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If you’ve Googled “restaurant general manager job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over:
A wall of bullet points.
Buzzwords like “leadership” and “operations.”
No personality. No real insight. No reason a great candidate would say yes.
Here’s the problem: most of these job descriptions don’t actually help you attract a great restaurant general manager.
They just give you a checklist—and hope for the best.
But top candidates? They don’t apply to vague roles with no story.
They want to know what they’re walking into. Who they’ll lead. What the expectations are.
And why your restaurant is the place to build their career.
That’s why this guide is different.
We’ll show you how to write a restaurant GM job description that actually works—one that’s clear, human, and built to attract people who care about team culture, consistency, and results.
Before we dive in, we recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. — especially if you’re tired of generic templates that don’t convert.
Now let’s break down what this role really is—and how to hire for it the right way.
Smart Hiring Starts Here WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
What a Restaurant General Manager Actually Does
A restaurant general manager isn’t just “in charge of operations.”
They’re the person who sets the tone for the entire dining experience.
They hire and train the staff.
They solve problems before they reach the customer.
They keep food and labor costs in check—without burning out the team.
And when things go wrong (because they always do), they’re the calm in the storm.
This role is part people manager, part operations leader, part customer service coach—and all about consistency.
That means you’re not just looking for someone with food service experience.
You’re looking for someone who can lead a team, own the numbers, create a positive work environment, and make guests want to come back.
In short:
A great restaurant GM doesn’t just run your restaurant. They protect your reputation—and grow your bottom line.
Great Restaurant General Manager Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Experienced Restaurant General Manager Job Description
📌 Job Title: General Manager – Lead Our Fast-Paced Kitchen + Front of House (Brooklyn, NY)
💼 Full-Time | In-Person | $65,000–$80,000/year (based on experience)
🕒 Schedule: 5 days/week | Evenings & weekends required
🎥 [Insert Loom video from owner or regional manager welcoming applicants]
Who We Are
We’re Smokehaus Grill, a locally loved smokehouse and craft cocktail bar in the heart of Brooklyn. For 8 years, we’ve built a reputation for quality food, fast service, and a team-first culture that people actually want to be part of. Our crew moves fast, supports each other, and shows up with pride every day.
We’re now looking for a General Manager to lead our front and back of house teams, drive operational excellence, and help us continue building a restaurant people love working in—and eating at.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead a team of 20+ (front + back of house) with clarity and consistency
- Handle hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance coaching
- Oversee daily operations, opening/closing procedures, and cleanliness standards
- Monitor food and labor costs, and work with the kitchen lead to hit targets
- Resolve guest issues and elevate service standards
- Collaborate with ownership on monthly goals, team development, and community events
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years as a restaurant GM or AGM (full-service preferred)
- Strong leadership skills—can train, coach, and hold the team accountable
- Great with numbers: labor costs, COGS, scheduling efficiency
- Calm under pressure, especially during busy shifts
- Passionate about food, service, and people
Perks & Benefits
- Health insurance (available after 60 days)
- Profit-sharing bonus opportunities
- 2 weeks paid vacation
- Free shift meals + 30% family discount
- Growth opportunities across multiple locations
What It’s Like Working Here
We don’t micromanage—we train well and trust our people.
We believe feedback should go both ways.
And we care deeply about the vibe of the team—because when the staff is happy, the guests feel it.
Our Hiring Process
We review every application thoughtfully and aim to respond within 7 days.
Final candidates will complete a paid trial shift and references before offer.
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates fairly based on real-world skills—not just resumes. Click below to apply and complete a short evaluation.
👉 Apply here
🌱 Option 2: Restaurant General Manager (Willing to Train the Right Person)
📌 Job Title: Assistant General Manager – Grow Into a Leadership Role With Us (Chicago, IL)
💼 Full-Time | In-Person | $20–$23/hr + Tips + Benefits
🕒 Schedule: Flexible | Nights + weekends included
🎥 [Insert short video from current GM or owner sharing the culture]
About Us
At Luna’s Bistro, we’re not just serving meals—we’re building a team of future leaders.
We’re a cozy, community-focused restaurant with a loyal following and a tight-knit crew. We’re growing fast and need an Assistant GM who’s ready to step up. You don’t need years of management experience—we’ll train the right person who has the drive, accountability, and people skills to lead.
What You’ll Do (With Our Support)
- Learn how to lead shifts, manage team schedules, and coach staff
- Assist with ordering, inventory, and basic reporting
- Take ownership of the guest experience
- Jump in wherever needed—from seating guests to solving hiccups
- Get mentored by our GM and owner to grow into a leadership role
What You Bring
- 1+ year of restaurant experience (front or back of house)
- A desire to lead and grow within the restaurant world
- Great communication skills and emotional intelligence
- Dependability and team-first mindset
- Eagerness to learn restaurant operations (we’ll train you)
Perks & Benefits
- $20–$23/hr + pooled tips
- Shift meals + 40% off dining
- PTO (after 6 months)
- Paid training and mentorship
- Clear path to promotion into GM role
Why This Role Is Worth It
If you’ve ever wanted a real shot at moving up—not just staying in the same role for years—this is it. We care about our team’s growth, and we invest in people who show up and take ownership.
📥 How to Apply
We don’t use outdated hiring processes.
We use WorkScreen to help us see your strengths beyond a resume. Start your application below—it only takes a few minutes.
👉 Apply here
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Why These Restaurant GM Job Posts Actually Work
Let’s break down why the two templates above connect with quality candidates—especially compared to the lifeless job descriptions you’ll find on most job boards.
✅ 1. Clear, Specific Job Titles
Instead of saying “Restaurant Manager,” we wrote:
“General Manager – Lead Our Fast-Paced Kitchen + Front of House”
or
“Assistant General Manager – Grow Into a Leadership Role With Us”
These aren’t just job titles—they’re headlines. They tell the candidate what they’re walking into, what makes the role different, and why it matters.
A good job title acts like a mini pitch. When it’s specific and intentional, it attracts the right kind of person—and filters out the wrong ones.
✅ 2. Warm, Contextual Introductions
Each post starts with a few sentences about who the company is and why the role exists.
It’s not a dry company blurb—it’s a short, human story that paints a picture of the team, the values, and the opportunity.
That’s what makes great candidates stop scrolling.
They’re not just looking for tasks—they’re looking for a mission they can believe in and a culture they can belong to.
✅ 3. Transparent Salary, Perks, and Schedule
This is one of the most overlooked pieces in job posts—and one of the most appreciated by candidates.
We list:
- Pay range
- Schedule expectations
- Benefits (from PTO to shift meals)
Why? Because transparency builds trust. And trust is the fastest way to turn interest into real applications from serious people.
✅ 4. Responsibilities That Feel Human, Not Robotic
Instead of dumping a list of “duties,” we wrote the tasks in plain English, showing how the role makes an impact:
“You’ll be the calm in the storm when the rush hits.”
“You’ll help keep our systems organized so the team can focus on great service.”
“You’ll work side by side with the team—not just manage from a distance.”
This helps candidates visualize what their actual day looks like—and why it matters.
✅ 5. Respectful, Modern Hiring Process
We explain the process up front:
- That we review every application
- When to expect a reply
- What to expect next (trial shift, WorkScreen evaluation, etc.)
This signals that your hiring process isn’t cold or chaotic—it’s thoughtful, efficient, and fair. That goes a long way, especially in industries where candidates often feel ghosted.
✅ 6. WorkScreen Integration Shows You Hire Smart
By including a brief mention of WorkScreen (and linking to a skill-based application), you communicate two things:
- You care about real performance, not just resumes
- You respect the candidate’s time with a structured, bias-free process
It also sets you apart from 95% of restaurants still relying on paper applications or walk-ins.
Bad Job Post Example: What Not to Do (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: Restaurant Manager
Company: Tasty Eats, Inc.
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Not specified
Job Summary
Tasty Eats, Inc. is seeking a Restaurant Manager to oversee daily operations and ensure customer satisfaction. The Restaurant Manager will be responsible for maintaining efficiency, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Responsibilities
- Monitor daily restaurant operations
- Supervise staff and maintain work schedules
- Ensure cleanliness and compliance with health standards
- Handle customer complaints and resolve issues
- Assist with inventory and ordering
Requirements
- 2+ years in restaurant management
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Knowledge of food safety regulations
- Ability to work nights and weekends
How to Apply
Send your resume and cover letter to hr@tastyeats.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🚫 Why This Job Post Falls Flat
1. The Job Title Is Generic and Uninspiring
“Restaurant Manager” tells you the function, but nothing about the mission, the team, or why this role matters. It could be posted by any chain, in any city. There’s no hook.
2. The Company Summary Says Nothing
“Tasty Eats, Inc.” might as well be a placeholder. There’s no story, no personality, and no reason for a candidate to care. It doesn’t answer: What kind of restaurant is this? What’s the vibe? Why should someone want to work there?
3. No Mention of Salary, Perks, or Schedule
Today’s candidates expect transparency. When you hide the pay and benefits, you don’t “filter for quality”—you lose the best people to companies that respect their time.
4. Responsibilities Are Vague and Dry
“Monitor operations”? “Supervise staff”? These phrases tell us nothing about what success actually looks like in the role. There’s no sense of impact, teamwork, or goals.
5. Cold, Dismissive Application Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is one of the fastest ways to make good applicants feel undervalued before they even apply.
6. Zero Culture or Personality
This post reads like it was copied from a 2009 HR manual. There’s no human voice, no warmth, no excitement. And guess what? That’s exactly what you’ll attract—disengaged candidates who are just applying to anything.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Restaurant GM Job Post Stand Out
Want to go beyond “good enough” and attract the best possible candidates? These extras help your post feel modern, trustworthy, and human—the kind of job that gets shared and applied to.
🔐 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Help candidates feel safe right from the start. A simple line like this builds trust and shows you take their personal info seriously:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any part of the hiring process. Please report any suspicious messages claiming to be from us.
It’s a small line—but it signals that you’re a legitimate, ethical employer. That matters.
🏖️ 2. Mention Leave Days or Schedule Flexibility
If your GM role offers paid time off, flex days, or schedule autonomy, say it! Hospitality roles are demanding—and flexibility is a huge perk.
Try something like:
“Enjoy up to 14 days of paid time off each year—because great leaders need time to recharge too.”
Or:
“We rotate weekends off and believe in sustainable schedules, so our team stays motivated and fresh.”
Even small scheduling perks can make a big impact.
📈 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Even experienced managers want to know they’ll grow. Show them there’s a future at your restaurant—not just more shifts.
Here’s how you might say it:
“We invest in growth. From day one, you’ll get access to leadership coaching, training resources, and clear paths to regional roles as we expand.”
Even if you’re a single-location restaurant, you can highlight mentorship, decision-making autonomy, or owner collaboration.
📹 4. Add a Video From the Owner, GM, or Team Member
It doesn’t have to be fancy. A 1-minute Loom or phone video saying:
- “Here’s who we are”
- “Here’s why this role matters”
- “Here’s what it’s like working here”
…can make your post 10x more engaging. Candidates get to see a real person and feel your vibe—which helps them self-select before applying.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
💡 Pro Tip: Put These in the Right Sections
- Place the security notice at the bottom under “How to Apply”
- Mention leave and flexibility under “Perks & Benefits”
- Add growth language in “Why This Role Is Worth Your Time”
Embed the video link right after the job title or in the intro
Should You Use AI to Write Your Restaurant GM Job Description?
These days, almost every hiring platform—from LinkedIn to Workable—offers AI tools that claim to write job descriptions for you in one click.
And while that might sound like a time-saver, here’s the hard truth:
Most AI-generated job descriptions are just as bland and ineffective as the worst human-written ones.
They’re filled with generic phrases, outdated structures, and zero insight into your restaurant’s personality, culture, or expectations. They might look “professional,” but they don’t connect.
⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- You’ll end up with a generic post that blends into the noise
- It won’t reflect your restaurant’s energy, team dynamic, or mission
- It attracts low-effort, one-click applicants who don’t care where they work
- It gives top-tier candidates no reason to choose you over the place next door
Your job post is often someone’s first impression of your brand. If it feels like it was auto-generated in 5 seconds… that impression sticks.
✅ How to Use AI the Right Way
AI is a useful tool—but only when you give it good inputs.
If you want to speed things up without sacrificing quality, here’s how to do it right:
Step 1: Feed AI real details.
Include info like:
- What your restaurant does
- Your team size and values
- The tone you want to use (fun, serious, casual?)
- What the GM will actually be responsible for
- What makes your work culture different
Step 2: Use a prompt like this:
“Help me write a job description for a General Manager at my restaurant, [Insert Restaurant Name]. We’re a [Type of restaurant] located in [City], and we’re hiring a GM to help with [Brief responsibilities]. Our culture is [Describe], and we’re looking for someone who is [Top traits]. We offer [List of perks] and use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants based on skills, not just resumes. Here are a few notes to get you started: [Paste bullet points]. Write it in a human, conversational tone.”
Step 3: Edit it.
Even with the right prompt, AI will still need your voice. So tweak the output. Make it sound like you. Add a Loom video. Mention your perks and vibe.
Use AI as a co-writer—not the final word.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: General Manager – Help Us Grow a Team-First Restaurant (Insert Location)
💼 Job Type: Full-Time | $XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/year
🕒 Schedule: 5 days/week (must include weekends)
🎥 [Insert short Loom or video link from hiring manager or owner]
About Us
We’re [Restaurant Name], a [type of restaurant, e.g., farm-to-table brunch spot, family-style BBQ joint, etc.] known for [your unique quality: fast service, loyal staff, community feel, etc.].
We’re looking for a General Manager who’s not just here to manage schedules and costs, but someone who truly cares about leading a team, growing a strong culture, and delivering consistently great service.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Oversee daily restaurant operations—front and back of house
- Hire, train, and mentor staff
- Monitor labor, food costs, and maintain profit goals
- Ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment
- Lead by example during peak service times
- Collaborate with ownership on strategy and improvements
Who We’re Looking For
- 3+ years of restaurant leadership experience
- Confident, calm communicator and team builder
- Solid handle on numbers (labor, COGS, margins)
- Loves systems, coaching, and solving problems
- Values people and culture as much as performance
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Shift meals + family discounts
- Paid time off
- Health benefits after X days
- Growth opportunities (we promote from within)
- A team that actually supports each other
- We respect your time—we review every application and give updates at each stage.
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate candidates based on skills, not just resumes.
Click below to apply—it takes just a few minutes, and we’ll keep you in the loop at every step.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen application link]
🧱 Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
📌 Job Title: Restaurant General Manager
💼 Location: [City, State]
💰 Salary: $XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/year (based on experience)
🕒 Schedule: Full-time | Weekend availability required
📝 Job Type: In-person
Job Summary
[Restaurant Name] is seeking a dedicated Restaurant General Manager to oversee daily operations, lead staff, and drive a culture of excellence. The ideal candidate is someone who balances operations, leadership, and guest satisfaction with ease.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily restaurant operations (front & back of house)
- Hire, train, and coach team members
- Maintain labor and food cost targets
- Ensure compliance with health and safety standards
- Resolve customer concerns promptly and professionally
- Collaborate with ownership on goals and strategy
Requirements
- 3+ years experience in restaurant management
- Strong communication and team leadership skills
- Experience managing budgets and controlling costs
- Ability to work weekends and evenings as needed
- Passion for hospitality and creating a positive work culture
Perks & Benefits
- Health insurance after [X] days
- Paid time off
- Shift meals and employee discounts
- Bonus eligibility
- Opportunities for advancement
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to fairly assess all applicants through a short evaluation.
Apply using the link below—we value your time and keep you updated.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen application link]
Next Step, Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Once you’ve written a job post that actually attracts the right people, the next question is:
How do you know who’s actually qualified—without wasting hours reading resumes?
That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
💡 WorkScreen Helps You:
✅ Quickly identify your most promising candidates
Every applicant completes a short, skill-based evaluation. WorkScreen automatically scores and ranks them on a performance-based leaderboard—so you can instantly see who’s worth interviewing.
✅ Test real-world ability, not just résumé fluff
You’ll go beyond buzzwords and actually see how candidates think, communicate, and solve problems. That means more confident hires—and fewer costly mistakes.
✅ Eliminate low-effort and AI-padded applications
Tired of one-click applicants or people using ChatGPT to generate cover letters? WorkScreen filters out the noise so you only spend time with candidates who are genuinely interested and qualified.
Whether you're hiring an experienced general manager or training someone new into the role, WorkScreen helps you move faster, smarter, and more fairly. 👉 Sign up to WorkScreen.io Start screening candidates the smart way—based on performance, not paperwork.
FAQ
In the U.S., the average salary for a restaurant general manager ranges from $55,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on factors like location, restaurant type (fast-casual vs. fine dining), experience level, and whether tips or bonuses are included.
In major cities or high-end restaurants, GMs can earn $80K+, especially when profit-sharing or performance bonuses are part of the package. On the flip side, smaller towns or quick-service restaurants may offer $50K–$60K starting.
Pro tip: Be transparent in your job post. Salary clarity helps attract serious, qualified candidates—and filters out mismatches early.
A great restaurant GM needs more than food service knowledge—they need leadership, adaptability, and business sense. Here are the top skills to look for:
- Leadership & Team Management: Can they train, motivate, and hold people accountable?
- Operations Knowledge: Do they understand scheduling, inventory, and compliance?
- Financial Acumen: Can they manage labor costs, food costs, and profit margins?
- Guest-Focused Mindset: Can they solve customer issues and keep service standards high?
- Calm Under Pressure: Can they lead during a rush or handle a staffing crisis?
- Communication & Emotional Intelligence: Can they resolve conflict and keep morale up?
Bonus points if they have experience with POS systems, food safety certifications, or hiring & onboarding processes.
It depends on your restaurant’s structure and pace.
- Experienced GM: Best for high-volume, multi-location, or fast-scaling restaurants. They can take ownership from day one and reduce your workload.
- Trainable Hire: Best for restaurants with a strong culture and training systems. Hiring someone with leadership potential can be more affordable—and they may grow deeper roots with your team.
If you’re willing to invest in training and mentorship, promoting from within or hiring a strong AGM can be a smart long-term move.
To hire effectively and fairly, you need more than job boards.
Here’s what smart hiring teams use:
- WorkScreen.io – Skill-based screening that ranks applicants by performance
- Indeed / Craigslist / PoachedJobs – For local job visibility
- Loom / Video intros – To add personality to your job post
- Google Sheets or ATS tools – To track candidate progress and notes
A good hiring stack lets you move fast without sacrificing quality—or getting buried in resumes.
