OverviewThe primary role of the Manager of Operations Excellence is to oversee and coordinate several projects and strategic initiatives in the organization. These projects will mainly fall within our core back-office system. They will work as a liaison between Operations and multiple Home Office departments, actively streamlining communication, supporting, and improving the overall effectiveness of Operations. The Manager of Operations Excellence will act as a point of reference and representative for Operations in the advancement of current restaurant level initiatives and communication, as well as in the implementation of future restaurant initiatives and project management. They will understand how to best support restaurant employees and serve as a resource for all Home Office departments.ResponsibilitiesThe essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position's duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required. This job is based out of the Bradenton, Florida home office with some travel required.
- Supports the delivery of the current year's primary initiatives focused on implementing new processes and procedures to improve operational efficiency
- Manages special projects, as assigned by leadership
- Monitors the impact of operations programs/processes through key metrics and coordinates necessary support to ensure elimination of roadblocks and success of initiatives
- Leads the collaboration with Operations leadership and Home Office functions to sequence, approve, and communicate Operations projects and initiatives (stakeholder management)
- Supports the production of regular communication vehicles (e.g. - Ops calendar, Management Updates, etc.)
- Acts as a point of reference and source of knowledge for First Watch restaurants as it pertains to key initiatives, and understands how to best support restaurant managers and employees
- Serves as a resource for all Home Office departments regarding communication and implementation of new Operations procedures or initiatives
- Partners cross functionally within Home Office to define project goals, scope, timelines as it impacts Operations
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- 5-10 years' experience in restaurant/retail industry; preferred
- Back office, inventory, labor management systems; preferred
- MS Office proficiency; intermediate Excel skills preferred
- Strong attention to detail and written communication skills
- Highly organized and self-motivated; able to hand multiple tasks, balance priorities and meet competing tight deadlines with limited supervision
- Working knowledge of restaurant operations priorities, systems, methods, and standard operations procedures
- Team player with excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills
- Able to communicate and effectively collaborate with multiple subject matter experts across various departments and at various levels within the organization
- Dependable, flexible, and professional demeanor
- Has demonstrated credibility (garners respect, acts with integrity and keeps commitments), is proactive (has a point of view and takes initiative) and is a good partner (builds relationships and delivers results)
- Passion for providing excellent service and quality results
Who We AreFirst Watch is the leading 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 rotates five times a year and includes elevated executions of classic favorites alongside specialties such as its Quinoa Power Bowl, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation fresh juice and signature Million Dollar Bacon. After first appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, First Watch was named 2024's #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp's inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet. First Watch operates more than 570 First Watch restaurants in 30 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