General Manager - Clarity Restaurant (Vienna, VA)

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a seasoned and passionate General Manager to lead operations at Clarity , a fine dining restaurant rooted in creativity, hospitality, and precision. This is not your average GM position — we are looking for a hospitality-driven leader with eagle-eyed attention to detail , deep fine dining experience , and the ability to grow with us as we prepare to open our next, larger location.

What You’ll Be Responsible For:

Private Events & Revenue Growth

• Act as the primary point of contact for private event inquiries and bookings.

• Respond swiftly and professionally to event requests — this is a critical revenue stream and must be treated with urgency.

• Coordinate with the culinary and service teams to execute events seamlessly from inquiry to post-event follow-up.

• Work with ownership to drive sales through strategic event offerings and seasonal promotions.

Event Planning & Guest Engagement

• Collaborate in a cooperative and proactive manner with the marketing team to plan and execute impactful guest experiences — including wine dinners, VIP nights, holiday events, and unique seasonal activations.

• Provide leadership and logistical support from concept through execution, ensuring each event aligns with Clarity’s brand and hospitality standards.

• Understand that creating fresh, exciting reasons for guests to return is essential — and events are a major part of that strategy.

Daily Operations & Leadership

• Oversee the daily execution of both FOH and BOH operations with an uncompromising standard of excellence.

• Set the tone: ensure the dining room, patio, and every guest touchpoint are visually pristine and emotionally inviting every single shift.

• Maintain a high level of floor presence, especially during peak periods, ensuring energy, pace, and hospitality are at their peak.

Team Development & Culture

• Lead by example: hire, train, and inspire a professional, motivated team.

• Promote a culture of accountability, guest connection, and salesmanship — upselling isn’t pushy when it’s hospitality-driven.

• Facilitate clear communication between the kitchen and service teams to foster unity and consistency.

Financial & Operational Oversight

• Manage labor and food costs in alignment with company benchmarks.

• Collaborate with ownership and the culinary team to evaluate menu pricing, vendor contracts, and scheduling to optimize margins.

• Use reporting and tools to make data-informed decisions that drive profitability.

Guest Experience & Competitive Awareness

• Ensure the restaurant feels like a vibe at all times — lighting, music volume, and ambiance should all be thoughtfully managed.

• Anticipate guest needs and build regular clientele through proactive hospitality.

• Stay plugged into the local restaurant scene and broader dining trends to help Clarity remain one step ahead of the competition.

Requirements:

• Minimum 3–5 years of General Manager experience in a fine dining setting (this is non-negotiable).

• Proven experience managing and booking private events.

• Exceptional leadership skills with a hands-on, “no shortcuts” mentality.

• Strong organizational and financial acumen.

• Highly detail-oriented — nothing escapes your eye.

• Tech-savvy with the ability to use modern POS, CRM, and scheduling systems.

• Passion for food, wine, and creating unforgettable guest experiences.