Benjamin Griffies
La Grange,GA
Summary
Operations and Training Leader with 8+ years of progressive leadership experience at Chick-fil-A, culminating in the role of Training Director. Experienced leading operations within a $9M+ annual revenue restaurant employing 90–130 team members. Extensive background in employee development, labor management, workforce scheduling, inventory control, operational excellence, and leadership coaching. Selected by Chick-fil-A Corporate as Field Talent Staff Level 2 (FTS-2), a corporate leadership role responsible for directing teams of trainers during grand opening assignments nationwide. Proven record of building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, and driving operational results in fast-paced environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Field Talent Staff Level 2 (FTS-2)
Chick-fil-A Corporate Grand Opening Program
08.2023 - Current
- Corporate-selected leadership role responsible for directing teams of trainers during new restaurant openings.
- Led FTS-2 training operations on 6 assignments, directing teams of 6–10 trainers.
- Personally trained hundreds of new team members and leaders during grand opening assignments.
- Supported 9 corporate grand opening assignments nationwide, enhancing training operations and team integration.
- Acted as FTS-1 trainer on 3 assignments, supporting training and operational readiness.
- Collaborated with corporate leaders and restaurant operators to implement training plans and uphold operational standards.
- Received positive feedback from opening leadership teams for effective leadership, clear communication, and high-quality training.
Team Member/Director
Chick-fil-A
06.2018 - Current
- Progressed through multiple leadership positions with increasing responsibility for operations, training, labor management, and team development within a high-volume restaurant generating over $9 million in annual sales and employing 90–130 team members.
- Held progressive leadership roles starting in 2021 across training, labor management, scheduling, kitchen operations, maintenance, and inventory management.
- Managed and developed teams within a workforce of 90–130 employees, fostering accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.
- Personally trained hundreds of team members through home store operations and corporate grand opening assignments.
- Developed trainers and cultivated future leaders, helping numerous team members advance into leadership and advanced training positions.
- Managed labor deployment and workforce scheduling while consistently achieving productivity goals of 84 SPLH and labor targets of 17%.
- Oversaw inventory management and food cost controls to maintain profitability and operational readiness.
- Directed kitchen operations, ensuring food safety, quality standards, and efficient execution during high-volume business periods.
- Conducted hiring interviews and coached leaders on performance management, communication, and team development.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Management
Point University
West Point, GeorgiaSkills
- Operations Management
- Leadership Development
- Employee Training & Coaching
- Training Program Development
- Labor & Productivity Management
- Workforce Scheduling
- Process Improvement
- Hiring & Interviewing
- Inventory Management
- Team Building
- Restaurant Openings
Corporate Grand Opening Experience
Chick-fil-A Corporate Grand Opening Program, Field Talent Staff Level 2 (FTS-2), Corporate-selected leadership role responsible for directing teams of trainers during new restaurant openings., Participated in 9 corporate grand opening assignments nationwide., Served as FTS-2 lead on 6 assignments, directing training operations and leading teams of 6–10 trainers., Previously served as FTS-1 trainer on 3 assignments, supporting training and operational readiness., Personally trained hundreds of new team members and leaders during grand opening assignments., Partnered directly with corporate leaders and restaurant operators to execute training plans and maintain operational standards., Consistently received strong feedback from opening leadership teams for leadership effectiveness, communication skills, and training quality.
Timeline
Field Talent Staff Level 2 (FTS-2)
Chick-fil-A Corporate Grand Opening Program
08.2023 - Current
Team Member/Director
Chick-fil-A
06.2018 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Management
Point University