Chick-fil-A Valpo Leadership Apprenticeship

Role Summary

The Chick-fil-A Valpo Leadership Apprenticeship is a 12-month leadership development opportunity designed to prepare high-potential individuals for increased responsibility and future leadership roles.

Throughout the program, apprentices will gain hands-on experience in shift leadership, team development, restaurant operations, guest experience, and problem-solving. Apprentices will progressively take on greater responsibility while receiving coaching, feedback, and mentorship from the restaurant's leadership team. The apprentice should model integrity, strong character, and commitment to continuous improvement, and leads through the lens of Chick-fil-A’s four core values: Character, Culture, Excellence, and Growth

By the completion of the program, successful apprentices should be capable of effectively leading a shift, supporting the team through daily operations, making sound operational decisions, and demonstrating the leadership behaviors necessary to be considered for future leadership opportunities both in Valparaiso, and nationwide with Chick-fil-A corporate. 

Key Responsibilities

Shift Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Learn and progressively assume responsibility for leading daily restaurant operations.
• Help organize and deploy team members effectively throughout the shift.
• Monitor speed of service, food quality, cleanliness, hospitality, and operational standards.
• Respond appropriately to unexpected situations and operational challenges.
• Communicate priorities clearly to team members throughout the shift.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned.
• Maintain a calm, positive, and solution-focused presence during high-volume periods.

Team Development & Culture Building

• Coach and mentor team members to improve performance, character, and leadership readiness.
• Model and promote the CORE 4 behavior standards throughout every shift.
• Cultivate a team culture rooted in honor, dignity, and respect.
• Be a servant leader by setting the example—arriving on time, going the extra mile, and supporting team members proactively.
• Enforce accountability with encouragement and clear expectations.
• Learn how to address performance and conduct concerns appropriately.

Restaurant Operations

• Develop an understanding of restaurant systems, procedures, and standards.
• Monitor operational performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Learn the fundamentals of labor management, food safety, inventory, waste, and productivity.
• Understand how leadership decisions affect the restaurant's people, guests, quality, and financial performance.
• Complete assigned leadership projects and contribute to operational improvements.

Requirements

• Ability to lead, inspire, and hold others accountable in a professional and encouraging manner.
• Consistently reliable, punctual, and proficient in all operational roles.
• Servant leadership mindset with the ability to perform under pressure while supporting team morale.
• Demonstrated proficiency in all Operational positions.
• Genuine interest in pursuing future leadership opportunities

Success Measurements

• 100% completion of FSAs, RSAs, and checklists per shift.
• CEM Scores consistently in the top 20% for:
• Fast Service
• Attentive and Courteous Service
• Order Accuracy
• Portion Size
• Overall Satisfaction
• Average speed of service under 4 minutes during all managed shifts.
• Able to speak to the growth and development of at least two team members per quarter.
• Consistently fulfills all responsibilities with excellence.

Successful Completion

• Successful completion of the Leadership Development Apprenticeship means the apprentice has demonstrated the knowledge, skills, character, and leadership behaviors necessary to effectively contribute as a shift leader.
• Graduates may be considered for future leadership opportunities both locally & with Chick-fil-A corporate based on their demonstrated performance, leadership readiness, restaurant needs, and available positions.
• The ultimate goal of the program is to develop capable, confident, servant-minded leaders who can lead people well while delivering a remarkable restaurant experience.

Supplemental pay

• Bonus pay

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Paid training
• Other