Accelerated Training Program
Location: Chick-fil-A Hamilton Mill & Dacula
Position Type: Full-Time, 2-Year Leadership Track
Compensation: Competitive | Performance-Based Increases | Leadership Incentives
Reports to: Operator / Director Team
Program Overview
The Chick-fil-A Accelerated Leadership Training Program is an intensive, full-time, hands-on career pathway designed to prepare high-potential internal candidates for a future in franchise ownership, corporate leadership, or executive-level management-both within and beyond Chick-fil-A.
This two-year program is built on operational mastery, people leadership, and business acumen. Candidates will progress through each critical level of the business-beginning as a team member and advancing through trainer, area manager, support director and operations director. Advancement is based on individual performance, comprehension, and leadership ability-not time alone.
What You'll Gain
- Operational mastery in every aspect of restaurant performance
- Deep understanding of leadership principles in a high-performing team
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced Directors and the Operator
- Business exposure including financials, labor, P&L, food safety, HR, and marketing
- Leadership experience through managing teams, solving real-time challenges, and driving results
- Development toward potential Chick-fil-A franchise ownership or corporate opportunities
Key Responsibilities
You'll begin as a Team Member and work your way up through structured levels:
1. Team Member Trainer
- Master Front of House and Kitchen operations with excellence
- Demonstrate urgency, teamwork, accuracy, and hospitality
- Train new hires with clarity, positivity, and consistency
- Exemplify Chick-fil-A brand standards in every guest interaction
2. Area Manager
- Lead shifts and designated store areas (FOH or BOH)
- Solve real-time problems while maintaining quality and speed
- Develop team members and provide on-the-spot coaching
- Begin learning labor efficiency, inventory systems, and food safety
3. Support Director
- Proficiency in Restaurant Marketing, Training Development, or HR Roles
- Oversee operations of an entire dayshift for all areas (Drive-Thru, Kitchen, etc.)
- Set daily goals, challenge & hold Area Managers accountable
- Identify team development needs and mentor trainers
- Lead with humility, clarity, and precision under pressure
4. Operations Director
- Collaborate with Executive Team and Operator on strategic planning
- Oversee daily functions of the store and leadership teams
- Own business results: labor, productivity, guest satisfaction, safety
- Facilitate leadership meetings, hiring decisions, and culture building
- Present strategies and development plans to fellow Directors/Operator for maximum growth
Who We're Looking For
This program is designed for elite candidates who are deeply committed to growth and thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
Ideal Candidates Are:
- Highly Motivated: You set your own bar and push to exceed it.
- Self-Starters: You take initiative and learn independently.
- Strong Communicators: Clear, respectful, and consistent in all communication.
- Teachers at Heart: You're a natural coach who lifts others up.
- Physically & Mentally Tough: Long days, fast pace, and minimal downtime don't scare you.
- Adaptable & Resilient: You thrive in ever-changing environments.
- Team-Oriented: Humble, hungry, and smart about people.
Qualifications
- No college degree required
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be eligible to work full-time (40+ hrs/week), including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays with no limitations - a set schedule each week is not guaranteed
- 2-year commitment minimum (program timeline is flexible based on progress)
- Able to lift 40+ lbs and work in physically demanding conditions (heat, cold, standing for long hours)
- Reliable transportation and consistent punctuality
Environment & Expectations
- Fast-paced and high-pressure restaurant environment
- Physically demanding, requiring stamina and endurance
- Regular exposure to outdoor elements (heat, cold, rain)
- Mentorship-driven culture focused on growth and accountability
- Flexible and frequently changing responsibilities
Future Opportunities Upon Completion
- Chick-fil-A Operator (Franchise Owner) Candidate
- Chick-fil-A Corporate Staff Candidate
- Director-Level Leadership in High-Volume Store
- Launchpad to entrepreneurial, nonprofit, or executive-level careers
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a 1-page letter of intent to lauren@cfahmd.com, outlining:
- Why you want to join this program
- What leadership means to you
- What you hope to accomplish in the next 5 years
This program is not for everyone. It will challenge you physically, mentally, and emotionally. But for those called to lead with purpose and perseverance, it will change your life-and the lives of those you lead!
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.
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