Operational Excellence Intern Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

Are you looking for more than just a job? The Leadership & Business Intern role is designed for driven individuals who want to grow as leaders, learn how a business operates, and gain real-world experience that will prepare them for future career opportunities.

At Chick-fil-A, leadership is developed through action. Interns will gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced restaurant environment while learning how to lead people, solve problems, influence culture, understand business results, and create meaningful impact. This role provides real responsibility, intentional coaching, and direct exposure to what it takes to lead and operate a successful business.

This is not a passive internship or a shadowing role. Leadership & Business Interns will be trusted to contribute to the business, lead team members, own projects, and grow through regular coaching from the Owner/Operator and leadership team.

Leadership & Business Development Experience

The leadership development portion of this role is designed to provide real-world experience in operations, people development, culture, and business ownership.

Leadership & Business Interns will have opportunities to:

• Meet regularly with the Owner/Operator or senior leadership team for coaching, feedback, and mentorship
• Learn leadership principles that apply far beyond the restaurant
• Gain hands-on experience leading people in a fast-paced business environment
• Own, improve, and develop a specific area of the business
• Participate in conversations around operations, leadership, culture, marketing, sales growth, profitability, and team development
• Learn how key business metrics impact restaurant performance
• Develop practical business language and decision-making skills
• Lead projects and initiatives that create measurable results
• Receive feedback and coaching designed to prepare them for future leadership opportunities
• Gain exposure to the path of business ownership, including what it takes to lead and operate a Chick-fil-A restaurant

This role is built for someone who wants to be challenged, coached, and developed. Leadership & Business Interns are expected to bring initiative, humility, ownership, and a desire to grow.

Position Type

• Full-Time
• Part-Time

Benefits

• Positive, energetic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact
• Flexible scheduling
• Closed on Sundays
• Direct mentorship from an experienced Owner/Operator and leadership team
• Intentional leadership and professional development
• Real-world business and leadership experience
• Opportunity to own projects and business initiatives
• Free break food
• Scholarship opportunities
• Competitive pay
• Pathways for future leadership advancement

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience in daily restaurant operations
• Lead and support team members in both service and production areas
• Help create a culture of care, excellence, positivity, and accountability
• Deliver exceptional guest experiences with urgency, care, and professionalism
• Support Operational Excellence in food quality, speed, accuracy, cleanliness, and hospitality
• Participate in training, coaching, and developing team members
• Learn how to lead shifts with clarity, energy, and ownership
• Help identify opportunities for improvement and implement practical solutions
• Own a specific business focus area or leadership project
• Track progress, communicate updates, and help create measurable results
• Participate in leadership conversations related to people, operations, sales, profitability, culture, and growth
• Communicate effectively with team members, leaders, and guests
• Receive coaching and feedback with humility and a growth mindset
• Contribute meaningful value to the organization while growing personally and professionally

Qualifications

• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• High character and personal responsibility
• Passion for serving others and creating meaningful connections
• Desire to grow as a leader and business professional
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to lead others through influence, example, and accountability
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to learn, receive feedback, and be coached
• Commitment to excellence and continuous improvement
• Ability to work well in a team environment with shared ownership and accountability
• Takes initiative and looks for ways to make things better

Previous leadership experience as a team lead, shift leader, supervisor, captain, coach, mentor, or similar role is preferred but not required.

Who This Role Is For

This role is a great fit for someone who:

• Wants to become a stronger leader
• Is interested in business, entrepreneurship, operations, or people development
• Wants real responsibility instead of just observation
• Enjoys solving problems and improving systems
• Desires mentorship from experienced business leaders
• Wants to build skills that will help them in any future career
• May be interested in long-term leadership, business ownership, or even one day pursuing the path to becoming a Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator

Final Note

The Leadership & Business Intern role is more than a restaurant position. It is an opportunity to be poured into, challenged, and developed while making a real impact on people and the business every day.

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.