Restaurant Assistant General Manager

Our acclaimed chef-driven restaurant in Columbus, Ohio is seeking an experienced and passionate Assistant General Manager to join our leadership team. This role plays a critical leadership role in the daily operations of a high-volume, upscale dining operation.

The Assistant General Manager partners closely with the General Manager to drive financial performance, develop a strong service culture, build lasting guest relationships, and deliver exceptional dining experiences. The ideal candidate is a hands-on hospitality leader with a passion for food and beverage, strong operational discipline, and the ability to lead in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.

Operations & Guest Experience

• Support the General Manager in overseeing all front-of-house operations to ensure consistent execution of service standards and hospitality excellence.
• Actively manage the floor during service, engaging with guests, resolving concerns in real time, and creating memorable dining experiences.
• Build relationships with regular guests and contribute to a culture of hospitality and guest recognition.
• Ensure seamless communication and coordination between front-of-house and back-of-house teams.
• Uphold cleanliness, safety, maintenance, and operational standards throughout the restaurant.
• Lead guest recovery efforts and ensure concerns are resolved promptly and professionally.

Financial & Business Performance

• Assist in managing a high-volume operation with accountability for revenue growth, cost controls, and profitability.
• Monitor labor costs through effective scheduling, forecasting, and productivity management.
• Support inventory controls, purchasing procedures, and cash-handling policies.
• Analyze sales reports, labor reports, and key performance indicators to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Support the General Manager in achieving financial goals and operational benchmarks.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and mentor managers, supervisors, and hourly team members to build a high-performing hospitality culture.
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, and ongoing development of front-of-house leadership and service staff.
• Foster a professional, inclusive, and accountability-driven work environment.
• Conduct performance discussions and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Lead by example through visibility, professionalism, and a strong floor presence.

Beverage & Hospitality Leadership

• Support the execution and growth of the restaurant's beverage program, including wine, spirits, beer, and cocktail offerings.
• Maintain strong food and beverage knowledge and serve as a resource for the team.
• Assist with beverage training, service standards, and guest recommendations.
• Partner with culinary and beverage leadership to elevate the overall guest experience.

Standards, Compliance & Systems

• Ensure compliance with all company policies, health department regulations, labor laws, and alcohol service requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to scheduling, payroll, employee relations, and operational reporting.
• Execute and reinforce service standards, SOPs, and training programs.
• Support consistency and operational excellence across all shifts.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of management experience in an upscale, chef-driven, or high-volume restaurant environment.
• Proven experience supporting operations generating $5M+ in annual revenue.
• Strong beverage knowledge, including wine, spirits, cocktails, and beer programs.
• Level One Sommelier certification preferred.
• Strong understanding of upscale dining service standards and guest expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large teams in a fast-paced, hospitality-focused environment.
• Solid financial acumen, including labor management, inventory controls, forecasting, and P&L fundamentals.
• Excellent communication, leadership, guest recovery, and conflict-resolution skills.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Hands-on leadership style with strong floor presence.
• Passion for hospitality, food, wine, and guest engagement.
• High emotional intelligence and guest-focused mindset.
• Ability to balance operational execution with strategic thinking.
• Flexible schedule with availability for nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency with POS systems, scheduling software, and financial reporting tools.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off
• Dining privileges and discounts
• Career growth opportunities within a growing hospitality organization

If you are a hospitality professional who thrives in a high-volume, guest-focused environment and is passionate about building great teams, delivering exceptional experiences, and developing your leadership career, we would love to speak with you.