Restaurant General Manager | Fine Dining

Restaurant General Manager | Fine Dining

Location: Ocala, FL
Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Compensation: $85,000 - $110,000
Relocation Assistance: Available for the right candidate

Overview

We are seeking a Restaurant General Manager to oversee Front of House operations for an upscale Italian fine dining restaurant in Ocala, FL. This role requires a dynamic hospitality leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences, leading high-performing teams, and maintaining the highest standards of hospitality.

This position is dedicated exclusively to Front of House operations . The General Manager will partner closely with the Back of House Manager to ensure a seamless dining experience but will not be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations.

Schedule

• Restaurant hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• The General Manager may have Monday and Tuesday off , or if preferred, take Sunday off and complete administrative responsibilities on Monday or Tuesday.

Direct Reports

• 1 Assistant General Manager (AGM)
• Approximately 35-40 Front of House team members

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee daily Front of House restaurant operations, ensuring consistency in food and beverage quality, service standards, and overall guest experience.
• Deliver exceptional service by anticipating guest needs and creating a warm, welcoming, and memorable dining atmosphere.
• Build strong relationships with VIP guests by providing personalized service and knowledgeable recommendations on wine pairings, Italian specialties, and seasonal offerings.
• Manage the restaurant's financial performance, including labor, beverage, and supply costs while maintaining profitability and operational excellence.
• Create and manage Front of House staff schedules based on guest volume, seasonal demand, and special events.
• Oversee payroll for Front of House staff, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective labor cost management.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop Front of House team members while promoting exceptional hospitality standards.
• Manage inventory control, ordering processes, and waste reduction to maximize efficiency.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Plan and execute private dining events, wine dinners, seasonal offerings, and other special events.
• Partner with the culinary team on menu updates and enhancements.
• Oversee the beverage program, including cocktails and wine offerings that complement the dining experience.
• Respond promptly to guest feedback and resolve concerns to continuously improve the guest experience.
• Analyze operational performance and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
• Provide hands-on leadership during service while ensuring smooth daily operations.
• Be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of experience as a General Manager in a fine dining restaurant
• Previous experience working in an Italian restaurant
• Strong Front of House leadership experience
• Experience managing restaurant financials, including labor, payroll, scheduling, inventory, and cost controls
• Proven success recruiting, training, and developing hospitality teams
• Strong understanding of guest service standards and upscale dining operations
• Knowledge of wine pairings, Italian regional wines, cocktails, and beverage programming
• ServSafe Certification, Alcohol Compliance Certification, and other applicable industry certifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with luxury hospitality brands such as The Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent leadership, communication, and team development skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to multitask, delegate effectively, and perform in a fast-paced environment
• Passion for Italian cuisine and knowledge of regional specialties, authentic ingredients, and current culinary trends
• Strong financial management skills with experience controlling costs while maintaining exceptional service standards
• Guest-first mindset with a commitment to delivering outstanding hospitality
• Proficiency with POS systems, Microsoft Office, and team communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, reach, bend, kneel, and occasionally lift heavy objects during daily operations
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests and team members in both written and verbal forms
• Maintain a visible, professional presence throughout the restaurant to uphold service standards and the overall guest experience

About the Company

Our company is committed to creating memorable guest experiences while providing a welcoming and positive work environment. We offer a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and work-life balance.

We are a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer . All applicants will be required to complete a background check as part of the hiring process.