Restaurant Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Better Half is hiring a Restaurant Manager for our new NW Thurman St. location. We are a high-volume sandwich shop, serving breakfast and lunch sandwiches with both meat and vegan options. We also run a robust catering operation alongside our daily service.

After 6 years in our North Portland location, we are excited to be relocating to a newly renovated space in NW Portland, with an anticipated opening date of September 1, 2026. We're looking for a Restaurant Manager who is ready to help us grow into this next chapter.

The Role

This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll work closely with the owners to manage the restaurant - from daily operations and cost management to team development and the guest experience. You'll collaborate and problem-solve alongside ownership as we re-open and grow into our new space.

You'll take ownership of the day-to-day operations as if it were your own restaurant. You'll be on the floor, engaged with guests, coaching the team, and never letting the standard slip - especially when it gets busy. You know when to roll up your sleeves and jump in, and when to step back so the team can learn and grow.

Note: Payroll processing, paying bills and vendors, and high-level HR tasks are handled solely by ownership.

-Core Responsibilities-

Operations & Standards

• Oversee all aspects of daily restaurant operations, including cost management, team development, the guest experience, and adherence to SOPs, timing standards, and recipes
• Displays competency at all stations and is willing to jump in where needed
• Skilled in prioritization, adaptability, time management, attention to detail, and problem-solving

Team Leadership & Culture

• Build and sustain a positive, high-performance culture rooted in our core values: Genuine Hospitality, Teamwork, Resilience, Integrity, and Community
• Train, develop, and coach team members - you genuinely love growing people and building teams
• Lead by example in every interaction - with guests, with your team, and with the community

People Management

• Lead hiring, training, and scheduling of staff
• Conduct performance reviews and provide consistent, constructive feedback
• Document corrective counseling and coaching in accordance with company policy
• Resolve conflicts with professionalism and care, both verbally and in writing

Guest Experience

• Be present on the floor and genuinely engaged with guests - you believe in hospitality and model that behavior every shift
• Take a customer-focused, solution-oriented approach to every service interaction
• Model and teach service recovery - when something goes wrong, own it and resolve it quickly
• Maintains a high level of quality, presentation, accuracy, and efficiency for all orders

Beverage program

• Espresso and matcha experience
• Collaborate with ownership on monthly coffee-based specials
• Support the team in making the best caffeinated drinks

Financial Management

• Possesses strong financial acumen to manage labor cost, food cost, and inventory/order management.
• Collaborate with ownership on business performance, growth strategies, and operational decisions
• Support the catering operation as needed, including scheduling and logistics

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $60,000 - $70,000, dependent on experience
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Leave
• Health, dental, and vision insurance - 50% company paid
• Free shift meal; food discounts on your days off
• Annual performance reviews
• Opportunity for growth and advancement as the business grows

Schedule and Working Conditions

This is a salaried position averaging 40 - 50 hours per week. The position begins around August 10, and we anticipate opening the restaurant at the beginning of September.

We are open seven days a week; shifts range from 8 - 10 hours and currently begin as early as 7am and end as late as 8pm. Hours may vary based on business needs, growth, and catering volume. Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays is a must.

This is a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. You'll be on your feet for extended periods, working in varying temperatures, and handling the physical demands of a working kitchen - including lifting up to 50 lbs. Adherence to food safety and hygiene standards is required.

Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge, experience, training, and the ability to meet the expectations of the manager role, core responsibilities, schedule and working conditions.
• 2+ years of experience leading and developing a team of 10+ people, with FOH and BOH proficiency
• Proven track record of managing teams and driving operational success in a high-volume environment
• Strong financial acumen - experience managing labor cost, food cost, and inventory
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - direct, kind, and clear
• Experience with hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, and documented corrective counseling
• Familiarity with food safety regulations, Oregon health codes, and allergen protocols
• Ability to multitask, make quick decisions, and maintain attention to detail under pressure
• Curious and personally motivated - always looking to learn and grow
• Current Food Handler's Card and OLCC Service Permit (or ability to obtain before start date)
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record

How to Apply

Send your resume and a brief introduction about yourself and why Better Half feels like the right fit for you. Please note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

We will begin reaching out to qualified candidates on Wednesday, July 22. We look forward to hearing from you!