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Operations Leader Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

An Operations Leader is one who consistently demonstrates our core values, embraces the Chick-fil-A culture and has a servant's heart. They have a passion for people and serving others, have strong ...

Operations Leader

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Operations Leader Role The Operations Leader oversees the day-to-day operations of the school, ensuring that facilities, systems, schedules, and administrative processes support a safe, compliant ...

An Operations Leader is one who consistently demonstrates our core values, embraces the Chick-fil-A culture and has a servant's heart. They have a passion for people and serving others, have strong ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Operations Leader

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Operations Leader Role The Operations Leader oversees the day-to-day operations of the school, ensuring that facilities, systems, schedules, and administrative processes support a safe, compliant ...

Operations Leader Role The Operations Leader oversees the day-to-day operations of the school, ensuring that facilities, systems, schedules, and administrative processes support a safe, compliant ...

Operations Leader

Irvine, CA · On-site

$23 - $23.50/hr

At Chick-fil-A, Operation Leaders are responsible for assisting the Director team in all aspects of shift management and ensuring that each restaurant guest has an outstanding experience. Operation ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Operations Leader information

See California salary details

$12

$27

$63

How much do operations leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations leader in California is $27.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Operations leaders typically do not earn $4,000 weekly without significant experience or advanced skills. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree often include sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like certain construction or electrical work, which rely on experience, certifications, and performance rather than formal education. These roles may require strong leadership, negotiation skills, or technical expertise.

What is the difference between Operations Leader vs Operations Manager?

AspectOperations LeaderOperations Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, leadership experience, industry-specific certificationsBachelor's degree, management experience, certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-department collaboration, high-level decision makingOverseeing daily operations, team management, process optimization
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, corporate settings, and industries like manufacturing and logisticsCommon in various industries including retail, manufacturing, and service sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, strategic responsibilitiesManaging daily operations, team leadership

The main difference between an Operations Leader and an Operations Manager lies in their scope and focus. Operations Leaders typically focus on strategic planning and high-level decision making, while Operations Managers oversee daily operations and team management. Both roles require relevant experience and certifications, but Operations Leaders often operate at a higher strategic level within organizations.

What does an operations leader do?

An operations leader oversees the daily activities and strategic planning of an organization to ensure efficiency and productivity. They manage teams, optimize processes, and implement policies, often using tools like project management software and data analysis. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this role.

What are Operations Leaders?

Operations Leaders are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the daily activities of a company's operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and quality. They coordinate between various departments, implement process improvements, and monitor key performance indicators. Operations Leaders play a crucial role in strategic planning, resource allocation, and problem-solving to help organizations achieve their goals. Their leadership ensures that business operations run smoothly and align with overall company objectives.

What is the highest salary for an operations manager?

The highest salaries for operations managers can exceed $150,000 annually, especially in large corporations or high-cost-of-living areas. Senior operations leaders with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and oversight of multiple departments may earn even higher compensation, including bonuses and stock options.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operations Leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Leader, you need strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills, often supported by a degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, process improvement methodologies (like Lean or Six Sigma), and project management certifications is highly valuable. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for driving operational efficiency, leading teams, and ensuring organizational objectives are met effectively.

What are some common challenges Operations Leaders face when managing cross-functional teams?

Operations Leaders often navigate challenges such as aligning diverse team priorities, ensuring clear communication across departments, and balancing competing deadlines. Collaboration between different functions—like logistics, production, and customer service—requires strong relationship-building skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Successful Operations Leaders foster a culture of transparency and continuous improvement to address these challenges, enabling their teams to work cohesively toward shared organizational goals.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Operations leaders in large corporations, such as Chief Operating Officers (COOs), can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. High-level executive roles in finance, technology, and healthcare also frequently reach or exceed this compensation level, often requiring extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Leader jobs in California? The most popular types of Operations Leader jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Operations Leader jobs? Cities in California with the most Operations Leader job openings:
Infographic showing various Operations Leader job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,378 per year, or $27.6 per hour.
Operations Leader

$23.50 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Chick-fil-A rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 7,552 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 104 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

An Operations Leader is one who consistently demonstrates our core values, embraces the Chick-fil-A culture and has a servant's heart. They have a passion for people and serving others, have strong character, take initiative and work with a sense of urgency at all times. Our Operations Leaders are responsible for supporting senior leadership in executing daily operations and keeping team members accountable for each component of Operational Excellence and our Recipe for Service. An Operations Leader's two main areas of focus are completing tasks so that the restaurant runs effectively, and coaching/developing team members. Operation Leaders lead by example and set the tone that others will follow.

Position Type:

  • Full-time

Our Benefits Include:

  • A fun work environment where you can positively influence others
  • Flexible scheduling (and closed on Sundays)
  • Learning first-hand from an experienced Operator and Restaurant Leaders
  • Intentional growth and development to help you reach your professional goals
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Competitive pay

Operations Leader Responsibilities:

  • Participating operationally in day-to-day activities in high-volume, fast-paced Restaurant
  • Offer immediate and respectful response to Guest's needs
  • Assist in training of new hires, set the tone for a shift, and act as a role model for our team
  • Be a friendly, encouraging team player
  • Open and/or close, lead shifts, key holder
  • Count drawers and finalize day
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • Smile
  • Create and Maintain Eye Contact
  • Speak Enthusiastically
  • Make Emotional Connections with Guests
  • Reliable transportation
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Must be available Fri/Sat
  • Must be 18+
  • Strong people skills with a desire to serve Team Members
  • Strong commitment to superior customer service
  • Ability to manage Team Member behavioral and performance issues
  • Ability to work in a team environment with shared ownership and responsibility
  • Prior experience as shift lead, crew lead, supervisor, team lead, restaurant manager, restaurant assistant manager is not required but is preferred.

Most Chick-fil-A Restaurants are operated by independent franchised business owners

who make all their own employment decisions and are responsible for their own

content and policies.

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.

Education:no requirementsEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Chick-fil-A employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Chick-fil-A logo

About Chick-fil-A

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Chick-fil-A, based in Atlanta, GA, US, is a well-known company in the quick-service restaurant industry. The company's official website is chick-fil-a.com. Chick-fil-A specializes in freshly prepared chicken sandwiches and other delicious chicken meals. It was founded by Truett Cathy in 1946, initially as a diner named 'The Dwarf Grill'. In 1967, the first Chick-fil-A restaurant was established. Today, Chick-fil-A operates more than 2,400 restaurants across the U.S. The core values of the company include integrity, excellence, continuous improvement, and caring. The mission of Chick-fil-A is to "Be America's best quick-service restaurant." The company prides itself on providing high-quality food and service, fostering a positive dining experience, and giving back to the communities they serve. Notable achievements include pioneering in-mall fast food and introducing the original boneless chicken sandwich.

Industry

Restaurants, food services and drinking places and traveler accommodation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

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