Home Office Careers at First Watch

The Accounting Manager is a key financial professional responsible for ensuring compliance with accounting standards, implementing accounting policies, and providing technical support on accounting issues to staff. This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, auditors and accounting team members to maintain accurate and timely financial reporting and internal controls.

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

Technical Accounting Expertise

• Stay abreast of evolving accounting standards (e.g., GAAP) and assess their impact on the organization
• Research, interpret, and implement new accounting pronouncements or changes in regulations (SEC)
• Provide guidance on accounting issues, collaborate with other departments to address challenges and document memos on technical / complex accounting issues / transactions (may include debt transactions, impairment analysis, cash flow hedge accounting, etc.)
• Train and support accounting staff on GAAP accounting issues
• Prepare/review journal entries, internal schedules, account reconciliations, accounting procedures, process memos

Financial Reporting

• Preparation/review of schedules supporting the financial statements in compliance with applicable accounting standards
• Preparation/review of financial statement disclosures to ensure compliance with US GAAP

Policy Development and Implementation

• Develop and implement accounting policies
• Work with various departments to communicate and educate teams on accounting policies and procedures
• Ensure staff on the accounting team are aware of accounting policy updates for compliance
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of existing policies and recommend updates as needed

Internal Controls

• Establish and maintain a strong system of internal controls
• Collaborate with internal audit to identify and address control deficiencies
• Implement best practices to enhance the effectiveness of internal controls

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including finance, treasury, operations, purchasing, etc. to address accounting-related matters
• Communicate complex accounting issues in a clear and concise manner
• Work closely with, train and develop accounting team members

Advisory Role

• Provide guidance on transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and other business initiatives to ensure compliance with accounting standards
• Evaluate the financial impact of proposed transactions and provide recommendations

• Strong knowledge of GAAP
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting
• CPA preferred
• Public company experience preferred
• Extensive experience (typically 5-7 years) in accounting roles, with demonstrated progression
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment
• Experience with ERP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Excel

First Watch is an award-winning 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 includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with First Watch specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Spiked Lavender Lemonade and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the 50 most loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation’s Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP’s coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 530 First Watch restaurants in 29 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 an award-winning 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 includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with First Watch specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Spiked Lavender Lemonade and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the 50 most loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation’s Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP’s coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 530 First Watch restaurants in 29 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 Facilities Manager oversees the maintenance of the building and grounds of multiple restaurant locations, assisting the restaurant management team in the oversight, purchasing and upkeep of equipment and supplies. The Facilities Manager works with the local management team to make sure the building and grounds are maintained, which includes determining and scheduling regular maintenance, repairs and renovation projects. This position must oversee scheduled work as well as negotiate with outside vendors for supplies, repairs and other measures. The ideal candidate will reside in one of: Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, or Phoenix.

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 building projects, maintenance and repair of all restaurant systems, assets and site improvements, including building, parking areas, HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, utilities and infrastructure systems
• Implement and monitor proactive preventative maintenance programs for each facility. Monitor improvements to energy efficiency, HVAC, life safety, equipment, grease traps, landscaping, etc.
• Schedule vendors to perform work in designated restaurants and provide onsite oversight as needed
• Continually source and re-qualify suppliers. Perform routine assessment of vendor performance, pricing, on-time delivery, specifications, quality of product, workmanship, responsiveness, and issue resolution for the restaurants and other company assets.
• Serve as lead contact for contracts, contact negotiation, and warranty oversight
• Contribute to the development and management of facility maintenance capital projects and budgets for restaurants and other related assets subject to purchase, maintenance and repair
• Under the direction of the Facilities Director, execute all capital projects with time and cost expectations.  Audit and approve invoices for scheduled and negotiated work
• Coordinate with restaurant management regarding all facilities activity in the building
• Provide guidance to operations on basic upkeep and maintenance tasks, repair/replace decisions as well as vendor contact and oversight and emergency procedures
• Respond to calls on a 24-7 basis to promptly resolve urgent needs of facilities at existing restaurants
• Regularly visit sites to evaluate conditions and identify potential repairs and facility maintenance projects
• Inform supervisor by written status report and identification of issues requiring escalation or assistance
• Ensure that restaurants meet government regulations and environmental, health and security standards
• Execute equipment audits and record-taking policies

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university or minimum of 10 years of experience as a Facilities Director or Facilities Manager
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in the food service industry, multiunit restaurant experience preferred
• Requires minimum 4-6 years related work experience in a multi-unit, commercial building environment
• Experience managing a budget, reviewing P&L  and vendor management
• Proficient in procurement and asset management software applications

First Watch is an award-winning 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 includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with First Watch specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Spiked Lavender Lemonade and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the 50 most loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation’s Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP’s coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 530 First Watch restaurants in 29 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 an award-winning 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 includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with First Watch specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Spiked Lavender Lemonade and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the 50 most loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation’s Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP’s coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 530 First Watch restaurants in 29 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.

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 an award-winning 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 includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with First Watch specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Spiked Lavender Lemonade and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the 50 most loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation’s Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP’s coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 530 First Watch restaurants in 29 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 primary role of the Program Manager, 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 willwork 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. S/he 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.

• Supports the delivery of the current year’s primary initiatives
• Manages special projects, as assigned by leadership
• Supports the development of plans, processes, and relevant next steps for back-office system improvement
• Monitors the impact of operations programs/processes through key metrics and coordinates necessary support to ensure the success of initiatives
• Supports the collaboration with Operations leadership and Home Office functions to sequence, approve, and communicate Operations projects and initiatives
• 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 with regard to communication and implementation of new Operations procedures or initiatives

• 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
• 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
• Displays knowledge of restaurant operations priorities, systems, methods, and standard operations procedures

First Watch is an award-winning 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 includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with First Watch specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Spiked Lavender Lemonade and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the 50 most loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation’s Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP’s coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 530 First Watch restaurants in 29 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.