Home Office Careers at First Watch

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for supporting the purchasing process for restaurant furniture, finishings and equipment (FFE). This role partners with vendors, suppliers, construction team members and operations leaders to ensure that restaurants are fitted with all necessary items. This position will work closely with other supply chain functions including restaurant support, culinary, operations, accounting and marketing teams.

The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities.  Regular and reliable attendance is required.  This role reports out of the Corporate office in Bradenton, Florida.

• Coordinate the purchase of FFE (Fixtures, Furniture and Equipment), working directly with millwork and equipment vendors
• Assist in managing supplier and distributor relationships, contract negotiations, specifications and overall best practices
• Develop and maintain a working understanding of the procurement system for FFE purchasing and payment processing
• Send out RFPs to vendor, receive and track quotes and manage work orders to vendors
• Create purchase orders and monitor inventory against vendor proposals
• Ensure a continuous supply of specified products of the best quality, at the best possible costs; as well as consolidating product purchasing to capitalize on economies of scale
• Maintain project buy-out sheet to ensure all items are being purchased for the project in a timely manner
• Compare vendor proposals to restaurant food service plans to ensure accurate model numbers and quantity
• Maintain the tracking and inventory database for all restaurant equipment
• Monitor supplier inventory levels on all items, accurately forecasting usage and costing models
• Maintain working knowledge of restaurant design plans for the purpose of ordering appropriate equipment
• Track progress of purchase orders to ensure timely delivery of products
• Implement and manage audit procedures to verify invoiced amounts align with contract/distributor pricing agreements
• Support and resolve supplier/distributor related questions/opportunities
• Proactively communicate with Construction Project Managers and suppliers on lead-time conflicts

• High school diploma with Associate degree in business or related field or equivalent work experience
• 3-4 years of experience in restaurant industry preferably a multi-unit organization.
• Intermediate/advanced Microsoft Office product skills

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.

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 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.