Leadership Development Program
The Chick-fil-A® Leadership Development Program exists to accelerate growth in talented, driven leaders through dynamic business experiences. Over what is typically a 24-to-36-month period, program participants will grow professionally and personally as they confront and solve real-world leadership challenges while traveling on the road. Ready to sharpen your business skills with Chick-fil-A leaders?
The next generation of business leaders
Sharpen your skills with Chick-fil-A® leaders. Program participants will have opportunities to continuously develop their leadership skills, both personally and within the restaurant business.
A life-changing opportunity
Learn about business inside and outside of a Chick-fil-A restaurant. Learn about life. Learn about yourself.
Real life
Difficult choices are presented throughout life. Learn what it takes to manage priorities and relationships when you’re traveling on the road for 24 to 36 months.
Real work
See what it takes to operate a Chick-fil-A restaurant, gain high-touch exposure to everyday business operations, and experience the opportunity to serve in multiple roles.
Real growth
Gain the skills deemed necessary by our program experts to generate business profitability, select top talent in our restaurants, and deliver consistent food safety and quality.
Program at a glance
Requirements
Participants should have a bachelor’s degree or be able to demonstrate five years of leadership experience.
Benefits
The Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program offers attractive compensation and benefits to accommodate traveling on the road for 24 to 36 months.
Application
There are several steps to applying for this competitive program, including the potential for one or more interviews.
Accelerate
No Chick‑fil‑A® restaurant experience? No problem. Our newly reimagined Accelerate experience provides an individualized learning journey, enabling participants to test out of assessments to advance based on their unique background and prior leadership experience.
Hear from past participants
The Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program means business. But don’t take our word for it. Learn more from people who lived life in the program.
LDP has made me a better business leader and transformed me both personally and professionally. I am not the same leader or woman I was when I started, and that growth makes this journey even more meaningful. Through the support, encouragement, feedback, and guidance I received along the way, I feel equipped to step into the Operator role, thrive, and make a meaningful impact. Saying yes to LDP was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Manda Taylor
Owner-Operator | LDP Alum
“LDP has helped me grow into a stronger, more confident, and people-centered leader. Each assignment challenged me to think differently, adapt to new environments, and lead different teams. Along the way, I learned how to solve problems, build strong relationships, and develop others while maintaining high standards. Most importantly, LDP reinforced that great leadership is about investing in people and creating an environment where they can grow and succeed!”
Kayla Wicks
Owner-Operator | LDP Alum
LDP has stretched and refined me both personally and professionally. I’ve grown in my ability to lead through others, adapt to new environments, and build high-performing teams from the ground up. The program has deepened my understanding of innovation, resilience, and servant leadership, teaching me to balance operational excellence with genuine care for people.”
Jeremiah Mills Lamptey
Owner-Operator | LDP Alum
“I was challenged early in LDP to “Work on the business, not just in the business”. Since being in LDP, I have learned how to be intentional in strategic planning as well as personal development. I have learned how to feel grounded amid change, build community in new places, and how to effectively coach others in personal and professional growth while building business results. My experiences in LDP have provided me with the skill set and support to be the best leader and future Chick-fil-A Operator I can be.”
Mary Herndon
LDP Alum