Kitchen Director

Are you a driven kitchen leader with a passion for food safety, quality, and developing strong teams? If so, you may be the perfect fit!

At Chick-fil-A St Cloud, our mission is to do our part to help Chick-fil-A be the world's most caring company by winning hearts every day. We are seeking a Kitchen Director to join our Director-Level Leadership Team. This role is ideal for a high-capacity leader who THRIVES in operational EXCELLENCE IN EVERYTHING WE DO, builds future leaders, and takes ownership of systems, standards, and results. In this position, you will play a critical role in delivering craveable food, developing managers, and driving long-term success through strong processes and accountability.

Position Overview

As the Kitchen Director, you will oversee all kitchen operations while partnering closely with the Director of Back of House Operations, the Executive Director, and the Director Team as a whole to drive food safety, quality, productivity, and financial stewardship. You will lead, coach, and hold the leaders accountable for shift execution, training, and performance while continuously improving systems and developing future leaders. Your leadership will directly impact guest satisfaction, team growth, and business results.

Responsibilities Include

Operational Excellence

• Lead all Back of House operations ensuring food safety, quality, cleanliness, speed, and accuracy meet Chick-fil-A brand standards.
• Drive consistent execution of procedures, including food safety, AHA, hold times, FIFO, labeling, equipment maintenance, and proper product handling.
• Analyze performance data, CEM results, and operational metrics to identify opportunities and implement improvements.

Team Leadership & Development

• Train, coach, and mentor Back of House Assistant Kitchen Director, Shift Leaders, Team Leaders, and Team Members.
• Hold leaders accountable with ongoing training, the use of checklists, and by explaining, leading by example, and verifying that the standards are being met.
• Identify and develop future leaders to build a strong and sustainable leadership pipeline.
• Create line-ups and shift plans that set teams up for success and ensure effective shift execution.

Guest Experience

• Support the Winning Hearts Every Day strategy by delivering craveable food, fast and accurate service, and a welcoming environment.
• Partner with Front of House leadership to ensure smooth coordination between BOH and FOH.
• Monitor CEM results with a focus on achieving Top 20% performance across key categories.

Financial Stewardship

• Reinforce cost awareness related to food, labor, paper, and equipment.
• Manage food cost, waste, and inventory to maintain a specific target positive food cost gap
• Oversee labor efficiency, productivity, and real-time staffing decisions to meet daily productivity goals.
• Manage truck ordering, inventory counts, invoice verification, and credits for missing or damaged product.

Sales & Brand Growth

• Ensure consistent food quality that drives repeat visits and guest loyalty.
• Support catering operations, ensuring large orders are prepared and executed with accuracy, urgency, and food safety.
• Partner with Executive DirectorChick-fil-ASt. Cloud to execute promotions, events, and initiatives that drive sales and brand awareness.

What We’re Looking For

• 2+ years of leadership or management experience in food service or hospitality (Chick-fil-A experience strongly preferred).
• A hands-on, disciplined leader who leads by example and holds high standards.
• Proven ability to develop leaders, build strong teams, and drive measurable results.
• Strong organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to analyze data, manage systems, and improve operational efficiency.
• A self-motivated individual who values accountability, excellence, integrity, and service.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including Fridays and Saturdays.
• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Why Join Our Team?

• Competitive pay with performance-based incentives
• Leadership development and long-term growth opportunities
• Benefits include medical insurance, paid vacation, employee meal allowances, and 401(k) matching
• Scholarship opportunities are available within Chick-fil-A
• The opportunity to lead with purpose, develop others, and make a lasting impact on our team, guests, and community.

Expectations:

• 40-45 hours per week availability, evening and Saturdays included

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Passion for Chick-fil-A and an understanding of Corporate purpose, mission, values

Transparency

• This is truly a hands-on position with up to 90% of each Director's time spent working and directing restaurant operations.

• Operational Excellence and remarkable guest service are the driving force to our store.

• Our expectation would be a two year time commitment to this role.

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.