Front of House Manager

Restaurant Manager

Juniper | Highwood, IL
Modern American Restaurant with a Dedicated Sushi Program

Job Details

Join the Management Team at Juniper

Juniper is a new Modern American restaurant with a dedicated sushi program in the heart of Highwood, led by Executive Chef Todd Stein, whose career includes leadership within Ballyhoo Hospitality at concepts including Sophia Steak, Pomeroy, Coda di Volpe, Gemini, and more.

We're looking for an experienced, hands-on Restaurant Manager to join our leadership team.

This is a floor-focused management position for someone who genuinely enjoys restaurant operations and being in the middle of service. We're looking for a leader who can set expectations, develop a team, solve problems in real time, and maintain high standards without losing sight of hospitality.

The right candidate understands that great management isn't about standing on the sidelines. It's about being present, organized, prepared, and willing to jump in wherever the restaurant needs you.

What You'll Do

• Lead and manage front-of-house operations during service
• Maintain a strong presence on the floor and ensure a polished guest experience
• Lead pre-shift meetings and communicate daily priorities to the team
• Coach, train, and develop FOH employees
• Hold the team accountable to Juniper's service and hospitality standards
• Manage reservation flow, table pacing, and guest experience throughout the evening
• Handle guest concerns and recovery thoughtfully and professionally
• Work closely with the culinary team to maintain strong communication between FOH and BOH
• Assist with scheduling, staffing, training, and ongoing employee development
• Monitor opening, running, and closing procedures
• Maintain restaurant cleanliness, organization, and readiness
• Help identify operational problems and implement practical solutions
• Support hiring, onboarding, and continued development of the team
• Assist with daily administrative and closing responsibilities
• Lead by example and jump into service whenever necessary

What We're Looking For

• Previous restaurant management experience in a full-service environment
• Strong understanding of elevated service and genuine hospitality
• Confident, calm leadership during busy services
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to coach employees while maintaining clear expectations and accountability
• Strong attention to detail and sense of urgency
• Comfortable managing high-volume reservation flow and busy dining rooms
• Ability to make smart decisions and solve problems in real time
• Team-first mentality with no task considered beneath the position
• Experience with OpenTable, Toast, and Sling is a plus
• Evening and weekend availability is required

The Right Fit

We're looking for someone who takes ownership.

You notice the table that needs attention before a guest has to ask. You recognize when a server is getting overwhelmed and step in. You communicate with the kitchen before a small issue becomes a larger one. You hold people accountable while still earning their respect.

Most importantly, you understand that hospitality starts with the leadership team.

Why Join Juniper?

• Competitive management compensation
• Join an experienced and engaged restaurant leadership team
• Opportunity to have a meaningful impact on a growing restaurant
• Professional environment with high standards and a strong team culture
• Opportunity for continued growth as Juniper develops
• Work in a restaurant where management is expected to lead, not simply supervise

Schedule: Full-Time | Dinner Service | Tuesday–Sunday
Location: Highwood, IL
Position: Restaurant Manager

If you're an experienced restaurant professional who enjoys leading from the floor, developing a team, and creating memorable guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply through Culinary Agents to join the Juniper management team.