Home Office Careers at First Watch

The Financial Analyst is responsible for providing analytical and financial support across all areas of the business with a focus on the Development team, including Real Estate & Asset Management, Construction & Design, and Facilities support teams. This position will play a key role in the company’s financial planning function as well as driving operational efficiency through reporting and analysis. The role will partner with leadership and senior managers to analyze new site opportunities, monitor key performance metrics, analyze the company’s financial results, and identify business trends.

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

• Business & Operations Analysis: Perform ongoing analysis of business results, focused on variance versus expectations, understanding changes in trends in both company and category performance, and identifying and elevating potential issues. Support all business analysis with accurate analytical models, using a variety of data and assumptions, and can be easily explained to executive management
• Data Gathering: Query various data sources to support recurring and new reporting and analysis, including P&L, metrics, attributes, organization, etc.
• Data Maintenance: Maintain and clean various data sources to support the acquisition and updating of restaurant attributes and related support information
• Reporting: Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly recurring reporting to support the Development Team and others
• Project Support: Provide support to key members of teams working on executing core company initiatives and analysis of component level performance
• Planning: Provide support to the Development Finance team preparing annual operating and financial planning
• Provide ad hoc analytical support to the Development Finance team

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or analytical discipline with 1+ years of corporate financial planning and analysis experience
• Intermediate Excel skills and proficient in PowerPoint
• Strong understanding of financial statement analysis, corporate finance and financial modeling
• Analytical skills and ability to understand First Watch’s business model through metrics and analysis
• Familiarity with SharePoint, OneDrive, Power BI & SQL, and other Microsoft tools
• Multi-unit restaurant or retail industry experience preferred
• MBA, Graduate Degree, or financial certification (FPAC, CPA, CMA) 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 540 First Watch restaurants in 29 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 Payroll Specialist is responsible for supporting accurate and timely processing of payroll for First Watch employees as well as the people analytics with the oversight of the Payroll Supervisor. The position requires a basic understanding of payroll systems to carry out the principles and standards that support the Company’s business and human resources related responsibilities.

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

• Assist in the preparation of the biweekly payroll, reviews and processes employee payroll changes
• Update payroll records and assist the team in preparing payroll for timely processing
• Answer inquiries directed to the payroll inbox and respond in a professional and timely manner
• Run audit reports for the field and reach out to managers to correct data flowing to payroll
• Maintain pay cards for all company restaurants
• Send garnishment orders to third party vendors for processing
• Effectively communicate with all levels to establish and maintain positive working relationships
• Investigate and issue manual check requests
• Coordinate questions from the field regarding daily tip out procedures
• Field PTO requests from the field as it relates to their balances
• Answer questions about payroll matters which require limited policy interpretation
• Complete forms requiring payroll data
• Make recommendations for improvements to payroll procedures
• Assist with year-end reporting, W-2 processing, and annual pay summaries
• Support the team with special payroll-related projects as needed, including audits

• The position requires a high school diploma and 2+ years of payroll experience with a medium-large sized organization. Degree in a related and supporting field of study preferred
• Payroll experience in a multi-unit / multi-state restaurant or retail environment strongly preferred
• Proficient in using HRIS software such as ADP (preferred), UKG or Workday.
• Knowledge of payroll processes and regulations, including garnishments, payroll conversions, tax and withholding
• Strong working knowledge of MS 365, (Excel, Word & Outlook), web-based applications & databases
• Possess and maintain a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism
• Customer service orientation toward service and building relationships

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 540 First Watch restaurants in 29 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 Asset Manager will be responsible for tasks relative to 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.

• Oversee Lease administration and property management functions for 150 restaurant locations within First Watch’s portfolio
• Resolve property management issues, review and reconcile monthly and year-end expenses, and process Tenant Improvement Allowance
• Review invoices and process escrow changes (Rent, Operating Expenses, Utilities, etc.) while also maintaining a positive Landlord-Tenant relationship
• Perform Annual Desktop Audit of Operating Expenses and Analyze year-end reconciliation statement to ensure charges are billed in accordance with the lease
• Process Estoppels, SNDA’s and Change of Ownership requests, obtaining pertinent supporting documents as necessary
• Process New Vendor Set-Up forms for New Restaurants and Landlord entity changes
• Coordinate between Landlord and accounting to obtain and verify required documentation. (W-9, ACH, Landlord Contact Form)
• Manage requests for Certificates of Insurance and work with landlord and insurance provider to rectify discrepancies
• Monitor the centralized email and physical mailbox 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 (Pro Lease, 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 (Pro Lease, CoStar)
• Proficient understanding of leases, lease compliance or other governing documents
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, Smartsheets, Dropbox

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 540 First Watch restaurants in 29 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 First Watch Restaurant Systems Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining the Company’s NCR Aloha point of sale and Data Central Back Office application, as well as serving as an escalation point for both systems to internal First Watch IT resources. This individual will act as an active partner and liaison with the First Watch operations teams to maintain an effective and proactive partnership. The ideal candidate will apply proven technical knowledge of Point-of-Sale technologies, as well as a strong proficiency with restaurant Back Office products to achieve results in a timely and effective manner. This individual will help to perform all transactional duties dealing with the Point of Sale and Back Office software, as well as counsel employees as needed on the use of these applications. The Restaurant Systems Administrator must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, where being highly organized, detail oriented, flexible, and adaptable is of utmost importance while maintaining a professional and positive attitude. Due to the fast-paced nature of the business, he/she must remain calm under pressure and remain focused, professional, and organized. Responsibilities will involve performing routine and occasional non-routine assignments requiring independent judgment on and off standard business hours.

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

• Provides Help Desk escalation support for user community in a professional, promptly, and polite manner
• Provide admin support for Point of Sale and Back Office systems used by corporate and franchised First Watch locations
• Assist with ongoing Point of Sale and Back Office maintenance, including the configuration and ongoing maintenance of new restaurant openings, users, items and category management
• Assists with integration projects for any third-party products that have or may be adopted
• Assists FW Culinary with new menu changes (items, recipes) and reporting requests
• Assists FW Payroll with the Data Central Payroll process including modifications to exports, reports, and other configuration items
• Assists FW Restaurant Operations with approvals, reporting, invoice scanning, inventory, and new project initiatives
• Will continually contribute to internal documentation resources by developing new documentation when needed and revising existing documentation as solution sets evolve
• Assists 3rd party IT vendors with Restaurant System related issues
• Provide both remote, and on-site new restaurant opening support as needed
• Proactively designs/re-evaluate procedures and processes to expedite problem resolution and eliminate obstacles for end-users
• Participate in an On-Call rotation to provide coverage for core restaurant systems with support of SME’s
• Ensures compliance with First Watch IT Policies and Procedures
• Ensures quarterly and periodic system audits are performed and documented
• Maintains documentation on all support procedures, opening checklists and standards
• Communicates regularly with supervisor to ensure projects and objectives are prioritized and completed on time

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• Minimum of 2 years of restaurant technology support experience (Full Service/Fast Casual restaurant preferred)
• NCR Aloha table service experience preferred
• Proven success in managing or administering corporate office software and products
• Superior technical skills and understanding of basic PC networking, user administration, report development\creation and general structured data administration.
• Multi-unit POS and Back Office system experience required; Restaurant Magic Data Central is 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 540 First Watch restaurants in 29 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 Sr. Food Safety Manager will support First Watch restaurants by promoting the highest levels of food safety and product quality through partnerships with stakeholders, restaurant operations, restaurant support teams, as well as third party auditing agencies. This position will take an active role in advancing food safety, the employee wellness program and quality by sharing best practices and communicating effectively with our operations, supply chain and support teams.

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 the ongoing development of the First Watch food safety & cleanliness standards, procedures, and resources that support clean, safe, quality and efficient restaurants
• Manage relationships and support the First Watch third-party audit program to proactively mitigate critical food safety and food quality risks
• Continuously drive the third-party audit results through deployment of risk-based approaches to restaurant food safety, working with operations to drive results
• Provide leadership and guidance to third-party service providers to ensure optimal services are rendered to support the food safety and quality programs for First Watch
• Enhance food safety training tools to drive food safety culture while providing cross-functional support for growth and acquisitions. Train and support operator partners to drive continuous improvements in food safety and handling procedures to minimize risk and improve quality
• Predictively and proactively identify non-compliances utilizing data, trends and analytics to assure food safety and ensure corrective actions are immediately implemented
• Support the food safety and quality management software data needs for the QAFS department
• Monitor regulatory and industry landscapes for changes, issues, and advancements pertinent to First Watch restaurants
• Build trust and maintain positive, productive working relationships with operations, regulatory agencies and vendors

• BS and/or MS degree in environmental science, microbiology, biological science, chemistry or related field required
• Minimum 5 years experience
• CPFS (Certified Food Safety Professional with the National Environmental Health Association) or ability to receive certification within one year
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) certification
• Ability to travel up to 40%
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office programs
• Strong desire and capability for career advancement

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 540 First Watch restaurants in 29 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 Sr. Financial Analyst is responsible for providing analytical and financial support across all areas of the Business. This position will play a key role in the company’s financial planning function as well as driving operational efficiency through reporting and analysis. The role will partner with leadership and senior managers to monitor key performance metrics, understand sales/traffic/product mix trends, and analyze the company’s financial results.

This role requires a self-starter with excellent business modeling skills, a keen attention to detail and focus on time management as well as the ability to challenge conventional thinking in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate can work seamlessly across multiple functions, including operations, marketing, supply chain, culinary, and other support teams, to evaluate and influence decisions/programs that affect how we run our restaurants, drive demand and manage costs.

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

• Forecasting/Budgeting: Participate in quarterly, as well as annual and multi-year financial forecasts/budgets, typically working with broader organization to understand and test key forecast/budget assumptions and model alternate scenarios. Construct and maintain models in support of the forecast/budget process.  Play key role in unit-level planning process.
• Sales/Product Mix Analysis: Analyze sales, traffic, and product mix trends.  Understand performance of current limited-time offerings and project impact of future ones.  Perform pricing analyses as necessary. 
• Determine how product mix behavior is impacting our COGS. Effectively communicate all insights to leadership.
• Perform testing analysis and effectively communicate the risk or upside of potential marketing tactics or menu changes.
• Ad-hoc Reporting/Analysis: Provide robust and accurate ad-hoc financial analysis and effectively present the results and recommendations to senior leadership.  Report on week, period, quarter, and annual financial performance to the leadership team, and prepare explanations of variances to budget.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, or analytical discipline with 4+ years of corporate financial planning experience
• Proficiency in both Excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent financial modeling skills, and the ability to turn data into insights and make recommendations regarding improvements to profitability
• Strong background in financial statements including Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flow
• Demonstrated success in generating budgets, analyzing P&L results, and reporting financials
• Advanced analytical skills with sound business judgement and high level of attention to detail
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to communicate with multiple levels of the organization
• Ability to work on multiple projects, with cross-functional teams across all levels of the organization, and to meet deadlines
• Nimbleness and adaptability to changes in priorities
• Curiosity, self-drive, and enthusiasm to deliver results and improve the existing processes

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 540 First Watch restaurants in 29 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.

As a member of the Construction Team this individual will primarily be responsible for estimating and managing new restaurant openings (NRO’s) and Renovation Projects.  This includes tracking and ordering from all owner vendors as well as hiring and supporting a network of general contractors to ensure timelines and budgets are met. 

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

• Assists with due diligence, estimates and contract negotiations. Participates in development and reconciliation of capital estimates
• Protects brand standards and quality control over new development projects
• Ensures construction administration process is developed and executed. Manages project expenditures and job cost accounting processes including accuracy, documentation, approvals, payment reporting, and tracking
• Ensures compliance with company, industry, trade, and jurisdictional safety standards, practices, codes
• Obtains bids from vendors and subcontractors, identify qualified subcontractors, and negotiate pricing
• Responsible for the development of the project schedule and schedule updates
• Performs project close out including final paperwork, job walk through and any other follow up items with restaurant operations teams
• Ensures inspections and permits are approved and closed out prior to restaurant turn over dates

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Architecture or Engineering, preferred
• 2-5 years’ experience working on commercial construction projects.  Restaurant/retail experience a plus
• Experience managing subcontractors or a subcontractor-based business preferred
• Strong working knowledge of regulations and permits required
• Track record of successful project completions and high customer satisfaction
• Ability to travel up to 70% of the time to visit job sites and commute to the corporate office in Bradenton, Florida when not traveling

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 540 First Watch restaurants in 29 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.

Staff accountant will be engaged in various accounting tasks such as creating journal entries, performing reconciliations, carrying out monthly close procedures and other accounting duties. The ideal candidate will have U.S. GAAP Accounting knowledge (degree), ability to learn quickly and work with a high volume of data, solid communication skills and work well in a team environment. CPA preferred.

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

• Manage assigned projects by prioritizing work to meet established deadlines, ensuring that accounting objectives are accomplished and keeping leadership informed of project status and issues
• Prepare journal entries, including supporting documentation
• Perform reconciliations of assigned accounts utilizing Blackline
• Perform analytics and provide support for explanations
• Adhere to timelines in support of Public Company SEC and other reporting deadlines
• Document accounting processes and procedures in assigned areas
• Communicate with and provide requested information to management and internal/external auditors
• Work collaboratively within the Accounting team and with other Corporate functions
• Identify, develop and implement solutions to drive accounting efficiencies
• Become subject matter expert for assigned accounting areas
• Support other accounting related projects and functions as assigned
• Adhere to Company policies and procedures

• CPA preferred
• Degree with a concentration in Accounting
• Understanding of U.S. GAAP and Internal Controls
• Public Accounting experience a plus
• Ability to handle multiple, concurrent assignments and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience within the retail, restaurant, or similar industry that includes multiple locations in various states helpful
• Experience in a Public Company/SEC reporting environment a plus
• Ability to manipulate large amounts of data/Advanced Microsoft Excel 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 540 First Watch restaurants in 29 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.