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Director of Operations

The Director of Operations is responsible for supporting the mission, vision, and values of First Watch through all that he / she does in their role every day. The DOs primary purpose is to develop General Managers and restaurant management teams to build and increase sales over the previous year and improve profitability, while ensuring employee and guest satisfaction, without compromising the integrity or You First culture of the concept. The Director of Operations is responsible for the success of all First Watch operations within their span of control (5-8 direct reports and 200-300 employees).

Responsibilities

Leads operational activities for a group of First Watch Restaurants by performing the following in accordance with Company guidelines regarding management development, sales, and profitability, planning and customer and employee relations.

Trains, coaches, and develops General Managers and Operations Managers, through timely performance and observation feedback and evaluations.

Follows up on training of MIT's / CAFEs and hourly employees. Works closely with the Training General Manager to monitor progress.

Ensures development of Operations Managers within compliance of the FW management development programs.

Through effective manpower planning executes the continuous development of the management team and ensures timely and cost effective recruitment of restaurant level management and their training within First Watch.

Ensures the maintenance of a safe and harassment free workplace in all restaurants.

Takes quick and responsible action in solving problems and able to use reason when dealing with individual or staff performance based issues to include personality conflicts.

Develops for prior approval and then meets or exceeds the areas budget, including capital investments, General and Administrative expenses.

Promotes First Watch outside the restaurant.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree or equivalent concentration in food & beverage, business, marketing or management is preferred.

Five to seven years of progressive leadership experience in multi unit restaurant industry operations.

Proven track record of achieving results and building & maintaining successful teams.

Passion for providing excellent service and quality.

Ability to partner and build relationships while demonstrating leadership and integrity and promoting team success.

Extensive knowledge of the principles, procedures, and best practices in the industry.

Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

Valid driver's license and ability to travel frequently within assigned market.

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 five times a 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 every kids meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact in our communities raising more than $1.7 million to date. A recipient of hundreds of local Best Breakfast and Best Brunch awards, First Watch was voted 2025s #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweeks Readers Choice Awards and was also named 2025 and 2024s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute (as seen 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 600 restaurants in 32 states.

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.