Kitchen (Heart of House) Team Leader

Chick-fil-A Team Leader (Heart of House)

Now Hiring Kitchen Team Leaders – Lead with Excellence

Do you take pride in running a strong kitchen, leading teams with clarity, and maintaining the highest standards for food quality and safety? Are you confident leading in a fast-paced environment while supporting and developing others?

Join Chick-fil-A Smithfield as a Heart of House Team Leader and play a vital role in leading kitchen operations, supporting team members, and ensuring every meal meets Chick-fil-A’s standards of excellence. This is a hands-on leadership position for individuals who lead by example and thrive in operational excellence.

Position Details

• Full-time opportunities available
• Flexible scheduling for day and/or night shifts
• Available shifts:

Opening: 5:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Closing: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Availability Requirements

• Must be able to open or close at least 4 shifts per week
• Must have Saturday evening availability (Team Leaders rotate Saturday night shifts)

What You’ll Do

• Lead and oversee daily kitchen operations during assigned shifts
• Set the tone for food quality, safety, speed, and teamwork
• Work kitchen stations as needed to support throughput and execution
• Coach, support, and motivate Heart of House Team Members
• Assist with training new hires and developing current team members
• Monitor performance and address behavioral or performance issues professionally
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and quality standards
• Manage inventory needs and communicate supply concerns to leadership
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready kitchen
• Open and/or close the restaurant; serve as key holder when scheduled
• Communicate effectively with other leaders to align staffing and operations
• Respond promptly and respectfully to guest needs when escalated

What We’re Looking For

• Must be 18 years or older
• Minimum 1 year of leadership experience (kitchen leadership preferred, but not mandatory)
• Strong communication and people-development skills
• Ability to lead calmly and professionally under pressure
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to food safety, quality, and operational excellence
• Comfortable giving direction while remaining supportive and respectful

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• A positive, purpose-driven, people-first culture
• Closed on Sundays—always
• Competitive pay
• Opportunity for monthly bonuses
• Flexible scheduling and paid time off (for eligible team members)
• Ongoing leadership training and development
• Clear pathways for advancement and long-term growth
• Scholarship opportunities ranging from $1,000–$25,000
• Employee meal discount while working
• 401(k) contributions and PTO for eligible team members

Incredible Benefits

• Free College Tuition

Accredited virtual 2-year, 4-year, and MBA degree programs through our partnership with Point University

• 100% Free Virtual Healthcare

For team members and their household

Location: Smithfield, NC 1300 N. Brightleaf Blvd.

Working at a Chick-fil-A® restaurant is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to grow as a leader in a supportive, locally owned, people-focused environment. Our Operator invests in the development of team members and the strength of our community.

Apply today and take the next step in your kitchen leadership journey with Chick-fil-A.

Work schedule

• 8 hour shift
• Weekend availability
• Holidays
• Day shift
• Night shift
• Overtime

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k)
• Referral program
• Employee discount
• Paid training