Department Manager OR

Buffalo Wild Wings, located at 3892 Center Street NE in Salem, OR, is a leading casual dining restaurant known for its vast selection of wings, beers, and vibrant sports atmosphere. As a well-established sports bar and grill, this franchise is part of the World Wide Wings network, which operates over 60 restaurants across seven states, bringing the excitement of major sporting events such as the NFL Playoffs, NBA, Premier League Soccer, and the Super Bowl directly to local communities. The restaurant offers an engaging experience that combines great food, excellent service, and a fun, energetic environment for sports enthusiasts and casual diners alike. The company culture at Buffalo Wild Wings focuses heavily on team development, guest satisfaction, and maintaining a dynamic workplace where both employees and customers can enjoy memorable moments.

The Department Manager role at Buffalo Wild Wings takes center stage in ensuring the restaurant operates smoothly and efficiently, emphasizing team management, product quality, guest experience, and financial performance. This management position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $20.04 to $23.91 and includes opportunities for bonuses and benefits such as a comprehensive 401-k plan with matching contributions. The role expects managers to thrive in a fast-paced sports-entertainment setting and contribute to the high standards that define the Buffalo Wild Wings brand.

As a Department Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing specific departments such as Heart of House (HOH), Bar, or Hospitality. The Heart of House Manager focuses on all food and product-related matters, from inventory and vendor relations to ensuring top-notch food quality and compliance with health standards. The Bar Manager specializes in managing adult beverage operations, including ordering, inventory control, and ensuring responsible alcohol service compliance. The Hospitality Manager leads dining room service efforts, team member scheduling, and guest interaction quality. In all roles, effective communication, leadership, and the ability to motivate and develop team members are crucial. Department Managers collaborate closely with the General Manager, solidifying their role as key players in delivering exceptional guest experiences and achieving business goals.

The position is not only about maintaining operations but also about inspiring teams. Managers recruit, orient, train, and develop their staff, focusing on sustaining a career-oriented and cohesive workplace environment. They engage in performance management activities such as providing feedback, conducting appraisals, and driving incentive programs to fuel motivation and growth. Furthermore, Department Managers play an active role in problem solving by analyzing restaurant performance metrics like Guest Experience Management (GEM), Quality Service Cleanliness standards (QSCs), and profit and loss statements (P&L). This data-driven approach ensures continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Buffalo Wild Wings also values safety and compliance; therefore, Department Managers ensure adherence to all Board of Health regulations and company safety protocols. They manage the maintenance of equipment, promptly address any issues, and oversee the execution of local marketing programs to boost restaurant visibility and revenue. The role demands flexibility with availability, including nights and weekends, and the physical ability to perform tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds regularly.

This opportunity provides an exciting career path within a nationally recognized brand renowned for its fun, fast-paced atmosphere centered on sports, food, and community. If you are passionate about hospitality, enjoy leading teams, and excel in managing dynamic environments, the Buffalo Wild Wings Department Manager position offers a rewarding and growth-oriented work experience.