Leadership Development Program Associate Jobs in North Carolina

Ascent Leadership Program

Executive Leadership & Future Operator Development Track

Chick-fil-A Hendersonville

Are you looking for more than just a job?

Do you want mentorship, leadership development, meaningful responsibility, and a pathway toward executive leadership, business ownership, or future Chick-fil-A Operator opportunities?

At Chick-fil-A Hendersonville, we are intentionally developing high-character leaders who desire to grow personally, professionally, and organizationally while making a meaningful impact on the people around them.

The Ascent Leadership Program is a high-level leadership development opportunity designed for ambitious, coachable, and growth-minded individuals who want real business leadership experience in one of the fastest-paced and most people-centered environments in the industry.

This is not a traditional restaurant management role.

This is a structured leadership development program focused on building future leaders through operational excellence, people development, business stewardship, and high-character leadership.

High Character Is the Foundation

At Chick-fil-A Hendersonville, we believe leadership begins with character before position.

We are passionate about developing leaders who demonstrate integrity, humility, accountability, stewardship, professionalism, honesty, and genuine care for people.

Our leadership culture is strongly influenced by servant leadership principles and values consistent with biblical principles that shape how we serve others, lead teams, develop people, and protect culture.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are able to support and model these workplace values through their leadership, professionalism, attitude, and conduct.

High character is not simply preferred in this program — it is expected.

We are looking for leaders who consistently demonstrate:

• Integrity when no one is watching
• Humility and coach-ability
• Ownership and accountability
• Emotional maturity and professionalism
• Respect for others
• Strong work ethic and consistency
• Honest communication
• Servant-hearted leadership
• Positive influence on culture and people
• Stewardship of opportunities and responsibilities

Program Purpose

The Ascent Leadership Program is designed to develop future:

• Executive Leaders
• Directors
• Operating Partners
• Multi-unit Leaders
• Business Leaders
• Hospitality Leaders
• Organizational Leaders
• Future Chick-fil-A Owner/Operators

This program provides hands-on experience in:

• Leadership development
• Operations management
• Financial stewardship
• Team development
• Recruiting and hiring
• Strategic planning
• Business analytics
• Guest experience strategy
• Organizational leadership
• Culture development
• Accountability systems
• High-performance operations

Participants receive:

• Direct mentorship from senior leaders
• Structured leadership development
• Coaching and accountability meetings
• Business and financial training
• CliftonStrengths leadership coaching
• Personalized growth planning
• Exposure to executive-level leadership
• Long-term advancement opportunities

Early Leadership Development & Daypart Ownership

All Ascent Leaders begin by leading within one of the most critical operational windows of our business — the evening daypart (approximately 2:00 PM–11:00 PM).

This is an intentional part of our development process designed to build:

• Operational excellence
• Leadership influence
• Decision-making ability
• Accountability
• Team development
• Execution under pressure
• Ownership mentality

We believe leadership credibility is built through consistency, work ethic, humility, measurable results, and the ability to positively influence people and culture.

Leaders who consistently demonstrate high performance, strong character, operational excellence, and leadership effectiveness will have opportunities for expanded responsibility and long-term advancement.

Our Culture

At Chick-fil-A Hendersonville, we are intentional about protecting a culture built on:

• Integrity
• Humility
• Excellence
• Stewardship
• Accountability
• Servant leadership
• Respect for people
• Teamwork
• Professionalism
• Positive influence

We believe people matter deeply.

We believe leadership is stewardship.

We believe culture must be protected intentionally.

We strive to create an environment where people are challenged to grow, developed intentionally, treated with respect, and encouraged to lead with excellence and purpose.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

As an Ascent Leader, you will:

• Lead operational excellence in a fast-paced environment
• Develop and coach high-performing teams
• Execute strategic business initiatives
• Analyze operational and financial performance metrics
• Support profitability and stewardship goals
• Lead recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training efforts
• Drive guest experience and hospitality initiatives
• Participate in leadership planning and organizational development
• Foster a culture of ownership, integrity, professionalism, and excellence
• Learn both Front of House and Kitchen leadership systems
• Support leadership accountability systems and operational standards
• Create remarkable guest experiences through hospitality and service excellence
• Help maintain a clean, organized, high-performance environmen

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking individuals who are:

• Highly motivated and growth-minded
• Passionate about leadership and people development
• Strong communicators with emotional intelligence
• Coachable and eager to learn
• Strategic thinkers and problem solvers
• Professional and dependable
• Able to thrive in fast-paced environments
• Driven by excellence and continuous improvement
• High-character individuals with integrity and maturity

We value leaders who:

• Lead through service and humility
• Take ownership without excuses
• Protect and strengthen culture intentionally
• Operate with honesty and professionalism
• Positively influence people and teams
• Value accountability and continuous growth
• Care deeply about serving others well

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Business, Hospitality, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or related field preferred
• Leadership experience in business, athletics, ministry, organizations, academics, or team environments
• Proven work ethic and personal accountability
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to lead with professionalism and maturity
• Desire for long-term leadership growth and advancement

Who Thrives in This Program

This role is ideal for individuals who:

• Want to influence culture and lead people
• Aspire to become an executive leader, entrepreneur, Operating Partner, or future Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator
• Desire significant personal and professional growth
• Thrive under high expectations
• Enjoy solving operational challenges
• Want exposure to real business leadership
• Value mentorship, accountability, and development
• Desire to lead through integrity, humility, and positive influence
• Want to be part of a values-driven, growth-oriented culture

About Chick-fil-A Hendersonville

At Chick-fil-A Hendersonville, we are committed to creating a culture of excellence, growth, professionalism, stewardship, and servant leadership.

Our mission is:

“We serve great food, quickly and accurately, in a clean and safe environment, and with a smile.”

We are passionate about developing leaders who create remarkable guest experiences while positively impacting team members, families, and the community.

We are not simply building a restaurant team.

We are developing future leaders.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience and leadership level
• Leadership development and mentorship
• Clear advancement opportunities
• Scholarship opportunities through the Remarkable Futures Scholarship
• Team-oriented culture
• Personal and professional growth opportunities
• Exposure to executive-level business operations

Apply If You Are Ready To:

• Grow personally and professionally
• Lead people with excellence
• Develop advanced business and leadership skills
• Pursue long-term advancement opportunities
• Make a meaningful impact through leadership
• Build influence through high character and servant leadership

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.