Chipotle looking to hire 15,000 workers

Chipotle Mexican Grill is looking to staff up in preparation for its busiest times of the year.

The fast-casual giant — the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants — has launched a new hiring campaign in an effort to hire 15,000 new workers for burrito season, which runs from March to May. The campaign is designed to drive applications and ensure its restaurants are fully staffed for its busiest season.

The hiring push comes as many retailers and restaurants continue to be challenged by a frontline shortage. Sixty-three percent of retail companies are operating with a frontline employee deficit, according to a study commissioned by digital frontline workplace company WorkJam and conducted by Forrester.

The new campaign highlights the stories of six Chipotle employees that have risen through the ranks from restaurant crew member to management during their tenure.  In 2022, Chipotle had approximately 22,000 internal promotions. Additionally, 90% of all restaurant management roles were internal promotions including 100% of U.S. regional VP roles, 81% of team directors, and 74% of field leader positions.

The hiring push comes as Chipotle continues to grow its footprint. In November, Chipotle said it was planning to open between 255 to 285 new restaurants in 2023.

“Our restaurant teams are the core of this organization and with a goal of more than doubling our footprint to 7,000 locations in North America, we are targeting employees today to serve as our leaders of tomorrow," said Scott Boatwright, chief restaurant officer, Chipotle. "We will continue bringing in new crew to support Chipotle's aggressive growth plans, while simultaneously promoting and upskilling those currently in role."

Chipotle's new recruiting campaign is in addition to its existing documentary-style television spots that aim to "pull back the foil" by featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the daily culinary tasks of its restaurant employees.

The company noted it has invested in human capital technology during the past several years to enhance the team member experience and build capabilities in its restaurants, creating a more efficient and consistent environment. The ongoing investments in employees are showing early results in increased retention and better recruitment this year, according to Chipotle.

[Read More: Chipotle moves ahead with kitchen robots, seamless stores]

Chipotle also has invested in enhanced training and development opportunities. The company is exploring new capabilities to support its hiring process and improve its "speed to day one" to ensure a fast, fun and intuitive process for applicants.

Chipotle is known for its generous employee benefits, including an all-crew bonus, which allows its restaurant employees the opportunity to earn an extra month's worth of pay each year.  It also provides access to mental health care and English as a second language for employees and their families, tuition reimbursement and debt-free college degrees, free meals and more. (Chipotle said its retention rate is two times higher among employees enrolled in the education assistance program, and crew members participating are six times more likely to move into a management role.)

"Our goal is to develop and retain diverse talent at every level of the organization and be the employer of choice," added Boatwright.

Chipotle had nearly 3,100 restaurants as of September 30, 2022, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. It is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants.