First Watch Home Office Team
We are builders of our “You First” culture and exist to support our restaurants, our people and our company’s growth.
Employee Stories
First Watch truly cares about everyone in this organization.
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My job is to make sure that my teams feel supported and have everything they need to be successful.
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If it wasn’t for my leaders believing in me and pushing me, I wouldn’t be where I am.
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At First Watch, we practice what we preach, good people equal good company.
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Why First Watch? Reason #1
Flexible work environment
We offer intentional flexibility to allow for a healthy work/life balance.
Why First Watch? Reason #2
When we feel our best, we do our best.
That’s why we offer wellness rooms, standing desks, a mother’s room and gym in the home office.
Why First Watch? Reason #3
Free lunch Fridays
What can we say? We love food. Every Friday enjoy a free catered lunch.
Why First Watch? Reason #4
We love our pawject managers
We recognize dogs can reduce stress, encourage exercise, improve teamwork and boost morale.
Home Office Positions
IT Security Analyst - Technical
Location:
Bradenton
The IT Security Analyst is responsible for supporting and analyzing the Company’s IT security and compliance documentation, process, procedures, and audits. The IT Security Analyst will participate in conducting overall security assessments through vulnerability testing and risk analysis. In addition, the role will act as a liaison between the business and IT ensuring all security processes and procedures are being followed in the organization while working with IT leadership to identify new and current software solutions and controls are in place to secure both online and on-premises infrastructures.
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.
- Assess, gather, and present data for the internal audit process for user rights access management for access to all required systems.
- Support annual PCI audit process and documentation delivery to ensure business is compliant to PCI standards.
- Understand security related patching process, log & event correlation, and related reporting tools.
- Coordinate annual penetration and weekly vulnerability scanning with 3rd party partner.
- Understand and complete monthly application security scanning/external websites.
- Assist in reviewing annual policies, procedures, and control processes to ensure proper execution. This may include creating procedural documentation and runbooks to support compliance and audit efforts.
- Assist in planning and performing walk-throughs as determined by internal and external auditors.
- Analyze IT requirements and provide objective advice on the use of IT security requirements
- Work with IT Leaderships and Training to create and update security training programs to train employees on security awareness
- Provide insights on the efficacy of the current security policies, incident responses, disaster recovery plans, and other security-related information.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
- Minimum of two years’ IT\cyber security experience is required
- Strong understanding of MS AD and, Intune Azure AD
- Experienced in operating and reporting with the following platforms: SIEM,EDR/XDR/MDR, & Vulnerability/Penetration testing systems
- Halo experience is preferred
- N-Able RMM tool experience is helpful
- Experience with SaaS, EASM, FIM, CSPM, CSAM
- Experience with phishing and email filtering tools
- Qualys and CrowdStrike experience is helpful
- Restaurant IT support experience is preferred
Who We Are
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact to our communities – raising approximately $2.0 million to date. A recipient of many “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute – an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal – after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 630 First Watch restaurants in 32 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.
Email Marketing Manager
Location:
Bradenton
For more than four decades, First Watch has developed a strong “You First” culture and established itself as a leading daytime dining brand. As the company plans for continued growth across its 600+ locations, the Email Marketing Manager will play a key role in driving performance through the brand’s email marketing program. This role is responsible for the overall strategy, execution, and performance management of email communications. Key responsibilities include managing the email marketing calendar, leading campaign development from initial concept through deployment, and driving program improvements through structured testing, segmentation, and reporting. The ideal candidate brings strong project management capabilities, along with creative and analytical expertise, to deliver effective campaigns that support guest engagement and retention goals. This position is based at the First Watch Home Office in Bradenton, FL, and requires approximately 20% travel.
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.
Marketing Calendar Ownership
- Own and manage the email marketing calendar in alignment with business priorities, promotional calendars and cross-channel initiatives
- Partner with CRM and creative teams to plan and prioritize campaigns
- Ensure clear timelines, approvals and deliverables for every campaign
- Proactively identify opportunities for new lifecycle campaigns and automations
Email Strategy & Development
- Lead end-to-end development of email campaigns including briefing, copy direction, creative coordination, segmentation and QA
- Build and launch campaigns within the Braze marketing platform
- Develop audience targeting strategies to improve personalization and engagement
- Implement A/B testing plans to optimize subject lines, creative, offers and send times
Campaign Launch & Execution
- Oversee accurate deployment of all campaigns, ensuring flawless execution
- Monitor performance post-launch and quickly troubleshoot any issues
- Maintain deliverability best practices and list hygiene standards
Reporting & Optimization
- Own weekly and monthly performance reporting
- Analyze KPIs including open rate, CTR, conversion rate, revenue and unsubscribe rate
- Translate data into actionable insights and optimization plans
- Present results and recommendations to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required (degree in communications/public relations/marketing or related field is preferred)
- 4-6+ years of experience in email marketing, CRM or lifecycle marketing
- Hands-on experience building and launching campaigns in an email service provider (ESP) or marketing automation platform
- Experience with Braze is strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of audience segmentation, personalization and lifecycle marketing strategies
- Experience in developing and managing marketing calendars and coordinating cross-functional campaign launches
- Proficiency in email performance analysis and reporting (open rate, CTR, conversion, revenue attribution etc.)
- Familiarity with email deliverability, best practices, list hygiene and compliance where applicable
- Strong attention to detail with proven QA processes for campaign deployment
- Basic understanding of HTML/CSS for email troubleshooting is a plus
Who We Are
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact to our communities – raising approximately $2.0 million to date. A recipient of many “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute – an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal – after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 630 First Watch restaurants in 32 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.
Director of Operations
Location:
Omaha
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).
Responsibilities
- 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
Qualifications
- 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
Who We Are
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact to our communities – raising approximately $2.0 million to date. A recipient of many “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute – an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal – after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 630 First Watch restaurants in 32 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.
Director of Operations
Location:
Augusta
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).
Responsibilities
- 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
Qualifications
- 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
Who We Are
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact to our communities – raising approximately $2.0 million to date. A recipient of many “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute – an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal – after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 630 First Watch restaurants in 32 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.
Director of Operations
Location:
Montgomery
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).
Responsibilities
- 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
Qualifications
- 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
Who We Are
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact to our communities – raising approximately $2.0 million to date. A recipient of many “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute – an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal – after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 630 First Watch restaurants in 32 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.
Director of Operations
Location:
Austin
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).
Responsibilities
- 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
Qualifications
- 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
Who We Are
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact to our communities – raising approximately $2.0 million to date. A recipient of many “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute – an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal – after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 630 First Watch restaurants in 32 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.
Director of Operations
Location:
Germantown
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).
Responsibilities
- 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
Qualifications
- 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
Who We Are
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact to our communities – raising approximately $2.0 million to date. A recipient of many “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute – an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal – after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 630 First Watch restaurants in 32 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.