First Watch Restaurants

Director of Operations

First Watch Restaurants, Miami

Join to apply for the Director of Operations role at First Watch Restaurants

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Overview
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

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 five times a 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 in our communities - raising more than $1.7 million to date. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted 2025’s #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards and was also named 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute, 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 600 restaurants in 31 states. For more information, visit 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.

Seniority level

Seniority level
Not Applicable

Employment type

Employment type
Full-time

Job function

Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Food and Beverage Services

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at First Watch Restaurants by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Director of Operations” roles.

Fort Lauderdale, FL $90,000.00-$135,000.00 2 months ago

Fort Lauderdale, FL $120,000.00-$160,000.00 1 month ago

Miami, FL $110,000.00-$160,000.00 1 week ago

Miami, FL $80,000.00-$120,000.00 5 days ago

General Manager – Nightlife & MM Operations

Fort Lauderdale, FL $130,000.00-$140,000.00 6 days ago

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS

Miami, FL $120,000.00-$150,000.00 1 hour ago

Director, Operations Transformation, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, US&C

Miami, FL $85,360.00-$128,040.00 2 weeks ago

Director Regional Operations – A/E/C Consulting Industry

Fort Lauderdale, FL $105,000.00-$115, hours ago

Director Regional Operations – A/E/C Consulting Industry

Coral Gables, FL $70,000.00-$80,000.00 1 week ago

Senior Director - Commerce Partner Success (USA - 100% remote)

Miami, FL $300,000.00-$500, hours ago