Home Office Careers at First Watch

The Risk & Insurance Analyst is responsible for supporting the insurance programs and risk mitigation strategies. This role works on insurance coverage, renewals, and risk assessments across all restaurant and corporate operations. Responsibilities include compiling and tracking financial risk exposures, evaluating and tracking overall cost of insurance and will administer the Risk Management Information System (Origami). The position will also develop and implement analytical tools/reports to most effectively communicate internally and field leadership teams. This position will be responsible for data collection/analysis and tracking of all relevant risk management metrics. The ideal candidate is analytical, collaborative, and passionate about creating a safe and resilient environment for our teams and customers.

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 all aspects of corporate insurance programs
• Oversee all data inputs for RMIS system to ensure accuracy and optimal process management
• Coding/mapping third party claims administrator (TPA) data in Origami (system administration)
• Actuary data pulls – submission of loss runs
• Produce monthly trend reports for operations/others
• Track information for statement of values (property insurance)
• Code vendor invoices for payment and process insurance recoveries
• Support underwriter meetings
• Compile data for insurance renewal submissions
• First level back up for customer service support positions
• Certificate of insurance handlings
• Uploading insurance policies into Origami
• Respond to Service Channel insurance compliance inquires
• Coordinate annual insurance renewals, policy reviews, and broker relationships
• Monitor claim trends and develop strategies to reduce frequency and severity
• Support internal teams with claim-related inquiries and documentation
• Conduct risk assessments
• Analyze loss data and prepare reports for leadership to inform strategic decisions
• Maintain accurate records of policies, claims, certificates of insurance, and endorsements

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, Business Administration- Accounting/Finance, or related field
• 2+ years of experience in insurance and risk management, preferably in hospitality or retail
• 2 + years of administering RMIS systems is preferred
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• ARM, CPCU, AIC or other relevant certifications preferred

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.

The Director of Operations is responsible for supporting the mission, vision and values of First Watch through all that he/she does in their role every day. The DO’s primary purpose is to develop General Managers and restaurant management teams to build and increase sales over the previous year and improve profitability, while ensuring employee and guest satisfaction, without compromising the integrity or You First culture of the concept. The Director of Operations is responsible for the success of all First Watch operations within their span of control (5-8 direct reports and 200-300 employees).

• Leads operational activities for a group of First Watch Restaurants by performing the following in accordance with Company guidelines regarding management development, sales, and profitability, planning and customer and employee relations
• Trains, coaches and develops General Managers and Operations Managers, through timely performance and observation feedback and evaluations
• Follows up on training of MIT's/CAFE’s and hourly employees. Works closely with the Training General Manager to monitor progress
• Ensures development of Operations Managers within compliance of the FW management development programs
• Through effective manpower planning executes the continuous development of the management team and ensures timely and cost effective recruitment of restaurant level management and their training within First Watch
• Ensures the maintenance of a safe and harassment free workplace in all restaurants
• Takes quick and responsible action in solving problems and able to uses reason when dealing with individual or staff performance based issues to include personality conflicts
• Develops for prior approval and then meets or exceeds the area’s budget, including capital investments, General and Administrative expenses
• Promotes First Watch outside the restaurant

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent – concentration in food & beverage, business, marketing or management is preferred
• Five to seven years of progressive leadership experience in multi unit restaurant industry operations
• Proven track record of achieving results and building & maintaining successful teams
• Passion for providing excellent service and quality
• Ability to partner and build relationships while demonstrating leadership and integrity and promoting team success
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, procedures, and best practices in the industry
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel frequently within assigned market

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using 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.

The Manager of Employee Relations will serve as a strategic partner to our Operations leaders, collaborating closely to address a range of employee relations matters with tact, empathy, and discretion. This role requires an adept communicator who can navigate complex situations, provide sound advice, and ensure that all actions align with our company's mission and values.

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

• Employee Guidance: Serve as the go-to resource for Operations leaders in addressing sensitive employee concerns, including but not limited to interpersonal conflicts, harassment, discrimination, and workplace disputes.
• Conflict Resolution: Manage and mediate employee disputes, working to find fair and equitable resolutions that align with company policies and values.
• Grievance Handling: Receive, investigate, and manage employee grievances, ensuring thorough and impartial investigations and appropriate follow-up actions.
• Policy Interpretation: Provide expert interpretation of company policies, procedures, and guidelines to support informed decision-making by Operations leaders.
• Coaching and Training: Participate in the development of training programs and resources to educate Operations leaders on best practices for handling employee relations matters and fostering a positive work environment.
• Performance Improvement: Collaborate with HR and Operations to develop performance improvement plans when necessary, ensuring alignment with legal requirements and company standards.
• Employee Advocacy: Act as an advocate for employees while balancing the company's interests, always striving to create an inclusive and respectful workplace.
• Compliance: Stay current with labor laws, regulations, and industry best practices related to employee relations, ensuring the company's practices remain legally compliant.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations cases, investigations, and outcomes.
• Data Analysis: Analyze employee relations trends and data to identify potential areas of concern and develop proactive strategies for improvement.
• Cultural Champion: Actively promote and reinforce the company's "You First" culture and values in all employee interactions and engagement initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field; or equivalent work experience and minimum of 3-5 years of multi-unit leadership, preferably within the restaurant or hospitality industry
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices
• Exceptional communication, mediation, and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and objectivity in all employee interactions
• Proven track record of successfully partnering with Operations leaders to address complex employee relations issues
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Professional certification in HR (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) is a plus
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus

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.

The Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for leading distribution and supplier management activities (transactional and executional functions) as well as the implementation of the procurement strategy across multiple categories of spend. This role includes, but is not limited to: setting inventory levels with suppliers and distributors, reviewing proposals, supplier selection and management, invoice review and approval, project management/coordination, KPI analysis, new product development and sourcing. This is a hands-on role with limited supervision requiring initiative and drive. The Supply Chain Manager must possess broad, relevant business knowledge with and be able to ruthlessly prioritize competing initiatives. This individual must be able to communicate effectively and appropriately across and at all levels of the company as required.

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

• Lead execution on strategies related to sourcing not limited to food, goods and services.
• Proactively introduce innovative solutions to improve supply chain with regard to cost of ownership & quality.
• Develop supply chain functional vision and objectives for their area of responsibility.
• Build, lead and support strategic relationships with suppliers.
• Identify secondary sources for categories to mitigate business risk.
• Lead category management process through negotiation and contract execution,
• Manage distributors with KPI development.
• Lead testing, tracking and implementation process for R&D and Operations on projects.
• Utilize a team buying strategy across multiple spend areas to deliver quality in all areas of service and costs.
• Analyze financial, industry and internal forecasts for products and materials and anticipates changes in cost, availability, and suitability of products.
• Manage operational, distributors and supplier-related issues, as well as other various requests as required (sourcing, product information, etc.).
• Provide various reporting and analytics as required (i.e. inventory, spend profile, etc.).
• Administer changes as required to maintain accurate manufacturer/supplier records, but not limited to, expediting the proper paperwork and track contract/price compliance.
• Network effectively within the industry; study industry publications, trade journals and market information to keep current on relevant changes in procurement.
• Collaborate with Operations, R&D, Training team and suppliers

• Four (4) college degree or equivalent 10 years of industry experience in Foodservice and Supply Chain preferred
• Highly proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Working knowledge of distribution, food categories, produce and indirects
• Recognizes patterns in data, information and/or events; draws logical conclusions to develop recommendations
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Proven experience working with cross-functional teams

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.

The  Cloud & Automation Engineer will help own, operate, and evolve our Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 environments. This is a hands-on, senior-level engineering role focused on execution, automation, and operational excellence. You will design and support cloud and identity platforms that serve both corporate users and restaurant operations nationwide. This role partners closely with Infrastructure, Network, Endpoint, Security, and Restaurant Technology teams and plays a key role in improving reliability, security, and efficiency through automation.

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 Azure subscriptions, resource groups, networking, identity integrations, and cost controls
• Design secure, resilient, and scalable cloud architectures aligned with business needs
• Implement Azure governance, policies, and cost-optimization strategies
• Manage Entra ID (Azure AD), Conditional Access, RBAC, and identity protection
• Maintain cloud security posture using Defender, Monitor, logging, and alerts
• Develop production-grade automation using PowerShell, Azure Automation, Logic Apps, Functions, and APIs
• Integrate IT systems such as monitoring, asset management, ticketing, endpoint, network, and security platforms
• Automate workflows including user lifecycle events, device onboarding, reporting, monitoring responses, and audit evidence collection
• Create reusable scripts and runbooks with proper logging, error handling, and documentation
• Partner with Security and Compliance teams on initiatives such as PCI and audit support
• Participate in incident response, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement efforts
• Act as a senior escalation point for cloud, identity, and automation topics
• Contribute to standards, architecture decisions, and technical roadmaps
• Mentor and support other engineers through collaboration and documentation

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field; or equivalent experience
• Microsoft certifications (AZ-104, AZ-305, or similar) preferred
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure administration and cloud architecture
• Advanced experience administering Microsoft 365 and Entra ID (Azure AD)
• Strong PowerShell scripting skills with real-world automation experience
• Experience integrating systems using REST APIs and service principals
• Solid understanding of identity, authentication, SSO, Conditional Access, and least-privilege access
• Experience with Azure services such as Monitor, Defender for Cloud, Azure Policy, Key Vault, and Automation Accounts
• Experience supporting Windows-based and hybrid environments
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills
• Experience supporting multi-site or operational environments (retail, restaurant, hospitality)

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.

The 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 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 and annual financial forecasts/budgets, typically working with broader organization to understand key forecast/budget assumptions.
• Construct and maintain models in support of the forecast/budget process. Play key role in unit-level planning process.
• Understand performance of current limited-time menu offerings and project impact of future ones. Perform pricing analyses as necessary. 
• Analyze/forecast how changes in product mix and pricing impact our cost of goods sold (COGS).
• 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 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, Accounting or analytical discipline with 1+ years of corporate financial planning and analysis experience
• Intermediate Excel skills and proficient in PowerPoint
• Experience with SQL
• Solid 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
• Effective communication skills in presenting results

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.

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, restaurant 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 easily explained to executive management
• Data Gathering: Query various data sources using SQL and systems to support recurring and new reporting and analysis, including P&L, performance metrics, restaurant attributes, organization structure, etc.
• Data Maintenance: Maintain and clean various data inputs and sources to support the acquisition and updating of restaurant attributes and related documentation supporting company-wide data sets
• Reporting: Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting to support the Development Team, Finance Team, executive management, and others across the Company, including Board Decks
• Project Support: Provide support to key members of teams working on executing company initiatives and analysis of component level performance, including location intelligence initiatives
• Planning: Provide support to the Development Finance team preparing annual operating and financial plans
• Ad Hoc: Provide ad hoc analytical support to the Development Finance team, including Earnings Call support

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or analytical discipline with 1+ years of corporate financial planning and analysis, data analytics, or performance measurement experience
• Intermediate Excel skills and proficient in PowerPoint
• Solid understanding of corporate finance and performance reporting
• Analytical skills and ability to understand First Watch’s business model through metrics and analysis
• Effective communication skills in presenting results

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.

The Director of Operations is responsible for supporting the mission, vision and values of First Watch through all that he/she does in their role every day. The DO’s primary purpose is to develop General Managers and restaurant management teams to build and increase sales over the previous year and improve profitability, while ensuring employee and guest satisfaction, without compromising the integrity or You First culture of the concept. The Director of Operations is responsible for the success of all First Watch operations within their span of control (5-8 direct reports and 200-300 employees).

• Leads operational activities for a group of First Watch Restaurants by performing the following in accordance with Company guidelines regarding management development, sales, and profitability, planning and customer and employee relations
• Trains, coaches and develops General Managers and Operations Managers, through timely performance and observation feedback and evaluations
• Follows up on training of MIT's/CAFE’s and hourly employees. Works closely with the Training General Manager to monitor progress
• Ensures development of Operations Managers within compliance of the FW management development programs
• Through effective manpower planning executes the continuous development of the management team and ensures timely and cost effective recruitment of restaurant level management and their training within First Watch
• Ensures the maintenance of a safe and harassment free workplace in all restaurants
• Takes quick and responsible action in solving problems and able to uses reason when dealing with individual or staff performance based issues to include personality conflicts
• Develops for prior approval and then meets or exceeds the area’s budget, including capital investments, General and Administrative expenses
• Promotes First Watch outside the restaurant

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent – concentration in food & beverage, business, marketing or management is preferred
• Five to seven years of progressive leadership experience in multi unit restaurant industry operations
• Proven track record of achieving results and building & maintaining successful teams
• Passion for providing excellent service and quality
• Ability to partner and build relationships while demonstrating leadership and integrity and promoting team success
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, procedures, and best practices in the industry
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel frequently within assigned market

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using 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.

The Director of Operations is responsible for supporting the mission, vision and values of First Watch through all that he/she does in their role every day. The DO’s primary purpose is to develop General Managers and restaurant management teams to build and increase sales over the previous year and improve profitability, while ensuring employee and guest satisfaction, without compromising the integrity or You First culture of the concept. The Director of Operations is responsible for the success of all First Watch operations within their span of control (5-8 direct reports and 200-300 employees).

• Leads operational activities for a group of First Watch Restaurants by performing the following in accordance with Company guidelines regarding management development, sales, and profitability, planning and customer and employee relations
• Trains, coaches and develops General Managers and Operations Managers, through timely performance and observation feedback and evaluations
• Follows up on training of MIT's/CAFE’s and hourly employees. Works closely with the Training General Manager to monitor progress
• Ensures development of Operations Managers within compliance of the FW management development programs
• Through effective manpower planning executes the continuous development of the management team and ensures timely and cost effective recruitment of restaurant level management and their training within First Watch
• Ensures the maintenance of a safe and harassment free workplace in all restaurants
• Takes quick and responsible action in solving problems and able to uses reason when dealing with individual or staff performance based issues to include personality conflicts
• Develops for prior approval and then meets or exceeds the area’s budget, including capital investments, General and Administrative expenses
• Promotes First Watch outside the restaurant

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent – concentration in food & beverage, business, marketing or management is preferred
• Five to seven years of progressive leadership experience in multi unit restaurant industry operations
• Proven track record of achieving results and building & maintaining successful teams
• Passion for providing excellent service and quality
• Ability to partner and build relationships while demonstrating leadership and integrity and promoting team success
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, procedures, and best practices in the industry
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel frequently within assigned market

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using 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.