External Leadership Development Program

1. What is LDP?

2. Preparing to apply

3. 60-min Live Informational Session: Prior to applying, it is strongly recommended to attend a Live Informational Session to learn more about the program and ask questions to a recruiter and current LDP Participants. This virtual event dives deep into the history and purpose of LDP, the logistics of the program, training, salary and benefits, the interview process, and more. Please register here.

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a 24 to 36 month Developmental Program available to individuals who are interested in growing their business acumen and restaurant leadership skills in their pursuit of future leadership opportunities with Chick-fil-A or other businesses.  LDP’s vision is to develop healthy and high performing leaders who are influential at Chick-fil-A and beyond.  In the Program LDP Participants are expected to spend time in two different positions: Grand Opening Supervisor and Interim Manager.

Interim Managers manage Chick-fil-A, Inc.-Operated Restaurants (“CORs”).

 Grand Opening Supervisors consult with independent franchised Chick-fil-A Operators during the New Restaurant Opening process, and lead a team of trainers.

Further details on the job responsibilities of the Grand Opening Supervisor and Interim Manager positions are discussed below.

Additionally, LDP Participants may work in the rotational opportunities at the Support Center when a need is identified for an LDP Participant to lead a staff project.  Additional information about these potential positions will be made available as needed to successful LDP applicants.

Competitive LDP Candidates Will:

• Know and Execute the Business
• Know and Execute the Restaurant
• Show Ownership
• Act Wisely
• Communicate Clearly
• Connect Personally
• Persist Creatively
• Lead Humbly

• →Protect the Chick-fil-A brand by ensuring food safety and quality and executing on the Winning Hearts Every Day Strategy.
• →Assess and analyze the current state of the Restaurant business in terms of people, quality and customer service, sales and brand growth, and financial return.
• →Develop a 30-, 60-, or 90-day business plan.
• →Recruit, hire, onboard, and supervise Team Members, including, but not limited to, completing new-hire and payroll paperwork, scheduling labor, completing biweekly payroll, and managing restaurant and Team Member performance.
• →Develop and implement plans for training Team Members to Pathway standards.
• →Create role clarity and facilitate clear communication amongst the team.
• →Conduct Team Member performance reviews and create performance management plans.
• →Develop processes and procedures to ensure compliance with all employment laws.
• →Recruit, select, and schedule Field Talent Staff (FTS) as needed.
• →Ensure that all Team Member onboarding documents are complete and in compliance with applicable law(s).
• →Supervise and manage trainers’ performance, ensuring Trainers understand and train Team Members to Chick-fil-A procedures and brand standards.
• →Create systems within the Restaurant to ensure food safety, such as LEAN Chicken. Ensure consistency with all Chick-fil-A procedures and brand standards. Complete SAFE Daily Critical and eRQA daily, evaluate results, and apply corrective measures, as appropriate.
• →Ensure Restaurant Leaders are ServSafe Certified.
• →Assess and ensure Restaurant has the necessary equipment, small wares, and office items for food safety, food quality, and quick service.
• →Ensure Restaurant facilities and equipment are well maintained and in working condition.
• →Assess Restaurant cleanliness and create sustainable systems to maintain cleanliness.
• →Analyze Customer Engagement Monitor survey results and create strategy for enhancing survey results, including coaching and solving for opportunities.
• →Evaluate Restaurant vendor performance and make any necessary changes in vendor relationships.
• →Ensure inventory levels are appropriate for specific Restaurant needs.
• →Implement and oversee inventory and ordering processes, and train Team Members on the relevant processes.
• →Identify and solve bottlenecks in the business, including innovating ways to maximize throughput.
• →Analyze data, including End-of-Month package, to make optimal business decisions for the purpose of maximizing the Restaurant’s financial return.
• →Ensure Restaurant readiness and the smooth transition of the Restaurant to the incoming Operator.

• →Support the New Restaurant Opening process by consulting with Operators on planning strategy and execution of the Operator's vision for their individual business and the Winning Hearts Every Day Strategy.
• →Consult with Operators on brand standards, operational issues, their business plans, sales generation, vendor strategy, and maximization of Restaurant layout.
• →Recruit, select, and schedule Field Talent Staff (FTS) employed by Chick-fil-A, Inc. and ensure that all onboarding documents are complete and in compliance with applicable law(s).
• →Supervise Field Talent Staff, including performance management, and ensure they understand and train Operator's Team Members to Chick-fil-A operational and brand standards.
• →Oversee and manage the New Restaurant Opening budget, including labor, travel, meals, and entertainment.
• →Provide consultation to Operators regarding systems to ensure food safety, such as LEAN Chicken.
• →Complete SAFE Daily Critical and eRQA daily, evaluate results, and advise on corrective measures as appropriate.
• →Forecast sales and advise Operators on recommended inventory levels.
• →Consult with Operators regarding resources and tools available to ensure consistency with brand standards, including Pathway.
• →Provide consultation on Operators' set up of Restaurants with necessary equipment, smallwares, and office items to ensure food safety, food quality, and quick service.
• →Support and advise Operators on back-office systems.
• →Consult with Operators to help identify and solve bottlenecks in the business.
• →Create an exit strategy for the New Restaurant Opening support team to ensure minimal impact to brand standards and guest experience once departed.

Information about the responsibilities of other positions, including but not limited to the Mobile Kitchen Lead role, staff projects, and other assignments based on the needs of the business will be made available as needed to LDP Participants.

• Ability to consume the entirety of the Chick-fil-A menu without dietary restrictions to ensure quality and provide recommendations
• Valid US or Canadian Driver License
• Willing to travel 100 percent of the time
• Available to work on weekends

• Requires prolonged standing
• Ability to work in noisy, crowded, and fast-paced Restaurant environments
• Ability to travel (domestic or international flights and driving long distances)

• Prior restaurant industry experience strongly preferred
• Bilingual/Spanish Proficiency