Restaurant Manager Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties & Sample Template)

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If you’ve searched “restaurant manager job description,” chances are you’ve landed on a dozen lifeless templates filled with generic bullet points and corporate filler.

Responsibilities. Requirements. Apply here.

But here’s the problem:

Those job posts don’t actually attract great restaurant managers. They don’t reflect the energy of your restaurant, the leadership expectations, or what it really takes to manage a team during a Friday night dinner rush.

Top candidates aren’t looking for a checklist. They’re looking for purpose, culture, and clarity.

In this guide, we won’t just give you a copy-paste job post. We’ll walk you through what makes a great restaurant manager job description actually work — with plain-English role insights, real templates, smart hiring tips, and examples of what not to do.

💡Pro Tip: If you haven’t already, check 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/. It explains why most job descriptions fall flat — and how to fix yours fast.

Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.

WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.

WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.

What A Restaurant Manager Actually Does - Their Duties

Let’s cut through the buzzwords.

A restaurant manager isn’t just someone who oversees staff or handles inventory—they’re the backbone of your restaurant’s daily operations. They make sure every shift runs smoothly, staff stay motivated, customers leave happy, and the business turns a healthy profit.

In simpler terms?
 A great restaurant manager is a mix of coach, firefighter, strategist, and host.

They:

  • Lead the front-of-house and sometimes back-of-house team

  • Solve problems on the fly (staff shortages, customer complaints, unexpected rushes)

  • Keep the team motivated and accountable

  • Track performance, control costs, and ensure compliance

  • Deliver a consistent, quality dining experience every day

Whether it’s managing staff rosters, jumping in to help bus tables, or making sure health inspections go off without a hitch — this role requires leadership, emotional intelligence, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

That’s why writing a job post that reflects these expectations (not just listing tasks) is so important.

Two Great Restaurant Manager Job Description Templates

We’ll provide two tailored job description options:

1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.

2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.

✅ Option 1: Restaurant Manager Job Description (Experienced Hire)

📌 Job Title: Restaurant Manager for The Oak & Ash (Nashville, TN)
 💼 Full-Time | In-Person | $58,000–$65,000/year (based on experience)
 🕒 Schedule: 5 Days a Week | Includes Evenings & Weekends

🎥 A quick word from our founder
 [Insert Loom or YouTube link here] — Meet Natalie, co-owner of The Oak & Ash, as she shares what this role means and why we believe great leadership is key to our guest experience.

Who We Are

The Oak & Ash is a 90-seat wood-fired kitchen in East Nashville, known for rustic American fare, a deep whiskey list, and warm Southern hospitality. We’ve built a steady neighborhood following over the past 7 years, and we’re proud to have been featured in Eater Nashville and Southern Living.

We’re now looking for a service-minded Restaurant Manager who can lead our front-of-house team with energy, structure, and empathy—someone who’s just as comfortable running a floor as they are mentoring junior staff.

Our Company Culture

We believe great restaurants are built on people, not just food.
 Our team is collaborative, unpretentious, and accountable. We operate with a shared sense of pride and respect, both for each other and for our guests. The best managers here lead from the floor—not from an office—and create a space where others can grow and thrive.

🔍 What We’re Looking For

  • 2+ years of experience managing a full-service restaurant or gastropub
  • Comfortable with opening/closing procedures, cash reconciliation, and FOH training
  • Clear communicator who can give feedback with empathy and confidence
  • Skilled at handling guest concerns and creating a welcoming environment
  • Familiarity with POS systems and team scheduling tools like 7shifts or Toast
  • ServSafe certification or equivalent (preferred)

🛠️ What You’ll Be Doing

  • Leading day-to-day FOH operations with hands-on presence during service
  • Creating team schedules, running pre-shift meetings, and maintaining service standards
  • Coaching, mentoring, and onboarding FOH staff
  • Collaborating with kitchen leads and ownership to manage inventory, vendor orders, and cost control
  • Ensuring the dining room is clean, compliant, and guest-ready
  • Handling guest escalations and empowering the team to resolve service issues quickly
  • Acting as the go-to person for both staff and customers during your shift

💬 Our Hiring Process

We take every application seriously. Once you apply, we’ll respond within 5 business days. Shortlisted candidates will go through a skills-first evaluation using WorkScreen (it’s quick and fair), followed by a conversation with our ownership team. No ghosting. No black holes. Just respectful communication.

❤️ Why This Role Is Worth Your Time

We’re not looking for a “plug-and-play” manager. We want a partner—someone who can help us grow the business while growing their own career.

Here’s what we offer:

  • $58,000–$65,000/year + quarterly performance bonuses
  • 15 days PTO + staff discounts + free family meal every shift
  • Access to health insurance (after 90 days)
  • Real input into menu changes, team development, and operations
  • Pathway to GM or multi-location management as we expand

📥 How to Apply

We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates fairly—based on how they think and lead, not just their résumé.
 Apply using the link below and complete a short, structured assessment. We’ll follow up quickly.
 👉 [Insert WorkScreen application link here]

✅ Option 2: Restaurant Manager Job Description (Willing to Train / Growth Role)

📌 Job Title: Entry-Level Restaurant Manager (Growth Opportunity) at Rosie’s Diner (Austin, TX)
 💼 Full-Time | In-Person | $22–$26/hour (Based on Experience & Growth Track)
 🕒 Schedule: 5 Days a Week | Rotating Shifts (Includes Weekends)

🎥 A quick hello from our GM
 [Insert Loom link here] — Hear from Marcus, our General Manager, on what makes Rosie’s special and why we’re hiring someone we can grow with.

About Us

Rosie’s Diner has been serving all-day breakfast, late-night coffee, and comfort food classics to the East Austin community since 1994. We’re a neighborhood spot with a loyal base—from early-bird regulars to students who roll in after gigs.

We’re not corporate. We’re family-owned, fast-paced, and full of personality. And now, we’re looking for someone who’s ready to step into a leadership role—even if they’ve never had one before.

Our Culture

We believe people grow best when they’re supported, not micromanaged.
 You’ll be surrounded by a team that believes in teaching, feedback, and second chances. We move fast, treat each other with respect, and celebrate small wins every week. If you show up with curiosity, care, and consistency—we’ll meet you with training, mentorship, and room to grow.

🌱 What We’re Looking For

You don’t need formal management experience—we’re hiring for attitude, work ethic, and coachability.

We’d love to hear from you if:

  • You’ve worked in a restaurant or café and loved the energy
  • You naturally take initiative and enjoy solving problems
  • You’re a great communicator and team player
  • You’re organized, dependable, and calm under pressure
  • You want to grow into a leadership role, not just clock in and out

Bonus points if:

  • You’ve helped train or mentor others in past roles
  • You’re familiar with point-of-sale systems (like Square, Toast, or Clover)
  • You’re bilingual (English/Spanish is a plus)

🛠️ What You’ll Be Doing (with our training & support)

  • Shadowing our shift leaders and gradually taking over floor responsibilities
  • Learning how to lead pre-shift meetings and motivate the team
  • Helping with inventory tracking, opening/closing tasks, and staff scheduling
  • Handling guest interactions and resolving simple complaints
  • Supporting new hires during onboarding and service
  • Learning cost control, compliance, and safety processes
  • Participating in monthly leadership workshops and check-ins

💬 Our Hiring Process

We know applying takes time. That’s why we use a skills-first platform called WorkScreen—it’s designed to evaluate how you think and solve problems, not just your résumé.
 Once you apply, we’ll review your info within 5 business days. If you’re shortlisted, we’ll invite you for a paid 2-day trial shift so we can both get a feel for fit.

🌟 Why This Role Is Worth Your Time

This is your chance to step into your first leadership role—with a team that’s ready to support you. You’ll get real-world management experience, plus training and mentorship to help you grow your career.

Here’s what we offer:

  • $22–$26/hour to start (with regular reviews as you grow)
  • Paid time off after 3 months
  • Weekly cash tips shared among staff
  • Staff meals every shift + 30% off food
  • Monthly training workshops and mentoring sessions
  • A path to becoming Assistant GM or Kitchen Manager in under 12 months

📥 How to Apply

We don’t ghost applicants or judge résumés alone. We care about how you think, how you work with others, and your potential to grow.
 Apply using the WorkScreen link below and complete the short evaluation. If you’re a match, we’ll invite you for a paid trial shift.
 👉 [Insert WorkScreen application link here]

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

Why These Restaurant Manager Job Descriptions Work

Let’s break down why both of these templates are designed to attract high-quality candidates — not just fill a position.

✅ 1. Clear, Specific Job Titles

Both posts avoid vague titles like “Restaurant Manager Needed.”

Instead:

  • The first says: “Restaurant Manager for The Oak & Ash (Nashville, TN)”

  • The second says: “Entry-Level Restaurant Manager (Growth Opportunity) at Rosie’s Diner (Austin, TX)”

These titles do three important things:

  • Specify the company

  • Signal the location

  • Frame the opportunity (experienced vs. growth-based)

This helps filter the right applicants instantly and boosts visibility in search results.

✅ 2. Warm, Contextual Intros

Instead of launching straight into tasks or qualifications, both posts open with a short company story and a human voice.

This matters because:

  • It shows there are real people behind the brand

  • It creates an emotional connection

  • It sets expectations around the culture and tone

The first post includes a video from ownership. The second one starts with a “hello” from the GM. These small touches make a big difference when attracting applicants who care about where and who they work with.

✅ 3. Transparent Compensation

Each post includes either a salary range or hourly rate up front.

Why this matters:

  • It builds trust

  • It filters out mismatched applicants

  • It shows you respect candidates’ time

Far too many job posts hide pay. Including it makes yours stand out immediately—and signals that your company values transparency.

✅ 4. Defined Culture & Values

Instead of vague lines like “We’re a fun place to work,” each post clearly describes what the team believes in.

Examples:

  • “We believe great restaurants are built on people, not just food.”

  • “You’ll be surrounded by a team that believes in teaching, feedback, and second chances.”

This gives candidates the information they need to evaluate culture fit—before they even apply.

✅ 5. Realistic, Human-Centered Responsibilities

Rather than just listing “Manage inventory” or “Lead staff,” the responsibilities are written with context and clarity.

Examples:

  • “Coaching, mentoring, and onboarding FOH staff”

  • “Learning how to lead pre-shift meetings and motivate the team”

This approach shows how the role contributes to the business and what growth looks like—not just what boxes need checking.

✅ 6. Respectful Hiring Process

Both posts explain what candidates can expect, how long it will take, and what happens next.

This includes:

  • Timeframes (e.g. “We’ll get back to you in 5 business days.”)

  • Tools used (WorkScreen evaluations, trial shifts)

  • Fairness (e.g. “We don’t ghost applicants.”)

When most companies leave candidates in the dark, this kind of transparency is a huge advantage.

✅ 7. A Strong, Human CTA

Instead of “Email your résumé to…” both job posts close with a clear, motivating call to action.

Examples:

  • “We’re hiring through WorkScreen to ensure a fair, skills-first process.”

  • “We don’t judge résumés alone—we care about how you think and grow.”

This kind of CTA encourages applicants who might otherwise hesitate. It also reinforces your values at the final moment when someone is deciding whether to apply.

Example of a Bad Restaurant Manager Job Description (And Why It Fails)

Let’s look at the kind of job post that pushes top candidates away.

❌ Bad Job Description Example

Job Title: Restaurant Manager
 Company: Dinewell Group
 Job Type: Full-Time
 Location: Houston, TX
 Salary: Competitive

Job Summary:
 We are seeking a restaurant manager to oversee daily operations at one of our restaurant locations. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing staff, maintaining customer satisfaction, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage restaurant staff
  • Ensure customer service is maintained
  • Monitor inventory and supply orders
  • Enforce food safety and cleanliness
  • Coordinate with vendors
  • Handle complaints and escalations

Requirements:

  • 3+ years of experience in restaurant management
  • Strong leadership and organizational skills
  • Ability to work flexible hours
  • High school diploma required

How to Apply:
 Send your résumé and cover letter to hr@dinewellgroup.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short

1. Generic Job Title

“Restaurant Manager” without any context or personality feels like a placeholder.

It tells candidates nothing about the type of restaurant, size of team, service style, or culture. A strong title should help them immediately picture the opportunity—or scroll on if it’s not a fit.

2. No Personality, No Culture

There’s no voice. No warmth. No context.

It reads like it was copied from a handbook. There’s no mention of:

  • What kind of environment they’ll be joining
  • What the company stands for
  • What kind of team they’ll be leading

This gives zero emotional connection—just dry information.

3. Vague Compensation

“Salary: Competitive”

Top candidates are done with this. Without a clear range, you lose trust. It also implies that pay might be negotiable in a bad way.

4. Bullet Point Dump of Tasks

Tasks are listed, but there’s no sense of priority, ownership, or meaning behind them.

Compare that to:

“You’ll lead pre-shift meetings, coach junior staff, and help the team deliver an unforgettable guest experience.”
 That shows purpose. This list doesn’t.

5. Cold, Dismissive Hiring Process

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.”

This one line has cost companies thousands of great applicants. It tells people:

  • You don’t respect their time
  • They’ll never hear back unless they’re chosen
  • You don’t value candidate experience

It also implies a top-down, transactional culture.

6. Zero Call to Action Energy

There’s nothing encouraging, welcoming, or motivating at the end.

It just says: “Send your résumé.”
 That’s a missed opportunity to build excitement and connection with the right kind of person.

When you put all of this together, you’re left with a post that might fill a position—but it won’t attract someone who takes pride in their leadership or wants to grow within your business.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out

Even a great job post can go further. If you want to compete for top-tier candidates, add these final touches:

✅ Tip 1: Include a Security / Privacy Notice

Job seekers are increasingly cautious—especially with phishing scams on the rise.

Adding a short line like this helps build immediate trust:

“IMPORTANT NOTICE: We will never ask for payment, banking info, or personal financial details at any point during our hiring process.”

You can also mention:

“We take your privacy seriously and treat every application with confidentiality.”

✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time

A role can sound amazing—but if candidates feel like they’ll burn out, they’ll pass.

Even if you’re a restaurant with a busy schedule, showing that rest is part of the culture helps:

“We offer 14 days of paid time off per year, plus schedule flexibility for personal needs and rest days.”
 “We rotate weekends off so managers can recharge.”

✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities

Especially if you’re hiring for potential (like in Option 2), make it clear that this isn’t a dead-end job.

Example:

“We invest in our team through hands-on training, monthly leadership workshops, and 1-on-1 coaching from senior managers.”
 “You’ll have a clear path to grow into an Assistant GM or multi-location manager.”

✅ Tip 4: Add a Loom or YouTube Video

Applicants want to see who they’ll work with. Even a 1-minute intro from the founder or GM can make a huge difference.

“Want to know what it’s like to work here? Meet the team before you apply — [insert video link].”

It builds connection. It humanizes your brand. And it dramatically increases engagement.

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

✅ Tip 5: Include a Simple But Warm Commitment to Response

Even if you can’t respond to everyone individually, a sentence like this goes a long way:

“We respect every applicant’s time. We do our best to respond to all candidates within 5 business days, and we’ll keep you updated at every stage.”

Candidates remember how you treat them—even before they join.

✅ Tip 6: Link to Real Reviews or Testimonials

If you’re on Glassdoor, Indeed, or have internal team testimonials, link to them.

“Want to hear from people who’ve worked with us? Read our reviews here.”
 It’s another layer of credibility—and shows you’re confident in your workplace culture.

Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?

Short answer: yes—but not without context.
 AI can be a powerful tool to help you write faster—but if you use it the wrong way, you’ll end up with a generic post that repels the very candidates you’re trying to attract.

Let’s break this down:

❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI

Too many people do this:

“Write me a restaurant manager job description.”

AI gives you:

  • A bland list of tasks

  • Corporate-sounding fluff

  • No tone, no culture, no personality

  • Something that looks like every other job post out there

What happens?
 You attract low-effort applicants who apply to everything. And serious candidates? They skip it.

✅ The Right Way to Use AI

Treat AI like a writing assistant, not a decision-maker.

Here’s how to do it well:

Step 1: Come Prepared

Before prompting AI, give it the right inputs:

  • What your restaurant actually does

  • Who your ideal candidate is

  • What your culture feels like

  • What you’re willing to teach vs. expect

  • Any notes or ideas you’ve already written

  • Your perks, salary range, and hiring process

Step 2: Give a Smart Prompt

Example prompt:

“Help me write a restaurant manager job description for our business, The Oak & Ash in Nashville. We’re hiring someone to lead a small FOH team at our wood-fired kitchen. Our culture is collaborative, fast-paced, and values hands-on leadership. We offer a salary range of $58K–$65K, paid time off, and a clear path to GM promotion. I’ve included some notes below about our company story and hiring process. Please use a human tone and avoid anything that sounds robotic or generic.”

Then paste your bullet points or thoughts.
 Let AI help you organize and polish—but you stay in control of tone, purpose, and accuracy.

✨ Bonus Tip:

You can also feed AI a great job post you love (like the ones in this guide) and ask it to follow that style while customizing it for your company.

Bottom Line

AI won’t fix a bad hiring process. But if you use it wisely, it can help you write clearer, faster, and more confidently.

Don’t outsource your voice. Use AI to support it.

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 Template?

We get it—sometimes you just need something fast.
 Maybe you’ve read the full guide, understand what makes a great post, and now want a solid starting point so you can quickly adapt to your restaurant.

That’s what this section is for.

✏️ Important Reminder:
 Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
 This is a foundation, not a final draft.
 Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.

In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.

Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.

  • Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
  • Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.

✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Template

📌 Job Title: Restaurant Manager for [Your Restaurant Name] (City, State)
 💼 Full-Time | In-Person | $XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/year (based on experience)
 🕒 Schedule: [Insert Shift Details]

🎥 Meet the Team
 [Insert Loom or video link if available] — Get a feel for who we are and what we’re all about.

About Us

At [Your Restaurant Name], we believe great food starts with great people. We’re a [type of restaurant] serving [cuisine or service style] in the heart of [city]. We’re known for [highlight 1–2 things: guest experience, community, a signature dish, etc.], and we’re looking for a hands-on leader to help us grow our team and strengthen our service.

What We Value

We lead with respect, transparency, and hustle.
 We believe in supporting each other, celebrating small wins, and creating a work environment where people genuinely enjoy showing up. If you love fast-paced shifts, solving problems, and leading with empathy—you’ll thrive here.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Leading the front-of-house team during shifts
  • Managing staff schedules, coaching junior team members, and running pre-shift meetings
  • Handling guest concerns with care and professionalism
  • Tracking inventory, coordinating vendor orders, and managing daily operations
  • Supporting the team by jumping in wherever needed—host, floor, even dish (we all pitch in)
  • Collaborating with ownership to improve performance and guest experience

What We’re Looking For

  • [X]+ years of experience managing a restaurant or fast-paced service team
  • Strong leadership and clear communication skills
  • Comfortable with POS systems and daily operational tools
  • Someone who leads from the floor, not from the back office
  • Bonus if you’re familiar with [insert scheduling/management tools]

Why This Role is Worth It

  • Salary: $XX,XXX–$XX,XXX
  • Paid Time Off + flexible scheduling
  • Staff meals and performance-based bonuses
  • Opportunities for growth into General Manager or multi-unit roles
  • A team that genuinely has your back

How to Apply

We use WorkScreen to make sure we evaluate every candidate fairly—based on real skills, not just resumes.
 Apply below, complete the short evaluation, and we’ll follow up within 5 business days.
 👉 [Insert WorkScreen application link]

🧱 Option 2: Structured Template (Classic Format)

Job Title: Restaurant Manager
 Location: [City, State]
 Type: Full-Time | On-Site
 Salary: $XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/year

Job Brief

We’re looking for a skilled Restaurant Manager to oversee daily operations at [Your Restaurant Name], lead a motivated front-of-house team, and help us deliver excellent guest experiences every day.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily operations and FOH staff
  • Create and manage shift schedules
  • Ensure customer satisfaction and resolve issues
  • Handle inventory, supply ordering, and vendor coordination
  • Track and report on performance metrics
  • Enforce health, safety, and food standards

Requirements

  • Proven work experience as a Restaurant Manager or similar role
  • Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills
  • Familiarity with POS systems and scheduling software
  • Availability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends
  • High school diploma or equivalent required

Benefits

  • Competitive salary with bonus potential
  • PTO and flexible schedule
  • Staff meals and discounts
  • Growth opportunities within the company
  • Supportive, people-first work culture

How to Apply

Apply through our WorkScreen link below. The process includes a short skills-based evaluation to help us understand how you think and lead.
 👉 [Insert application link]

What Happens After You Post the Job? Let Workscreen Handle The Rest

Writing a great job description is step one. But what happens next is just as important—because even the best-written post can bring in the wrong candidates if you’re relying on resumes alone.

That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.

WorkScreen helps you:

✅ Quickly identify your most promising candidates

Instead of spending hours reading resumes or guessing who’s qualified, WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants based on how they think and perform—not just what they claim on paper.

You’ll get a performance-based leaderboard that makes it easy to spot high-potential candidates at a glance.

✅ Easily assign one-click skill tests

Want to know how someone solves problems? How they manage people? Whether they’d thrive in your kind of restaurant?
 With WorkScreen, administer one-click skill tests to applicants to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.

 

✅ Eliminate low-effort or AI-generated applicants

Let’s face it—there’s a wave of low-effort, copy-paste, even AI-assisted job applications flooding inboxes.
 WorkScreen filters out low-effort applicants automatically who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way you get insights into how much effort a candidate puts in, and whether they’re applying intentionally—or just clicking “Apply All.”

🎯 Bottom Line:

You’ve written a job post that’s worth applying to.
 Now use WorkScreen to make sure you’re hiring people who are worth investing in.

👉 Sign up at WorkScreen.io and start evaluating candidates faster, fairer, and with full confidence. No demos. No steep learning curve. Just a smarter way to hire.

Restaurant Manager Job Description - Frequently Asked Questions

In the United States, the average salary for a Restaurant Manager typically ranges between $50,000 and $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, restaurant type, and responsibilities.

Here’s a breakdown:

  • Quick service restaurants: $48,000–$55,000/year
  • Casual dining or mid-range: $55,000–$65,000/year
  • Upscale or high-volume restaurants: $65,000–$85,000+/year

In cities like New York, San Francisco, or Chicago, compensation may skew higher due to cost of living and service volume. Many restaurants also offer bonuses, performance incentives, or revenue sharing on top of base pay.

Soft skills are often what separates a competent manager from a great one. Here are the key traits to prioritize:

  • Emotional intelligence: Handles pressure without escalating conflict, and leads with empathy.
  • Leadership & people skills: Inspires trust, earns respect, and helps staff grow.
  • Adaptability: Thinks on their feet, especially during rushes or staff shortages.
  • Communication: Gives clear directions, listens actively, and diffuses tense situations.
  • Problem-solving: Can troubleshoot operational issues without constant escalation.
  • Calm under pressure: Keeps the floor running smoothly, even on the busiest nights.

Accountability: Takes ownership of both wins and mistakes, and sets the tone for the team.

While titles can vary by company, here’s the general breakdown:

  • Restaurant Manager: Typically focused on day-to-day FOH operations—scheduling, service flow, customer satisfaction, and team coordination.
  • General Manager (GM): Oversees the full business operation—including BOH, budgeting, staffing, financial performance, and compliance. They may supervise multiple Restaurant Managers if it’s a multi-location business.

Think of the Restaurant Manager as “operational leadership” and the GM as “strategic leadership.”

Great Restaurant Managers often work with:

  • POS systems (e.g., Toast, Square, Lightspeed)
  • Scheduling tools (e.g., 7shifts, Homebase)
  • Inventory tracking platforms (e.g., MarketMan, PeachWorks)
  • Communication tools (e.g., Slack, internal messaging apps)
  • Basic spreadsheet or reporting tools for shift reports and labor tracking

Familiarity with these tools isn’t always required—but being tech-curious is a big plus.

Make Your Next Great Hire With WorkScreen

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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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