Home Office Careers at First Watch

The Senior Auditor will assist the Sr. Internal Audit Manager with the execution of the SOX program by attending and updating process narratives and walkthroughs as well as testing the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting.  This position also includes collaborating with the Sr. Internal Audit Manager to define and execute audit test procedures, prepare audit reports, and proactively monitor the status of outstanding issues. The Senior Auditor will need to be able to work and communicate effectively with numerous stakeholders across the company.

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

• Assist process owners in the preparation and on-going maintenance of SOX process documentation, including narratives and Risk & Control Matrices (RCM).
• Ensure SOX controls are designed and operating effectively through testing of in-scope business processes.
  • Perform walkthroughs with process owners; document and assess results to ensure adequate control design and identification of “key” controls;
  • Conduct audit testing to ensure key controls are operating effectively and evidenced appropriately; and,
  • Identify process/control deficiencies, recommend remediation plan, and monitor remediation progress.
• Prepare workpapers that are accurate, complete, clear, concise, and well-organized.
• Collaborate with process and control owners for remediation of identified deficiencies, advising on internal control enhancements or process changes, as appropriate.
• Evaluate changes in process, people, and technology that may have an impact to internal control over financial reporting (may include process changes, new accounting pronouncements, and/or system implementations). Document SOX impact and provide controls guidance and training, as required.
• Support IA management in the preparation of SOX reporting.
• Work closely with cross-function teams including accounting, tax, treasury, payroll, information technology, and consultants to provide ongoing SOX support.
• Serve as SOX contact for coordination with external auditors related to SOX IA testing requests.
• Support other internal audit related projects as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in Accounting/Finance
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience related field (internal audit, corporate accounting, public accounting, etc.)
• CPA or CIA a plus
• Solid understanding of accounting theory and principles
• 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
• Experience with Great Plains preferred

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 570 First Watch restaurants in 30 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.

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 570 First Watch restaurants in 30 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

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 570 First Watch restaurants in 30 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

The Brand Operations Specialist is a natural people connector, working cross-functionally to support strategic brand initiatives. Initiatives will include strategic culinary, menu and marketing projects and will require coordination between those departments as well as the Supply Chain team. They are responsible for maintaining and building upon First Watch’s menu platform, including proper launch and execution of Core and LTO Menus, management of internal timelines, ensuring accuracy of all printed menus, production and distribution. This person is a collaborative team player and is energized by creating processes to better support our internal, cross-functional teams and our restaurant operators. This position is based in the First Watch Home Office in Bradenton, FL, with travel up to 20% of the time.

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

• Supports the cross-functional menu rollout process from conception to completion in conjunction with Culinary, Brand and Supply Chain teams as well as other departments within the Home Office.
• Assists with the menu versioning and pricing process
• Aligns resources within the Culinary, Brand, Quality Assurance Food Safety and Supply Chain teams to streamline project management and deliver initiatives to the Ops Excellence team
• Manages and prioritizes the development and execution of menu projects that will include working with external partners, proofreading, creating distribution lists based on versioning and managing menu deliveries
• Supports menu innovation and implementation in partnership with culinary and operations through regional pilots and tests to solve business needs and when successful, supports systemwide rollouts for new menu initiatives
• Develops key messaging for internal audiences, in partnership with the training team or operations excellence teams, regarding certain brand operations initiatives and rollouts

• At least 2 years of marketing, PR, menu-related or First Watch experience
• BA/BS in Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations or a related field (Experience in print production preferred)
• Strong organizational, project and time management skills, a keen eye for detail and a passion for maintaining brand excellence
• The ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing priorities and have a strong understanding of the Brand, Marketing and Culinary side of the business
• Must be able to effectively work in a team environment with a natural inclination toward motivating and encouraging others
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to all levels; from hourly employees to senior management
• Demonstrate a spirit of hospitality, gumption and maintain a positive presence
• Demonstrate leadership management, leading by example and acting as a “brand ambassador”
• Proficient in MS Office (focus on Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic math

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 570 First Watch restaurants in 30 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.

The Customer Support Manager oversees the daily functions of the Customer Support team, ensuring efficient and quality support. This role manages the Customer Support Specialists and monitors First Watch's customer support efforts to ensure satisfaction, retention, and loyalty. Additionally, the manager actively partners with operations and other business departments to maintain effective partnerships and resolves escalated customer issues, with decisions supporting First Watch’s “You First” mission. The ideal candidate has proven expertise in building support teams, creating process documentation, and strong proficiency in customer support and retention.

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

• Oversee the Customer Support team, ensuring prompt support is provided to our customer community in a professional and polite manner
• Hire, train and develop strong and team-oriented Customer Support team members
• Perform regular one on one meetings with direct reports focused on developing and growing individuals and ensuring team and company goals are met or exceeded
• Maintain documentation on all support procedures, opening checklists and standards
• Communicate regularly with management to ensure projects and objectives are prioritized and completed on time
• Manage the end-to-end customer support process for all customer touchpoints including email, reputation management, traditional mail and phone correspondence
• Manage New Restaurant Opening (NRO) set up for corporate restaurants
• Lead community management on social media channels, including but not limited to Facebook and Instagram
• Provide local Marketing support, helping to fulfill sponsorships and donation requests when appropriate

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• 3-5 years of substantial restaurant or hospitality experience, preferably in a management role
• Effective, people-centered leadership skills
• Demonstrate a spirit of hospitality, customer service orientation and maintain a positive presence
• Demonstrate a “brand ambassador” orientation
• Strong organizational, priority management, problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills to all levels; from hourly employees to senior management
• MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

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 570 First Watch restaurants in 30 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.

The primary role of the Manager of Operations Excellence is to oversee and coordinate several projects and strategic initiatives in the organization. These projects will mainly fall within our core back-office system. They will work as a liaison between Operations and multiple Home Office departments, actively streamlining communication, supporting, and improving the overall effectiveness of Operations. The Manager of Operations Excellence will act as a point of reference and representative for Operations in the advancement of current restaurant level initiatives and communication, as well as in the implementation of future restaurant initiatives and project management. They will understand how to best support restaurant employees and serve as a resource for all Home Office departments.

The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required. This job is based out of the Bradenton, Florida home office with some travel required.

• Supports the delivery of the current year’s primary initiatives focused on implementing new processes and procedures to improve operational efficiency
• Manages special projects, as assigned by leadership
• Monitors the impact of operations programs/processes through key metrics and coordinates necessary support to ensure elimination of roadblocks and success of initiatives
• Leads the collaboration with Operations leadership and Home Office functions to sequence, approve, and communicate Operations projects and initiatives (stakeholder management)
• Supports the production of regular communication vehicles (e.g. – Ops calendar, Management Updates, etc.)
• Acts as a point of reference and source of knowledge for First Watch restaurants as it pertains to key initiatives, and understands how to best support restaurant managers and employees
• Serves as a resource for all Home Office departments regarding communication and implementation of new Operations procedures or initiatives
• Partners cross functionally within Home Office to define project goals, scope, timelines as it impacts Operations

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 5-10 years’ experience in restaurant/retail industry; preferred
• Back office, inventory, labor management systems; preferred
• MS Office proficiency; intermediate Excel skills preferred
• Strong attention to detail and written communication skills
• Highly organized and self-motivated; able to hand multiple tasks, balance priorities and meet competing tight deadlines with limited supervision
• Working knowledge of restaurant operations priorities, systems, methods, and standard operations procedures
• Team player with excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Able to communicate and effectively collaborate with multiple subject matter experts across various departments and at various levels within the organization
• Dependable, flexible, and professional demeanor
• Has demonstrated credibility (garners respect, acts with integrity and keeps commitments), is proactive (has a point of view and takes initiative) and is a good partner (builds relationships and delivers results)
• Passion for providing excellent service and quality results

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 570 First Watch restaurants in 30 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