General Manager Roles & Responsibilities

As General Manager, you will serve as the senior leader responsible for every facet of the operations success. This position requires the ability to balance strategic decision-making with hands-on execution, while embodying a hospitality-driven leadership style. You will oversee a multi-level, high-volume operation where consistency, guest satisfaction, and financial discipline must work in harmony. From pre-opening through daily execution, you will define the standards, set the tone, and establish the culture that drives the reputation and long-term success.

Pre-Opening Responsibilities

During the critical months leading up to opening, your focus will be on laying the groundwork for a flawless launch and sustainable operations. Key responsibilities include:

• Team Recruitment & Training Hire, onboard, and inspire a best-in-class team of managers, supervisors, and hourly staff. Design and implement training programs that emphasize guest service, hospitality standards, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Systems & SOP Development Create and implement operating procedures for all service touchpoints, including guest recovery, reservations, special events, and daily financial controls. Build systems that scale with growth and ensure consistency across a complex operation.
• Operational Readiness Collaborate with leadership and design partners to finalize floor plans, equipment placement, guest flow, and POS system configuration. Anticipate challenges and proactively design solutions that enhance service efficiency and guest experience.
• Culture Building Establish a values-driven workplace culture rooted in hospitality, accountability, professionalism, and growth. Set expectations from day one, ensuring that the team feels empowered, respected, and aligned with the organizations vision.

Post-Opening Responsibilities

Once open, your role will evolve into full-scale operational, financial, and cultural leadership. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Hospitality Leadership Set the gold standard for service and guest engagement. Lead by example on the floor, ensuring every touchpoint reflects warmth, attention to detail, and an elevated sense of hospitality. Establish systems for guest recovery that turn challenges into opportunities for loyalty and advocacy.
• Team Development & Retention Provide mentorship and accountability for managers and hourly staff alike. Create pathways for growth, instill discipline, and foster a team-first mentality that drives retention in a competitive labor market.
• Financial Performance Maintain responsibility for all financial outcomes, including P&L management, labor controls, revenue forecasting, and cost optimization. Monitor performance daily, identify opportunities for efficiency, and drive profitability without sacrificing guest experience.
• Operational Excellence Ensure seamless execution of service across all dayparts, including high-volume dining, bar service, private events, and large-scale activations. Oversee compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards while upholding excellence in cleanliness, organization, and execution.
• Strategic Growth & Brand Building Partner with leadership teams on marketing, brand positioning, and programming to continuously elevate the operations profile. Identify opportunities for new revenue streams, seasonal activations, and guest engagement strategies that strengthen the market position.

Leadership Expectations

As General Manager, your leadership will set the tone for the entire operation. You are expected to:

• Lead by Presence Be highly visible on the floor during peak service periods, ensuring a direct connection to both guests and staff.
• Communicate with Clarity Establish strong, transparent lines of communication across all levels of the operation. Deliver feedback that is timely, constructive, and actionable.
• Model Accountability Hold yourself and your team to the highest standards of integrity, consistency, and professionalism.
• Inspire Culture & Morale Foster an environment where employees feel valued, challenged, and proud to be part of the team. Champion a hospitality first mindset while ensuring discipline and structure remain in balance.
• Think Like an Owner Operate with an ownership mentality, treating the operations reputation, financial health, and long-term growth as your own responsibility.
• Drive Innovation Continuously seek ways to elevate the guest experience, optimize operations, and strengthen team engagement. Encourage creativity and initiative while guiding alignment with brand standards.