First Watch Home Office Team
We are builders of our “You First” culture and exist to support our restaurants, our people and our company’s growth.
Employee Stories
Why First Watch? Reason #1
Flexible work environment
We offer intentional flexibility to allow for a healthy work/life balance.
Why First Watch? Reason #2
When we feel our best, we do our best.
That’s why we offer wellness rooms, standing desks, a mother’s room and gym in the home office.
Why First Watch? Reason #3
Free lunch Fridays
What can we say? We love food. Every Friday enjoy a free catered lunch.
Why First Watch? Reason #4
We love our pawject managers
We recognize dogs can reduce stress, encourage exercise, improve teamwork and boost morale.
Home Office Positions
Supply Chain Analyst
Location:
Bradenton
The Supply Chain Analyst will be responsible for assembling data, analyzing performance, identifying problems, and developing recommendations which support operations and multiple internal business lines while ensuring a high rate of project communication and completion. This position uses analytical and quantitative methods to understand, predict, improve, forecast and/or support chain operations and distribution processes.Must be a self-starter, detail oriented, analytically minded, use critical thinking and be able to support and lead multiple projects. Be able, motivated, and energized to support a global business operating in multiple time-zones and work cross-functionally and cross-culturally with internal and external clients/partners.
Responsibilities
The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required.
- Provide product information JIT for Procure To Pay and Inventory programs
- Create, improve, and maintain reporting and analytical capabilities to support decision-making using tools like Excel and business analysis tools like Power BI or Tableau
- Use current visualization tools for process mapping and problem-solving
- Analyze and optimize service trends: identify patterns of missed opportunities, measure on-going project success and be able to work on continuous improvement in all areas of the supply chain
- Support finished goods optimization modeling in distribution centers (SKU level, and by distribution location)
- Identify savings and value opportunities through data analysis and be able to work with internal and external partners
- Collect, analyze and recommend action to support NRO’s, LTO’s and other strategic projects.
- Provide supply chain analysis to first and last mile transportation, distribution and ancillary service costs building an end-to-end cost picture
- Work with Director of Supply Chain to build various reporting and analytics as required (inventory, spend profile, etc)
- Report out to business leadership - KPI’s, project updates, and business status as needed with consistent accuracy and a sense of urgency
- Collaborate within the company including Operations, Finance, Accounting, I.T. and suppliers
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated success in Supply Chain or Procurement experience specifically in the areas forecasting, inventory management and/or procurement
- Four (4) year college degree or equivalent 5 years of industry experience in Foodservice and Supply Chain preferred
Who We Are
First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using fresh ingredients across its network of neighborhood restaurants. 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 specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation, Spiked Lavender Lemonade, and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was recognized as the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 520 restaurants in 29 states and employs more than 15,000 team members nationwide. For more information, visitwww.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.
Payroll Specialist
Location:
Bradenton
The Payroll Specialist is responsible for supporting accurate and timely processing of payroll for First Watch employees as well as the people analytics with the oversight of the Payroll Supervisor. The position requires a basic understanding of payroll systems to carry out the principles and standards that support the Company’s business and human resources related responsibilities.
Responsibilities
The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required.
- Assist in the preparation of the biweekly payroll, reviews and processes employee payroll changes
- Update payroll records and assist the team in preparing payroll for timely processing
- Answer inquiries directed to the payroll inbox and respond in a professional and timely manner
- Run audit reports for the field and reach out to managers to correct data flowing to payroll
- Maintain pay cards for all company restaurants
- Send garnishment orders to third party vendors for processing
- Effectively communicate with all levels to establish and maintain positive working relationships
- Investigate and issue manual check requests
- Coordinate questions from the field regarding daily tip out procedures
- Field PTO requests from the field as it relates to their balances
- Answer questions about payroll matters which require limited policy interpretation
- Complete forms requiring payroll data
- Make recommendations for improvements to payroll procedures
- Assist with year-end reporting, W-2 processing, and annual pay summaries
- Support the team with special payroll-related projects as needed, including audits
Qualifications
- The position requires a high school diploma and 2+ years of payroll experience with a medium-large sized organization. Degree in a related and supporting field of study preferred
- Payroll experience in a multi-unit / multi-state restaurant or retail environment strongly preferred
- Proficient in using HRIS software such as ADP (preferred), UKG or Workday.
- Knowledge of payroll processes and regulations, including garnishments, payroll conversions, tax and withholding
- Strong working knowledge of MS 365, (Excel, Word & Outlook), web-based applications & databases
- Possess and maintain a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism
- Customer service orientation toward service and building relationships
Who We Are
First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using fresh ingredients across its network of neighborhood restaurants. 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 specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation, Spiked Lavender Lemonade, and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was recognized as the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 520 restaurants in 29 states and employs more than 15,000 team members nationwide. For more information, visitwww.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.
Facilities & Remodel Specialist
Location:
Bradenton
The Facilities & Remodel Specialist will assist the Regional Facilities Managers on daily responsibilities as well as handling accounts and managing utilities and service calls. This will be a cross functional role where you will work in all facets of the Facilities and renovations department. This facilities & renovation support role will be based out of the home office in Bradenton, FL. Travel will be minimal.
Responsibilities
The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities.
- Assist with restaurant site audits
- Monitor work orders through service channel
- Lead operations training in service channel
- Serve as "home office support” for restaurant managers, area directors and FM managers
- Monitor regional contractor/vendor base to support restaurant operations
- Help coordinate Capital improvement projects and renovations
- Manage roll outs and small scale capital projects
- Ensure that the proper financial management controls are in place and managed
Qualifications
- College Degree preferred -2+years of facilities management or other related experience
- Strong computer skills (Accounting software, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat Pro, etc.)
Who We Are
First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using fresh ingredients across its network of neighborhood restaurants. 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 specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation, Spiked Lavender Lemonade, and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was recognized as the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 520 restaurants in 29 states and employs more than 15,000 team members nationwide. For more information, visitwww.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.
Facilities Manager - Southeast
Location:
Bradenton
The Facilities Manager oversees the maintenance of the building and grounds of approximately 100 restaurant locations, assisting the restaurant management team in the oversight, purchasing and upkeep of equipment and supplies. The Facilities Manager works with the operations teams to make sure the building and grounds are maintained, which includes determining and scheduling regular maintenance, repairs and renovation projects. This position must oversee scheduled work as well as negotiate with outside vendors for supplies, repairs and other measures. Area of responsibility: North Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Carolinas.
Responsibilities
The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required.
- Oversee building projects, maintenance and repair of all restaurant systems, assets and site improvements, including building, parking areas, HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, utilities and infrastructure systems
- Implement and monitor proactive preventative maintenance programs for each facility. Monitor improvements to energy efficiency, HVAC, life safety, equipment, grease traps, landscaping, etc.
- Schedule vendors to perform work in designated restaurants and provide onsite oversight as needed
- Continually source and re-qualify suppliers. Perform routine assessment of vendor performance, pricing, on-time delivery, specifications, quality of product, workmanship, responsiveness, and issue resolution for the restaurants and other company assets.
- Serve as lead contact for contracts, contact negotiation, and warranty oversight
- Contribute to the development and management of facility maintenance capital projects and budgets for restaurants and other related assets subject to purchase, maintenance and repair
- Under the direction of the Facilities Director, execute all capital projects with time and cost expectations. Audit and approve invoices for scheduled and negotiated work
- Coordinate with restaurant management regarding all facilities activity in the building
- Provide guidance to operations on basic upkeep and maintenance tasks, repair/replace decisions as well as vendor contact and oversight and emergency procedures
- Respond to calls on a 24-7 basis to promptly resolve urgent needs of facilities at existing restaurants
- Regularly visit sites to evaluate conditions and identify potential repairs and facility maintenance projects
- Inform supervisor by written status report and identification of issues requiring escalation or assistance
- Ensure that restaurants meet government regulations and environmental, health and security standards
- Execute equipment audits and record-taking policies
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university or minimum of 10 years of experience as a Facilities Director or Facilities Manager
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in the food service industry, multiunit restaurant experience preferred
- Requires minimum 4-6 years related work experience in a multi-unit, commercial building environment
- Experience managing a budget, reviewing P&L and vendor management
- Proficient in procurement and asset management software applications
Who We Are
First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using fresh ingredients across its network of neighborhood restaurants. 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 specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation, Spiked Lavender Lemonade, and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was recognized as the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 520 restaurants in 29 states and employs more than 15,000 team members nationwide. For more information, visitwww.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.
Director of Operations
Location:
Smyrna
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 an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using fresh ingredients across its network of neighborhood restaurants. 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 specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation, Spiked Lavender Lemonade, and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was recognized as the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 520 restaurants in 29 states and employs more than 15,000 team members nationwide. For more information, visitwww.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.
Tax Manager
Location:
Bradenton
The Tax Manager is responsible for managing the implementation of tax policies and procedures in each tax jurisdiction in which the company operates while remaining in compliance with tax laws and accounting policies. This position will have primary responsibility for the managing of all tax related functions, as well as interface with outsourced vendor providing tax compliance services.
Responsibilities
The 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 Sarasota, Florida corporate office.
- Manage the accurate and timely preparation and filing of federal, state, and local sales and use tax returns as well as all other areas of tax compliance in adherence with applicable tax laws.
- Work closely with our third-party tax advisors to manage the accounting for corporate income taxes throughout the year, including gathering all appropriate information and performing a detailed review of year-end provisions prepared by third-party tax advisors and in house preparation of quarterly provisions with the third-party tax advisors providing consultation services.
- Prepare quarterly and review year-end financial statement tax disclosures in accordance with US GAAP (ASC 740) for financial reporting.
- Lead, manage, and develop Tax staff member.
- Review reconciliations and analysis prepared by tax staff member.
- Ensure compliance with appropriate internal controls for income taxes.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Company’s business and proactively work alongside Director of Tax Accounting and outsourced vendor on tax consequences of proposed business flow changes.
- Liaison with Management, Director of Tax Accounting, Tax staff, and Accounting staff on any tax issues.
- Manage all federal, state, and local tax audits (e.g., income tax, sales and use tax).
- Work collaboratively with other corporate functions (e.g., internal audit, treasury, finance, licensing, legal, payroll).
- Manage the retention of tax records and other required reports.
- Maintain current knowledge of tax laws, updates/revisions, and inform Director of Tax Accounting of issues affecting First Watch.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Accounting. Master’s Degree in Taxation preferred
- CPA preferred
- Six + years of related experience with at least 3 years working in a national public accounting firm and/or in a public corporation
- At least 2 years of manager experience
- Strong experience in ASC 740 and SEC reporting required
- Solid understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Tax regulations
- Expert-level ability with MS Excel
- Experience working with third party service providers
- Experience with ERP systems; Great Plains is preferred
Who We Are
First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using fresh ingredients across its network of neighborhood restaurants. 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 specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation, Spiked Lavender Lemonade, and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was recognized as the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 520 restaurants in 29 states and employs more than 15,000 team members nationwide. For more information, visitwww.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.
Senior Accountant
Location:
Bradenton
The Senior Accountant will support a variety of accounting functions with a primary focus on lease accounting, sales, use and property taxes across the organization -- including numerous state and local jurisdictions - and assisting with account reconciliations and month-end close to support the integrity of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP. This position will also provide technical accounting support and assist the team in preparing for the Company’s external audits.
Responsibilities
The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required.
- Knowledge of U.S. GAAP, specifically Leases, ASC 842; ensuring compliance with ASC 842 as new leases and amendments are executed
- Perform accounting for and manage the timely and accurate filing of, sales & use and property taxes
- Understand changes in sales tax and property tax legislation
- Facilitate any sales and property tax audits
- Support the timely completion of month-end close process and reconciliations in compliance with U.S. GAAP
- Work effectively and alongside third-party service providers (consultants, auditors)
- Maintain a strong internal control environment
Work collaboratively with other Corporate functions (Development, Operations, Finance) - Implement and develop solutions to drive efficiencies
- Lead and support other accounting related projects and functions as assigned
- Adhere to Company policies and procedures
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in Accounting/Finance and CPA license required; Master’s degree is a plus
- Minimum 4-7 years of progressive accounting experience,
- Excellent understanding of GAAP and relevant financial accounting regulations, specifically lease accounting (Leases, ASC 842)
- Knowledge/exposure to sales and use tax, property tax and income tax
- Experience within the retail, restaurant, or similar industry that includes multiple locations in various tax jurisdictions
- Experience with and understanding of SEC rules a plus
- Experience with external auditors
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required
Previous experience with Great Plains a plus - Public Accounting experience strongly preferred
Who We Are
First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using fresh ingredients across its network of neighborhood restaurants. 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 specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation, Spiked Lavender Lemonade, and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was recognized as the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 520 restaurants in 29 states and employs more than 15,000 team members nationwide. For more information, visitwww.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.