Back of House Team Leader

At Chick-fil-A New Bern Avenue, we pursue operational excellence, disciplined execution, and remarkable hospitality every day. We believe in being a lighthouse to our community. That starts with leaders who are dependable, care about people, and consistently uphold our standards.

We are seeking a Back of House Team Leader who leads by example, develops others, and takes ownership of kitchen performance.

We lead with care, communicate directly, and hold ourselves and one another accountable.

Position Overview

The Back of House Team Leader leads daily kitchen operations to ensure guests receive food that is safe, fresh, accurate, and prepared to Chick-fil-A standards.

This is a hands-on leadership position. You will work alongside Team Members, organize kitchen assignments, monitor production, coach performance, and coordinate with Front of House leadership.

This is demanding work that requires consistent effort, focus, and a strong sense of urgency. Successful leaders move with purpose, anticipate needs, and help the team maintain quality and safety during high-volume service.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Leadership and Shift Execution

• Lead assigned kitchen areas and maintain awareness of production throughout the shift.
• Communicate clear priorities, assignments, and expectations.
• Position Team Members according to business needs, training, and demonstrated ability.
• Anticipate demand and adjust production to support timely service while limiting waste.
• Monitor food availability, order flow, and preparation times; address delays promptly.
• Coordinate with Front of House leadership regarding order needs, wait times, and special requests.
• Organize breaks and shift transitions while maintaining appropriate coverage.
• Monitor labor and coordinate staffing adjustments with restaurant leadership.
• Complete assigned opening, closing, and shift checklists.

Food Safety and Product Quality

• Follow and reinforce food safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene procedures.
• Verify required temperature checks, holding times, labeling, and food safety records.
• Reinforce proper handling of raw and ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Monitor preparation, cooking, portioning, and presentation to ensure consistent product quality.
• Address food safety concerns immediately and notify the appropriate leader.
• Ensure Team Members use only equipment and perform tasks for which they are trained and authorized.
• Communicate allergen-related requests through established restaurant procedures.

Team Accountability and Development

• Model professionalism, dependability, teamwork, and urgency.
• Provide clear direction and timely, specific coaching.
• Hold Team Members accountable to preparation, cleanliness, safety, and performance expectations.
• Identify skill gaps, support retraining, and follow up on progress.
• Help new Team Members build confidence and proficiency.
• Recognize strong performance and support the development of future trainers and leaders.
• Maintain a respectful, productive environment, especially during busy periods.
• Address concerns within your authority and involve restaurant leadership when additional support is needed.

Cleanliness, Equipment, and Inventory

• Maintain clean, stocked, and organized workstations throughout the shift.
• Ensure dishes, trash removal, and assigned cleaning tasks are completed consistently.
• Follow procedures for safe equipment operation and cleaning.
• Report equipment problems and maintenance needs promptly.
• Reinforce proper storage, labeling, and stock rotation.
• Monitor product usage, shortages, and waste; communicate concerns to leadership.
• Complete assigned inventory counts and waste records accurately.

Communication and Follow-Through

• Provide clear shift handoffs, including product needs, equipment concerns, staffing updates, and unresolved issues.
• Complete required checklists and records accurately.
• Communicate recurring problems and recommend practical improvements.
• Follow restaurant policies and support leadership decisions consistently.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role includes:

• Consistent food safety and sanitation practices.
• Food prepared accurately and to quality standards.
• Timely production that supports service goals.
• Responsible product use and waste management.
• A clean, organized kitchen that is prepared for service.
• Clear team assignments, consistent coaching, and reliable follow-through.
• Effective communication with Front of House and restaurant leadership.

When performance falls below expectations, you are expected to identify the issue, take appropriate action, and follow through with support from restaurant leadership.

Qualifications

• At least 1–2 years of restaurant, kitchen, or relevant food service experience preferred.
• Previous leadership or shift leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize, give clear direction, and remain composed under pressure.
• Confidence in providing respectful feedback and having accountability conversations.
• Demonstrated dependability, sound judgment, and follow-through.
• A coachable attitude and commitment to developing others.
• Willingness to learn and follow Chick-fil-A preparation and food safety standards.

Position Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Availability that meets the agreed-upon scheduling needs of the position, including [opening shifts, closing shifts, Saturdays, and holidays when the restaurant is open].
• Willingness to train and work in all assigned Back of House positions.
• Completion of required operational, leadership, and food safety training.
• Ability to perform essential duties, with or without reasonable accommodation. Duties include standing and walking for extended periods, bending, lifting and carrying kitchen supplies, and working around heat, cold storage, and kitchen equipment.

Who Thrives in This Role

• Leaders who hold themselves to the standards they expect from others.
• People who work with urgency while protecting safety and quality.
• Individuals who anticipate needs and take initiative.
• Leaders who communicate directly and treat people respectfully.
• People who welcome feedback and follow through.
• Those who care about both team development and operational results.

Growth Opportunities

Leadership growth at Chick-fil-A New Bern Avenue is built through performance, stewardship, and demonstrated readiness.

Based on development and available opportunities, this role may lead to expanded operational responsibilities, greater involvement in training, or advancement into higher leadership positions within our restaurant.

Why This Role Matters

Our kitchen team helps deliver on the promise we make to every guest.

As a Back of House Team Leader, you help ensure that food is prepared safely, Team Members are supported, and the kitchen performs consistently—even during the busiest shifts.

If you are ready to lead with care, urgency, and ownership, we would love to meet you.

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.