Leadership Development Program Associate Jobs in San Diego, CA

The Chick-fil-A Leadership Accelerator at Chick-fil-A in Escondido on Centre City Parkway is a leadership accelerator designed specifically for high-potential college graduates and emerging leaders who aspire to become a Chick-fil-A Franchisee (Owner/Operator) or Business Owners in the local community.

Becoming a Chick-fil-A Operator is one of the most competitive entrepreneurial opportunities in the business sector. Launching your own business is incredibly challenging and requires experience leading at the highest level to succeed. Our commitment is to provide you with the operational, financial, and relational wisdom required to lead a multi-million dollar business. You will work directly with our local Operator and senior Executive Team to master the Chick-fil-A model from the ground up.

The accelerator is structured as a progression, moving from tactical mastery to strategic influence. Areas of focus include:

• Operational Excellence: Mastering the \Winning Hearts Every Day\ strategy.
• Financial Stewardship: P&L management, labor optimization, and food cost gaps.
• Talent Coaching: Recruitment, \Selecting Top Talent,\ and developing a high-performance culture.
• Strategic Growth: Leveraging customer data, marketing platforms, and LEAN methodology to scale results.
• Compliance & Risk: Deep dives into HR, California labor law, and safety protocols.

We are seeking \Level 5 Leaders\ who possess a rare blend of Humility and Professional Drive.

• Growth Mindset: You view feedback as a gift and obstacles as opportunities.
• Mission Alignment: You embody our C.A.R.E. values of Consistency, Accountability, Resiliency, and Empowerment.
• Servant Leadership: You aren't afraid to get your hands dirty on the front lines while maintaining a strategic bird's-eye view.
• Emotional Intelligence: You demonstrate high discernment and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.

• Academic Foundation: A completed Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or 3+ years of significant management experience.
• Full Availability: 40+ hours per week, including Saturdays.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: A clear desire to pursue Chick-fil-A ownership or high-level organizational leadership.
• Integrity: A track record of making ethical decisions under pressure.
• Mobility: A driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Direct Mentorship: Monthly 1v1 sessions with the Operator to review goals and performance.
• Competitive Compensation: A sliding scale that grows as your level of responsibility increases.
• Educational Resources: Access to the Leadwell Leadership Library and our Leadership Reading Exchange.
• The Operator Pipeline: Assistance and endorsement for those applying to Chick-fil-A Inc.’s Corporate Leadership Development Program (LDP).
• Holistic Wellness: Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and tuition reimbursement.

Throughout this accelerator, you will be challenged. We use the Five Dysfunctions of a Team framework to build trust, engage in healthy conflict, and drive collective results. If you are looking for a \job,\ this isn't it. If you are looking for an opportunity that prepares you to lead an organization at the highest level, we are excited to hear your story.

If you are interested in business ownership, joining the local accelerator will equip you with the skills and experience to succeed.

If you want to apply to be a Chick-fil-A Operator, there are two paths to get there.

• You can apply to be an operator by copying this link here into your browser and beginning your application anytime:

https://cfafranchise.avature.net/candidatecommunityus

• The application process is highly competitive, with tens of thousands of business leaders applying for about 100 opportunities each year. If you are currently a business leader, military leader, educational leader, or have leadership experience, working at a Chick-fil-A restaurant and getting practical experience in our leadership accelerator (similar to our operator) will strengthen your candidacy when you apply.
• If you are early in your career and have the flexibility to move around the country for a couple of years, this \Leadership Accelerator\ at Chick-fil-A Centre City, may be the perfect preparation to learn and grow for a couple of years before applying to our corporate \Leadership Development Program\ (similar to our operator). With our \Leadership Accelerator,\ we help you prepare to apply to the highly competitive corporate program where you spend 24-36 months traveling the country and opening new Chick-fil-A restaurants (our operator is featured in the header image for this program).
• You can learn more about our corporate \Leadership Development Program\ by copying this link here into your browser and reading more:

https://www.chick-fil-a.com/leadership-development-program

Working at a Chick-fil-A Centre City Drive Thru in Escondido is more than a job – it’s an opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a positive, people-focused environment.
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