Home Office Careers at First Watch

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 Internal Audit Manager provides a key role in the internal audit function and is primarily responsible for leading the execution of the annual SOX audit plan including but not limited to the review, testing, analysis, evaluation, and conclusion over the design and operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. This position will also be responsible for identifying and facilitating the implementation of process improvements and the reporting of all findings, deficiencies, and remediation plans. This position is expected to be hands-on in all aspects of project planning and execution of SOX activities to ensure business risks are anticipated, identified, recognized, and appropriately managed. This position interacts with mid-to-senior level management to discuss audit findings and recommendations intended to improve business practices.

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

• Work independently, within a team, or lead a team in the planning and execution of the day-to-day Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance efforts.
• Supervise staff and/or consultants assigned to SOX audit engagements and provide leadership, guidance and direction for all areas that are associated with the audit project deliverables. Communicate assigned tasks to the engagement team in a manner that is clear and concise, ensuring high quality, accurate, and efficient audit results.
• Build effective relationships with process owners and senior management to stay abreast of activities within the Company’s operations for consideration in risk assessment exercises and audit planning activities.
• Collaborate and coordinate with the external auditor on the SOX strategy and testing to optimize reliance opportunities.
• Educate management and process owners by leading training sessions to demonstrate compliance requirements and share hot topics in SOX compliance.
• Assist with the development of the annual audit plan, including the on-going identification and assessment of the Company’s key risks.
• Identify and implement ideas for improving department processes and procedures.
• Lead and support other internal audit related projects as assigned.

• CPA or CIA
• Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in Accounting/Finance
• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting/auditing experience, including supervisory experience
• Comprehensive understanding of internal auditing, Sarbanes Oxley, PCAOB standards, COSO Framework, and GAAP
• Public accounting (audit) experience
• Exposure to auditing ITGCs and application controls
• Able to document and analyze business processes
• Experience with external auditors
• Strong computer skills (Great Plains, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat Pro, etc.)

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 Training Design Coordinator will support a variety of operational and administrative functions with a primary focus on maintaining training process and metrics across all First Watch restaurants. This position is responsible for helping to edit training materials, follow up on training deadlines & course compliance, and coordinate administrative 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.

• Assists with the deployment of training materials to restaurants
• Assists with the Limited Time Offer (LTO) Program (10xs per year) under the leadership of the Training and Instructional Design Manager.
• Assists with project management of large-scale training rollouts and initiatives
• Monitors training inbox and responds to field requests
• Works with corporate training team to review and update training materials, job aids, manuals, guides, video course, etc.
• Monitors, communicates and runs reports for annual compliance course completion
• Revises and helps to edit existing training materials, and recommends updates as needed
• Reconciles training expenditures – codes monthly expenses to correct departments and/or to the restaurant
• Assists with ongoing maintenance of the Learning Management System (Schoox) and training documents in SharePoint (Y.O.L.K.). Trouble shoots concerns from restaurant management and team members

• Minimum one to three years of experience in a service-oriented, hospitality industry such as hotel, resort, restaurant, retail, entertainment venue preferred
• Strong administrative and organizational skills
• Strong computer skills are required (Outlook, Excel, Photo Shop, PowerPoint, etc.)
• People focused and service minded

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 Design Specialist supports the Development and Construction departments by managing project documentation, timelines, and budgets. This role will require the use of graphic design software to create and update drawings, assist in design presentations, and maintain design manuals.

• Provide Administrative Support to the Development and Construction departments
• Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, and take meeting notes
• Organize and maintain project files, documentation, and correspondence
• Track project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure milestones are met
• Operate graphic reproduction software including AutoCAD, Photoshop Suite, Revit, & SketchUp 3D modeling to create and update drawings
• Create compelling and professional PowerPoint presentations to support project proposals, progress updates, and final reviews
• Provide technical support in the creation of floor plans, interior décor, visual renderings of interior and exterior environment designs and all necessary design functions to establish standards of architectural criteria details
• Manage and maintain the Franchisee and Corporate design intent manuals, updating continuously as new specs are established
• Provide support with design committee presentations and discussions
• Assist with creating and modifying basic AutoCAD drawings under the direction of project managers and/or Director of Design

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g.,Interior Design, Architecture, Construction Management) or equivalent work experience. Hospitality Design experience strongly preferred
• Basic knowledge of graphic reproduction software, AutoCAD, Photoshop Suite, & SketchUp 3D modeling, Revit a plus
• Initiative and ability to work independently and collaboratively in teams
• Strong verbal and written communication and organizational skills with attention to detail and follow up
• Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong decision-making skills with quality and budget in mind
• Ability to adapt to changing business environments, solve problems and take advantage of opportunities to minimize project costs, maintain construction schedules and improve quality of completed facilities
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to travel for business needs

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

The Director of Real Estate will direct real estate functions for First Watch within Florida. The Director of Real Estate is expected to reside in the market which they will oversee.

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

• Work with the VP of Real Estate to identify targeted trade areas for development by gathering and evaluating market data
• Conduct high-quality trade area reviews in targeted trade areas
• Work with local brokers and developers to procure a targeted number of new restaurant openings and keeping brokers informed of new initiatives and standards related to First Watch real estate
• Build and manage the pipeline of potential sites in specific markets identified for expansion to ensure First Watch meets development strategy
• Manage and update Development Market Strategies, including research, data management
• Prepare and present proposed locations at Real Estate Committee meetings
• Negotiate and review Letters of Intent
• Work with VP and Director of Development to bring all aspects of new restaurant openings together in the designated territory (leasing, scheduling, budgeting)
• Follow deals through the development pipeline and work with legal to ensure timely and successful lease signing
• Manage lease renewal process for existing locations in-territory, to make lease renewal decisions as well as to evaluate relocation opportunities
• As required, this position will support and monitor the development process in the existing company and franchise markets

• Minimum of five years in Real Estate site selection and leadership position within high new-unit-growth business is required, preferably in the restaurant industry
• Bachelor’s degree in related field is preferred
• Strong negotiating skills
• Must be strategically oriented with strong background in site selection
• Strong interpersonal, communication (both written and verbal) and presentation skills
• A high level of competency in computer skills (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.)

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 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 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