First Watch
First Watch

20 First Watch Operations Manager Jobs Hiring Near You

Be Seen First

At First Watch, each manager is responsible for supervising both kitchen operations and the overall dining experience. Key Responsibilities * Learns and supports our You First culture and core values

Be Seen First

At First Watch, each manager is responsible for supervising both kitchen operations and the overall dining experience. Key Responsibilities * Learns and supports our You First culture and core values

Be Seen First

At First Watch, each manager is responsible for supervising both kitchen operations and the overall dining experience. Key Responsibilities * Learns and supports our You First culture and core values

First Watch Jobs Information

What is it like to work at First Watch?

First Watch is a company that values a positive and supportive work environment, prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a culture of teamwork and camaraderie.

The company operates as a daytime-only restaurant chain, offering a unique work schedule that allows employees to have a better work-life balance. First Watch's mission is to serve high-quality, made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Working at First Watch may appeal to individuals who value a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, opportunities for career growth and development, and a company that prioritizes employee satisfaction and community involvement.

What makes First Watch an attractive place to work?

First Watch is a leading daytime-only restaurant chain known for its commitment to serving high-quality, made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. The company prioritizes creating a positive work environment, with a focus on employee satisfaction, career growth opportunities, and a supportive team culture. By joining First Watch, individuals can contribute to the company's mission of serving exceptional food and providing a positive experience for customers, while also developing their skills and advancing their careers in a stable and growing industry.

Do workers at First Watch get paid breaks?

Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
89% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

Does First Watch pay people when they’re sick?

No. Most people don’t get paid when they’re sick.
77% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 53 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

At First Watch, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?

Only some people have separate paid time off for sick days and vacation.
46% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

Are part-time workers able to get health insurance from First Watch?

Only some people who work part-time can get health insurance.
50% of people who work fewer than 30 hours a week say they can’t get health insurance
Based on data from 6 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and February 2025.

Do part-time workers get paid time off at First Watch?

Only some people who work part-time get paid time off.
64% of people who work part-time say they don’t get paid time off
Based on data from 22 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and July 2026.

Is the health insurance from First Watch affordable enough for their workers?

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
87% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.

Do people get paid time off at First Watch?

Most people get paid time off work.
73% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

How far ahead of time do people find out their work schedule?

Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.
  • 61% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
  • 32% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
  • 5% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
  • 3% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.

Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 2026.

Do workers at First Watch worry about hours?

Some people worry about getting enough hours.
51% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 2026.

Do First Watch workers get to choose the shifts they work?

Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
41% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 2026.

How easy is it for First Watch workers to change shifts?

Some people find it hard to change shifts.
41% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 73 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and July 2026.

How easy is it to get time off at First Watch?

Some people find it hard to get time off.
50% of people report it’s hard to get time off.
Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

Do First Watch managers change schedules at the last minute?

Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
69% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 2026.

Do jobs at First Watch spill into time workers aren’t paid for?

Rarely. The job doesn't usually spill into unpaid time.
11% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.
Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 2026.

How easy is it to take sick days at First Watch?

Some people find it hard to take sick days.
37% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

Is a First Watch job good for students?

Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
90% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
Based on data from 21 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and July 2026.

Is working at First Watch good if you’re a parent or caregiver?

Most parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
79% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.
Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and July 2026.

Do people at First Watch feel treated with respect by their managers?

Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
76% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

Do people at First Watch get to take their breaks without interruption?

Only some people get breaks without interruption.
55% of people report that their breaks get interrupted.
Based on data from 20 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

Is it stressful to work at First Watch?

Most people feel stressed out here.
77% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

Do people at First Watch enjoy their jobs?

Most people enjoy their job.
73% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 41 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

Do people at First Watch recommend working with their team?

Only some people recommend working with their team.
46% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 56 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at First Watch?

Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
42% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

Do people get support to advance at First Watch?

Only some people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 45% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 51 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

Do people think First Watch’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
71% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how First Watch is doing?

Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
43% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 51 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.
Infographic showing various Operations Manager job openings at First Watch in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


First Watch rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

Overview
The Director of Operations is responsible for supporting the mission, vision and values of First Watch through all that he/she does in their role every day. The DO's primary purpose is to develop General Managers and restaurant management teams to build and increase sales over the previous year and improve profitability, while ensuring employee and guest satisfaction, without compromising the integrity or You First culture of the concept. The Director of Operations is responsible for the success of all First Watch operations within their span of control (5-8 direct reports and 200-300 employees).
Responsibilities
  • Leads operational activities for a group of First Watch Restaurants by performing the following in accordance with Company guidelines regarding management development, sales, and profitability, planning and customer and employee relations
  • Trains, coaches and develops General Managers and Operations Managers, through timely performance and observation feedback and evaluations
  • Follows up on training of MIT's/CAFE's and hourly employees. Works closely with the Training General Manager to monitor progress
  • Ensures development of Operations Managers within compliance of the FW management development programs
  • Through effective manpower planning executes the continuous development of the management team and ensures timely and cost effective recruitment of restaurant level management and their training within First Watch
  • Ensures the maintenance of a safe and harassment free workplace in all restaurants
  • Takes quick and responsible action in solving problems and able to uses reason when dealing with individual or staff performance based issues to include personality conflicts
  • Develops for prior approval and then meets or exceeds the area's budget, including capital investments, General and Administrative expenses
  • Promotes First Watch outside the restaurant

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent - concentration in food & beverage, business, marketing or management is preferred
  • Five to seven years of progressive leadership experience in multi unit restaurant industry operations
  • Proven track record of achieving results and building & maintaining successful teams
  • Passion for providing excellent service and quality
  • Ability to partner and build relationships while demonstrating leadership and integrity and promoting team success
  • Extensive knowledge of the principles, procedures, and best practices in the industry
  • Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced, dynamic environment
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel frequently within assigned market

Who We Are
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its "Follow the Sun" culinary philosophy, First Watch's chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid's meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact to our communities - raising approximately $2.0 million to date. A recipient of many "Best Breakfast" and "Best Brunch" awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024's #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute - an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal - after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 630 First Watch restaurants in 32 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.
First Watch is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, First Watch will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

What First Watch employees say

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About First Watch

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. A recipient of hundreds of local "Best Breakfast" and "Best Brunch" accolades, First Watch's chef-driven menu includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with First Watch specialties such as the protein-packed Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farmstand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Vodka Kale Tonic and its famous Million Dollar Bacon. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet, recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work award and named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute. In 2021, First Watch was recognized as FSR Magazine's Best Menu and as the fastest-growing full-service restaurant chain based on unit growth. There are more than 470 First Watch restaurants in 29 states and the restaurant concept is majority owned by Advent International, one of the world's largest private-equity firms.

Industry

Food and beverage stores

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bradenton, FL, US