Home Office Careers at First Watch

The Director of Quality Assurance & Nutrition ensures the highest standards of product quality, food safety, and nutritional compliance across all First Watch brands. This position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive product quality and supplier food safety programs, as well as providing guidance on nutrition-related matters. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of industry regulations and best practices and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to uphold our commitment to excellence.

This position is based in the First Watch Home Office in Bradenton, FL, with travel up to 30% of the time.

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

SUPPLIER COMPLIANCE:Protect the brand by making improvements in the food safety & quality systems of supplier and distributor facilities to meet the requirements of GFSI, HACCP and FSMA.

• Coordinate vendor audits and ensure supplier compliance with GFSI, HACCP, and FSMA standards
• Collaborate with suppliers, distributors, internal teams, and third-party auditors to enhance food safety and quality systems
• Communicate compliance status and generate quarterly KPI and trend reports for leadership
• Conduct supplier visits and manage product recalls, withdrawals, and FSMA 204 traceability initiatives

PRODUCT QUALITY MONITORING:Drive compliance to product specifications and ensure continued alignment with stakeholders that enables informed decision-making for First Watch.

• Lead continuous improvement of product quality and food safety from sourcing to service
• Develop and maintain product specifications and standards for all products
• Address quality issues, manage corrective actions, and support emergency approvals and shelf-life extensions
• Oversee third-party lab testing and conduct annual product risk assessments
• Monitor regulatory changes and support innovation in food, beverage, and packaging quality

NUTRITION, LIFESTYLE AND ALLERGEN PROGRAM:Drive nutritional and allergen compliance and performance by ensuring conformance to legal and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain and update the Nutrition and Allergen Program to ensure regulatory compliance
• Provide KPI reporting and support training initiatives related to allergen awareness
• Manage nutrition and allergen analysis for core and limited-time menu items
• Support marketing and customer care with accurate ingredient, nutrition, and allergen information

DATA, DOCUMENT AND PROCESS CONTROL:Develop, maintain and synthesize quality data.

• Support the development of department technology tools and data systems
• Analyze KPIs and product performance to identify risks and improvement opportunities
• Maintain accurate product specifications and lead document control for QA and food safety systems

• BS/MS degree in food science, microbiology, agricultural science, chemistry or related field required
• 5+ years of work experience in QA or R&D in the food industry with food manufacturing experience, as well as retail/restaurant/hospitality experience
• Prior people management experience
• Knowledge of the commercialization process
• Experience providing direction to suppliers / 3rd party labs and recommendations to internal teams
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices, Good Laboratory Practices, Standard Sanitation Operating Procedures
• Technical knowledge of regulatory laws pertaining to USDA and/or FDA regulated products, including FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act)
• Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 30%

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch's chef-driven menu rotates five times a year and includes elevated executions of classic favorites alongside specialties such as its Quinoa Power Bowl, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation fresh juice and signature Million Dollar Bacon. After first appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, First Watch was named 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet. First Watch operates more than 580 First Watch restaurants in 31 states. For more information, visitwww.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.

The SOX IT Compliance Analyst is a crucial role in supporting the company’s compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).  This position will assist the IT team and leadership in evaluating, testing, and documenting IT general controls (ITGC), including application controls (ITAC), over financial reporting. This position will involve strong collaboration between both internal and external auditors, as well as relevant lines of business. The SOX IT Compliance Analyst will ensure that the company’s IT controls remain effective and compliant with established internal procedures and standards. 

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

• Assist IT system owners in preparing and maintaining SOX IT process narratives and Risk and Control Matrices (RCMs)
• Participate in system scoping reviews to understand how data flows through the systems that are material to internal controls over financial reporting
• Enforce established timelines in performing SOX compliance tasks, ensuring activities are conducted in accordance with policies and procedures
• Assist in designing and implementing IT General Controls for new systems
• Collaborate with process and control owners to remediate identified deficiencies, advising on internal control enhancements or process changes as appropriate, and ensuring corrective actions are properly implemented
• Effectively communicate IT SOX issues and requirements across varied levels of leadership and process owners to drive solutions
• Conduct import/export reviews for acquiring systems and software
• Evaluate changes in processes, people, and technology that may impact SOX controls for IT systems and processes
• Serve as critical liaison with internal and external auditors, managing the ITGC testing evidence validation, and issue remediation with minimal oversight
• Validate and assess audit evidence to ensure completeness, accuracy, and appropriate traceability to source systems
• Support internal and external auditors in the gathering of pertinent documentation to support ITGC and ITAC audit requests
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including accounting, tax, treasury, payroll, and consultants, to provide IT SOX support
• Provide training and guidance to IT staff on SOX compliance best practices

• Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in Information Technology fields
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in a related field (internal audit, IT Security, etc.)
• Proven skill in conducting audits or reviews of technical systems
• Proven skill in identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; well-developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to challenge; ability to rapidly assimilate knowledge of processes and systems and develop relationships with stakeholders
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to independently complete and manage multiple assignments with varying deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to prepare and articulate objective, defensible, fact-based information
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch's chef-driven menu rotates five times a year and includes elevated executions of classic favorites alongside specialties such as its Quinoa Power Bowl, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation fresh juice and signature Million Dollar Bacon. After first appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, First Watch was named 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet. First Watch operates more than 580 First Watch restaurants in 31 states. For more information, visitwww.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.

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).

• 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/CAFE’s 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 uses reason when dealing with individual or staff performance based issues to include personality conflicts
• Develops for prior approval and then meets or exceeds the area’s budget, including capital investments, General and Administrative expenses
• Promotes First Watch outside the restaurant

• 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

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch's chef-driven menu rotates five times a year and includes elevated executions of classic favorites alongside specialties such as its Quinoa Power Bowl, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation fresh juice and signature Million Dollar Bacon. After first appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, First Watch was named 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet. First Watch operates more than 580 First Watch restaurants in 31 states. For more information, visitwww.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.

The Development Specialist is responsible for supporting the company’s Development Functions.

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

• Support Development Manager in key development timeline maintenance and projects
• Support Development Manager and Real Estate Team with site selection coordination
• Coordinate Real Estate Committee approval packages and materials
• Coordinate development team meetings as needed
• Update specified Development-related processes and reporting, including Smartsheet reports, Excel reports, and the First Watch Development Team Dropbox
• Compile sales data in cooperation with financial team and use in development reports
• Compile and verify key New Restaurant Opening data to be utilized in leasing efforts pursuant to Real Estate Committee approvals
• Compile and distribute pertinent information for architectural, construction, and legal coordination after Real Estate Committee
• Act as the liaison between First Watch, its landlords, contractors, and attorneys regarding matters concerning “Approved in Leasing” locations
• Coordinate with Development Manager on Real Estate Committee Approved locations and impacts to development timeline
• Assist Development Manager in completing special projects

• College-level coursework
• Must be highly organized, detail oriented and self-motivated
• Must have strong PowerPoint, Word, and Excel skills
• Ability to travel when necessary to new/developing locations and to represent First Watch at jurisdictional meetings including presentations

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch's chef-driven menu rotates five times a year and includes elevated executions of classic favorites alongside specialties such as its Quinoa Power Bowl, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation fresh juice and signature Million Dollar Bacon. After first appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, First Watch was named 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet. First Watch operates more than 580 First Watch restaurants in 31 states. For more information, visitwww.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.

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).

• 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/CAFE’s 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 uses reason when dealing with individual or staff performance based issues to include personality conflicts
• Develops for prior approval and then meets or exceeds the area’s budget, including capital investments, General and Administrative expenses
• Promotes First Watch outside the restaurant

• 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

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch's chef-driven menu rotates five times a year and includes elevated executions of classic favorites alongside specialties such as its Quinoa Power Bowl, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation fresh juice and signature Million Dollar Bacon. After first appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, First Watch was named 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet. First Watch operates more than 580 First Watch restaurants in 31 states. For more information, visitwww.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.

This individual will be responsible for tasks relative to leasing, real estate lease administration, reconciliation and property management of First Watch restaurants. This role will have heavy interaction with Landlords and partner with various First Watch Teams (Development Management, Real Estate, Facilities, Construction etc.).

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

• Proficient understanding of leases, lease compliance or other governing documents.
• Oversee the management of 150 restaurant locations within First Watch’s portfolio of over 575+ locations. Responsibilities include but are not limited to lease negotiations, resolving property management issues; reviewing and reconciling monthly and year-end expenses; abstracting lease documents into leasing software; and billing Tenant Improvement Allowance.
• Develop and lead the negotiation strategy for approved sites. Work closely with legal counsel on the incorporation of all commercial terms into the lease and support the negotiation of legal terms within the lease. Collaborate and review materials with Real Estate, Design and Construction, and Legal team to identify and resolve potential concerns. Track needed due diligence materials referenced in the LOI and Lease.
• Review invoices and process escrow changes. (Rent, Operating Expenses, Utilities, etc). Ensure all charges are allowable per the lease, request and review backup documentation to reconcile accounts, resolve any discrepancies and negotiate for maximum cost savings while also maintaining a positive Landlord-Tenant relationship.
• Perform Annual Desktop Audit of Operating Expenses: Analyze the year-end reconciliation statement to ensure charges are billed in accordance with the lease.
• Property Management: Effectively communicate between internal terms and Landlord to reach a resolution.
• Process Estoppels, SNDA’s and Change of Ownership requests. Obtain pertinent supporting documents necessary. Process New Vendor Set-Up forms for New Restaurants and Landlord entity changes. Liaison between Landlord and accounting to obtain and verify required documentation. (W-9, ACH, Landlord Contact Form).
• Manage requests for Certificates of Insurance. Liaison between Landlord and Insurance Service Provider to rectify any discrepancies
• Bill for Tenant Improvement Allowance: prepare invoice and collect all required documentation. Track and monitor deadlines.
• Monitor the centralized email box and mail for the Asset Management team: Code and distribute emails and mail to appropriate. people. Respond to general inquiries. Prepare outgoing mail and overnight packages.Maintain physical lease files and monitor retention policy.
• Maintain electronic filing system (Dropbox) and leasing software (CoStar) with pertinent lease documents: Coordinate and circulate time-sensitive documents for signature.

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field is preferred or equivalent education and experience
• Five years of experience in Lease Administration/Asset Management
• Knowledge of lease administration databases desired (CoStar)
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, Smartsheets, Dropbox.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present ideas and suggestions clearly and effectively
• Organizational Skills: ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments while delivering consistent, quality work
• Good analytical mind, strong financial acumen, ability to analyze and interpret complex lease clauses

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch's chef-driven menu rotates five times a year and includes elevated executions of classic favorites alongside specialties such as its Quinoa Power Bowl, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation fresh juice and signature Million Dollar Bacon. After first appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, First Watch was named 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet. First Watch operates more than 580 First Watch restaurants in 31 states. For more information, visitwww.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.