Director of Operations

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 DO's 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 include leading 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.

The Director of Operations trains, coaches and develops General Managers and Operations Managers, through timely performance and observation feedback and evaluations. They follow up on training of MIT's / CAFE's and hourly employees. They work closely with the Training General Manager to monitor progress and ensure the development of Operations Managers within compliance of the FW management development programs. Through effective manpower planning, they execute the continuous development of the management team and ensure timely and cost effective recruitment of restaurant level management and their training within First Watch. They ensure the maintenance of a safe and harassment free workplace in all restaurants, taking 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.

The Director of Operations develops for prior approval and then meets or exceeds the area's budget, including capital investments, General and Administrative expenses. They promote First Watch outside the restaurant.

Qualifications : Bachelor's 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 kid's 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 2025's #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards and was also named 2024's #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute, after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023.

With a commitment to quality, hospitality, and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 600 restaurants in 31 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.