Director of Operations

Director of Operations

First Watch Restaurants invites applications for the Director of Operations role.

The Director of Operations is responsible for supporting the mission, vision and values of First Watch through daily activities. The primary purpose is to develop General Managers and restaurant management teams to build and increase sales and improve profitability, while ensuring employee and guest satisfaction and maintaining the culture of the concept. The Director manages all operations within their span of control (5‑8 direct reports and 200‑300 employees).

• Lead operational activities for a group of First Watch Restaurants in accordance with Company guidelines on management development, sales, profitability, planning, customer and employee relations.
• Train, coach and develop General Managers and Operations Managers through timely performance feedback and evaluations.
• Follow up on training of MITs/CAFE’s and hourly employees, working closely with the Training General Manager to monitor progress.
• Ensure development of Operations Managers within the FW management development programs.
• Execute continuous development of the management team and ensure timely and cost‑effective recruitment of restaurant‑level management and their training within First Watch.
• Maintain a safe and harassment‑free workplace in all restaurants.
• Treat problems with quick, responsible action and use reason when dealing with individual or staff performance issues, including personality conflicts.
• Develop budgets with prior approval and meet or exceed area budget, including capital investments, G&A expenses.
• Promote First Watch outside the restaurant.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent – concentration in food & beverage, business, marketing or management 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, 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 fresh ingredients. 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 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America by the Best Practice Institute.

With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining daytime dining across more than 620 restaurants in 32 states. For more information, visit

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.