Foothill Ranch Jobs in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Position Summary

The Assistant Manager is a leadership role responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Chick-fil-A restaurant while advancing the Owner/Operator’s vision. This leader ensures operational excellence, profitability, and team member development while upholding Chick-fil-A’s culture of hospitality, stewardship, and servant leadership. The Assistant Manager serves as the strategic link between high-level goals and day-to-day execution, driving results in sales growth, guest experience, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage all aspects of restaurant operations, including Front of House, Back of House, Drive-Thru, and Outside Sales.
• Maintain and enforce Chick-fil-A standards for food safety, cleanliness, speed of service, and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and labor regulations.
• Monitor operational metrics (sales, labor, food cost, productivity) and adjust strategies to maximize profitability.

Team Development & Leadership

• Recruit, interview, and develop high quality talent for leadership and hourly positions.
• Maintain succession plans for key leadership roles.
• Mentor and coach other managers and team members to achieve operational and personal growth goals.
• Foster a culture of care, accountability, and servant leadership in alignment with Chick-fil-A values.

Guest Experience

• Champion Chick-fil-A’s “REMARKable” guest experience by modeling hospitality and ensuring every guest feels cared for, every visit.
• Implement strategies to measure and improve guest satisfaction (through various data analytics, assessments, secret shops, surveys, guest feedback).
• Help address and resolve guest concerns with professionalism and urgency in partnership with Guest Relations Manager.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Partner with the Owner/Operator to set financial goals and help develop annual & quarterly business plans.
• Manage budgets, analyze P&L reports, and implement cost-control measures.
• Identify opportunities for sales growth through community engagement, catering, digital channels, and local marketing initiatives.
• Oversee vendor relationships and supply chain management to ensure efficiency and quality of product inventory

Culture & Community Impact

• Model Chick-fil-A’s mission: “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”
• Represent Chick-fil-A Foothill Ranch in a positive way by supporting and participating in community partnerships, sponsorships, and charitable events.
• Promote Chick-fil-A’s culture of excellence, integrity, and service both inside and outside the restaurant.

Qualifications

• Proven experience high-volume restaurant leadership (minimum 5–7 years preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or related field (preferred but not required).
• Strong business acumen with a track record of driving profitability and operational excellence.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to manage and develop large teams (75+ team members).
• Proficiency in analyzing financial reports, labor models, and operational metrics.
• Commitment to Chick-fil-A’s values and passion for serving others.
• Fluent in Spanish or have strong working Spanish

Core Competencies

• Servant Leadership – Models humility, empathy, and care in leading others.
• Strategic Thinking – Balances long-term vision with daily execution.
• Operational Excellence – Maintains uncompromising standards for quality and efficiency.
• People Development – Builds leaders and fosters growth within the organization.
• Resilience & Adaptability – Thrives in a fast-paced environment with changing demands.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Work 45-50 hours / week on average
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 40 pounds, and work in a fast-paced restaurant/kitchen/drive-thru environment.
• Willingness to be highly visible and engaged in restaurant operations daily.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting at $70,000 / year Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Paid Phone plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (after one year tenure).
• Up to two weeks Paid Time Off (one week in 1st year)
• Up to one week Paid Sick Leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth, and upward mobility
• Complimentary meals.

 This role is ideal for a high-capacity leader who is passionate about operational excellence, people development, and advancing Chick-fil-A’s culture of service and impact.

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.