadership experience

Why Work at Chick-fil-A — Spectrum Center

• A unique, high-energy work environment inside a professional sports arena
• Direct, hands-on mentorship from the Operating Partner
• A meaningful leadership role with real responsibility
• Be part of a close-knit team serving thousands of fans on game nights
• Flexible, event-based schedule that doesn't require a traditional 9-to-5 commitment
• Chick-fil-A's reputation for people-first culture and operational excellence

What You'll Gain

• Hands on experience running the daily operations of a Chick-fil-A location
• Direct mentorship and knowledge transfer from an experienced Operating Partner
• Leadership experience managing a team under high-pressure conditions
• A working understanding of the business side of Chick-fil-A: labor, cost management, scheduling, and guest experience
• A strong foundation and track record to support your growth within Chick-fil-A

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.

Salary

$20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits

401(k) matching, Paid time off, Flexible schedule, Health insurance, Employee discount

Job Type

Full time

Schedule

Other