Job Description

The Food Safety Manager will support First Watch restaurants by promoting the highest levels of food safety and product quality through partnerships with stakeholders, restaurant operations, restaurant support teams, as well as third party auditing agencies. This position will take an active role in advancing food safety, the employee wellness program and quality by sharing best practices and communicating effectively with our operations, supply chain and support teams.

The essential functions in this are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities.  Reliable and dependable attendance is required.

• Support the ongoing development of the First Watch food safety & cleanliness standards, procedures, and resources that support clean, safe, quality and efficient restaurants
• Manage relationships and support the First Watch third-party audit program to proactively mitigate critical food safety and food quality risks
• Continuously drive the third-party audit results through deployment of risk-based approaches to restaurant food safety, working with operations to drive results
• Provide leadership and guidance to third-party service providers to ensure optimal services are rendered to support the food safety and quality programs for First Watch
• Enhance food safety training tools to drive food safety culture while providing cross-functional support for growth and acquisitions. Train and support operator partners to drive continuous improvements in food safety and handling procedures to minimize risk and improve quality
• Predictively and proactively identify non-compliances utilizing data, trends and analytics to assure food safety and ensure corrective actions are immediately implemented
• Support the food safety and quality management software data needs for the QAFS department
• Monitor regulatory and industry landscapes for changes, issues, and advancements pertinent to First Watch restaurants
• Build trust and maintain positive, productive working relationships with operations, regulatory agencies and vendors

• Bachelor's Degree preferred in Food Science, Environmental, Public Health or a combination of related experience and education
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience in food safety or public health within the retail/restaurant/hospitality field
• Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP) or Registered Sanitarian (RS) credential preferred
• ANSI-Accredited (i.e., ServSafe or equivalent) certified food protection manager
• Experience in food safety audits in restaurants or retail foodservice establishments
• Ability to support restaurant food safety, sanitation, and pest management programs
• Solid understanding and knowledge of FDA Model Food Code, HACCP, foodborne risk factors and good retail practices, and State or local health department regulatory requirements
• Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with a diverse group of people
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with emphasis on team development and leadership
• Ability to coach and provide direction to suppliers, operations including recommendations to internal teams
• Problem solving and decision-making skills
• Capable of thinking analytically, planning strategically and setting priorities while communicating to all levels of the organization
• Project management skills including the ability to prioritize and organize assignments

First 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 535 First Watch restaurants in 29 states. For more information, visit 

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