General Manager

about wagamama

from bowl to soul isn't just how we serve food it's how we show up for our people

at wagamama, every dish we make and every shift we work is guided by one belief: we can always be better today than we were yesterday. that's kaizen in our heart

we're a place where your work has purpose, your voice matters, and your growth is taken seriously. where bold ideas are welcomed, effort is noticed, and learning never stops. you won't just clock in you'll build skills, confidence, and a career alongside people who care deeply about what they do and who they do it with

if you're looking for more than a job if you want to be part of something that feeds your future as much as it feeds our guests this is your sign

from bowl to soul, start your journey with wagamama and apply now

about this role

this role will lead the restaurant to deliver outstanding guest experiences and business results. some key responsibilities include hire, develop + retain a high performing team; run day to day operations to build sales and control costs resulting in optimum business results; and act as a wagamama brand champion who sets the tone for hospitality, food quality, cleanliness and a welcoming environment.


what you'll do:

people leadership + culture

• Deliver warm, energetic, and personable guest service while creating a welcoming Wagamama dining experience

• recruit, select, train, lead and retain a diverse team building a strong internal talent pipeline

• set clear expectations and provide coaching and feedback to develop managers and team members into stronger performers

• model guest first leadership + promptly resolve guest concerns to drive return visits

• monitor + address guest satisfaction scores on platforms such as open table, tattle, and rewards network

guest experience, food safety and brand standards

• ensure consistent execution of food safety, food quality, cleanliness, and overall brand environment goals in line with wagamama operating standards

• open and close the restaurant following established procedures and checklists

• ensure required paperwork is accurate and on time

training, onboarding and compliance

• drive sales, profitability, and operational excellence in partnership with the director of operations and support teams

• create and deliver annual operating plan and budget + review results routinely to immediately address variances

• performs duties as needed to support restaurant operations

• plan staffing levels + approve schedules to meet demand while controlling labor costs

training + systems

• use tools (microsoft office, open table, tattle, paycom, hotschedules, etc.) to manage operations, people and reporting ensuring employee records are accurate in these systems

• oversee onboarding and training across all roles; leverage the learning management system (lms) and training sop's to schedule, track, and evaluate progress.

• ensure completion of required compliance training (e.g., anti harassment and discrimination, pci, and workplace safety, etc.) + maintain certifications (food safety/sanitation, responsible alcohol service, allergen awareness, etc.).
• maintain and continuously improve written operating standards

qualifications

• 7+ years of restaurant management experience, including minimum 3 years in gm (or equivalent) role

• high quality casual or fine dining leadership preferred

• financial acumen with experience managing labor + food cost controls

• speak and understand english

• sanitation + food safety certification in accordance with local/state laws

skills + strengths

• proven track record of delivering results + strong financial acumen and problem-solving

• excellent communication (written and verbal), relationship-building and influencing skills

• effective in fast-changing environments with strong deployment and prioritization skills

• sound business judgment + data analysis

• maintain composure under pressure

• computer literacy + ability to learn new software

• cross-functional understanding of foh and boh operations

physical + work environment + availability

• ability to stand and walk for extended periods (potentially 10+ hours)

• ability to lift and carry up to 25 40 lbs as needed

• frequent bending, reaching, twisting, temperature changes

• works primarily indoors, with occasional outdoor tasks

• availability to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays in a fast-paced environment

• depending on business needs, requires up to 55 hours per week

• may be required to respond to urgent business needs when off-site.

• potential of 15 to 20% travel