Kitchen Director

Job Summary

Chick-fil-A West Schaumburg is seeking a full-time Kitchen Director to lead our back-of-house operations and uphold our high standards of food quality and service. In this critical leadership role, you will oversee all kitchen activities, ensure food safety and operational excellence, and develop a high-performing team. We’re looking for an experienced kitchen manager/director who is passionate about hospitality, teamwork, and excellence – at Chick-fil-A, working with us is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

· Oversee Kitchen Operations: Manage daily kitchen production and food prep to meet Chick-fil-A’s quality and food safety requirements. Ensure every meal is crave-able, properly presented, and served on time.

· Lead and Develop Team: Train, coach, and mentor kitchen team members and leaders, fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and continual improvement. Uphold Chick-fil-A’s values of courtesy and care in every interaction.

· Operational Excellence: Schedule and supervise kitchen shifts, maintaining optimal staffing levels and efficient workflows to achieve speed-of-service goals. Maintain a fast-paced production environment that can handle peak meal times without sacrificing quality.

· Inventory & Quality Control: Manage ordering and inventory to control food costs and prevent waste. Ensure the kitchen is always stocked with fresh ingredients and that equipment is well-maintained.

· Food Safety & Cleanliness: Enforce all food safety protocols and cleanliness standards at all times. Conduct regular line checks and inspections to guarantee a safe, sanitary, and organized kitchen.

· Problem Solving: Proactively address and resolve any kitchen-related challenges in real time, implementing long-term solutions for continual improvement. Work closely with the Operator and leadership team on strategies to drive the restaurant toward its vision and goals .

Qualifications

· Experience: Previous experience as a Kitchen Manager or Kitchen Director is required. (Minimum 2+ years of leadership in a restaurant kitchen or similar high-volume food service environment.) Chick-fil-A experience is a strong plus.

· Leadership & Communication: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and coach a team with a positive attitude. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in line with Chick-fil-A’s servant-leadership culture .

· Food Safety Knowledge: Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices; ServSafe certification or equivalent is highly preferred. Commitment to upholding all Chick-fil-A food safety and quality standards .

· Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational and time-management skills. Proven capability to manage schedules, inventory, and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment .

· Work Availability: Open availability and flexibility to work various shifts as needed (including early mornings and Saturdays). All Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed on Sundays, so you will always have Sundays off .

· Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; additional culinary or management education is a plus.

Benefits

· Competitive Pay: Attractive compensation (salary/hourly based on experience) with potential performance-based bonuses.

· Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for full-time team members with monthly Operator contribution toward your medical plan.

· Retirement Plan: 401(k) with employer matching to invest in your future.

· Paid Time Off: Vacation/PTO to rest and recharge, plus paid training to support your professional development .

· Employee Meals & Discounts: Enjoy an employee meal during shifts and discount outside of shifts.

· Scholarship Opportunities: Access to Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures Scholarships for continuing education.

· Sundays Off: Guaranteed day off every week – Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays, allowing you time for family, rest, or worship.

· Growth & Development: Ongoing leadership training and advancement opportunities within our restaurant and the Chick-fil-A organization . We are committed to investing in your growth and success.

Join Chick-fil-A West Schaumburg and be part of a team that cares about you and our community. If you are a results-driven leader with a heart for service and a passion for operational excellence, we encourage you to apply today. Working at Chick-fil-A is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow in a supportive, people-focused environment and make a positive impact every day.

Working at a Chick-fil-A® restaurant is more than a job – it’s an opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a positive, people-focused environment. Most Chick-fil-A restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent, franchised Operators who invest in the future of their Team Members and give back to their communities.