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Operations Leader Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Operations Leader Paul Mitchell The School San Diego is seeking a qualified Operations Leader to join our family! With over one hundred schools nation-wide, Paul Mitchell Schools is growing faster ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Operations Leader information

See California salary details

$12

$27

$63

How much do operations leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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

Operations Leader

Chick-fil-A

Irvine, CA

$23 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 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

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 Leaders are responsible for supervising assigned stations for an entire shift and may be assigned to open or close the restaurant; following established opening and closing procedures.

We look for individuals sone who consistently demonstrate our core values, embrace the Chick-fil-A culture and have 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.

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
  • Meal Discounts
  • Cell phone subsidy
  • Work Shoe subsidy
  • Competitive pay

Operations Leader Responsibilities:

  • Ensures that Team Members follow recipes and read tickets to accurately prepare all orders.
  • Ensures that Team Members are extremely accurate with weights and measurements for all recipe items.
  • Ensures that Team Members work at a pace to maintain the restaurant's established speed of service guidelines.
  • Ensures that workstations are clean at all times.
  • Ensures that cashiers follow cash handling procedures at all times.
  • Ensures and executes break management for the shift
  • Executes proper security and cash handling and control procedures and holds cashiers accountable to adhering to policies and procedures.
  • Ensures that Team Members monitor the dining room, restroom, parking lot, and overall facility cleanliness.
  • Perform any of the tasks above as needed throughout the shift.
  • Addresses guest issues that may arise; consults with management regarding complex issues.
  • Maintains a positive working relationship and treats all employees with respect while providing them with direction and feedback.
  • Communicates employee performance and policy/procedure violations to management for appropriate handling.
  • Strictly adheres to all Company policies and procedures.

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • Meets all Hospitality and Culinary Professional job requirements
  • 2-5 years in a leadership/manager role
  • Must have a High School diploma or equivalent
  • Be available to work any time including Fridays and Saturdays
  • Proven history of how to continuously develop themselves
  • Ability to develop a high-performing team to achieve desired results
  • Reliable transportation
  • Ability to create, communicate, and execute achievable goals for their shift
  • Ability to manage and solve Team Members behavioral and performance issues
  • Ability to work in a team environment with shared ownership and responsibility

This Chick-fil-A® Restaurant is operated by an independent franchised business owner

who make all their own employment decisions and is 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.


What Chick-fil-A employees say

Pay

Benefits

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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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