Restaurant Operations Manager

Wilmington, NC, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Up to $65,000.00

Work Schedule

Day Shifts

Benefits

401(k) retirement savings

Life insurance

short term disability

long term disability

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Insurance

Job Description

First Watch is a premier daytime dining restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings that are crafted using the freshest ingredients available. Founded on the chef-driven culinary philosophy "Follow the Sun," First Watch combines a rotating menu that highlights seasonal flavors at their peak with fresh juices, unique dishes, and beloved favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl, and signature Million Dollar Bacon. With over 630 locations across 32 states, First Watch has earned multiple accolades including the #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards in 2025 and being named the Most Loved Workplace in America in both 2024 and 2025 by the Best Practice Institute. These recognitions underscore the company’s commitment not only to high-quality food but also to nurturing a supportive and engaging work environment.

First Watch prides itself on its YOU FIRST philosophy, which emphasizes putting employees first, fostering an empowering workplace where team members have independence to make decisions that enhance the customer dining experience. The company culture focuses on respect, development, and recognition of employees, which is reflected through numerous benefits including no night shifts, 24/7 employee assistance programs, comprehensive insurance options, tuition reimbursement, and generous paid time off. This philosophy ensures a motivated team that brings passion and dedication daily to serve exceptional breakfast, brunch, and lunch experiences to guests.

The Restaurant Operations Manager role at First Watch is a pivotal leadership position designed for individuals who love mornings, have a passion for food, and excel at coaching and developing team members. This role involves overseeing both front of house and kitchen operations, ensuring operational excellence and high standards of service consistent with First Watch’s values. The Manager is responsible for inspiring and cultivating a positive team culture, meeting sales and traffic goals, maintaining the highest food safety standards, and responding promptly to both customer and employee needs. This position offers the opportunity to grow within a highly respected and award-winning company culture while receiving a competitive salary of up to $65,000 per year and eligibility for quarterly bonuses based on restaurant performance.

As a leader at First Watch, the Restaurant Operations Manager embodies and promotes the core values of YOU FIRST and the company’s 10 Commitments, ensuring that every customer enjoys an outstanding dining experience and every team member is supported and appreciated. This is more than a management role; it is a chance to be part of an innovative company that is redefining daytime dining, focusing on freshness, quality, hospitality, and community involvement. If you are passionate about great food, exceptional service, leadership, and being part of a caring company culture, First Watch offers a fulfilling career path that balances personal life with professional growth, honoring its commitment to its people and customers alike.

Job Requirements

high school diploma or equivalent
prior experience in restaurant management or supervisory role
food safety certification
ability to work mornings and lead a team effectively
strong communication and organizational skills
commitment to customer service excellence
valid work authorization
ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

Job Qualifications

experience in restaurant management or similar leadership role
strong leadership and coaching skills
excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
knowledge of food safety standards and certification
ability to meet sales targets and drive team performance
problem-solving and conflict resolution capabilities
proficiency in daily operational management
ability to train and develop team members
commitment to uphold company culture and core values
high school diploma or equivalent

Job Duties

learns and supports our you first culture and core values
puts their supervisory skills to work making sure daily operations runs according to plan and with high standards
understands that we source great food for a reason and that our recipes must be followed
knows the restaurant sales and traffic goals and works to exceed them
coaches and observes the first watch five steps of service being implemented at every table
understands the background story of our 10 commitments and puts them into action
responds with a sense of urgency to both customer and employee concerns
communicates and takes immediate ownership of repair and maintenance issues
is certified in food safety and identifies and coaches in all areas of safe food handling
is continuously scouting for and interviewing candidates to join our team
keeps our company assets secure including computers point of sale security systems and equipment
understands the key responsibilities of every position in the restaurant
puts an immediate stop to any inappropriate behavior investigates as needed
trains coaches and develops team members daily
recognizes performance that goes above and beyond
accounts for all daily revenues and deposits
completes our admin duties and gets required paperwork in on time