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Restaurant General Manager

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

competitive base salary
bonus potential
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid vacation
Wellness time
401(k) program
paid family leave
Complimentary greens
Sweetgreen swag
Career development opportunities
Collaborative team environment

Job Description

Sweetgreen is a prominent national restaurant brand renowned for its commitment to building healthier communities by connecting people to real food. Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the fast food industry by focusing on fresh, flavorful meals rooted in strong relationships with farmers and local communities. As more consumers become health-conscious and seek sustainable food choices, Sweetgreen continues to lead as a fast-casual restaurant dedicated to organic, locally sourced ingredients and transparency in food sourcing. This company prides itself on fostering an inclusive workplace culture that encourages personal and professional growth for its employees, while simultaneously delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining high standards of safety and quality in every location. Sweetgreen employees are part of a movement that intertwines food, people, and purpose, allowing them to make a significant impact through their work.

The Head Coach (General Manager) role at Sweetgreen is critical to the company’s operational success and growth. This leadership position is designed for a strategic and motivated individual who can inspire their store team, promote a culture of trust and inclusion, and drive business performance through data-driven decision making. The Head Coach is responsible for overseeing multiple facets of store operations, including team leadership, food safety, customer experience, financial management, and utilization of technology systems. The position requires balancing the needs of people, operations, and business goals with an emphasis on creating healthier communities by ensuring real food quality and exceptional service.

A key part of the Head Coach’s responsibilities involve leading the full employee lifecycle, from hiring and training to coaching and development. They cultivate a strong, diverse talent pipeline by fostering transparency and providing timely feedback. Maintaining the highest standards for food safety, cleanliness, and equipment upkeep is fundamental, alongside resolving operational challenges related to supply chain, facility management, and food quality—all while prioritizing team safety. Delivering a consistent and hospitable guest experience that is aligned with Sweetgreen’s brand values is another essential function, leveraging guest feedback and insights to continuously improve store performance.

Moreover, the Head Coach drives financial success by analyzing sales reports, managing labor and inventory costs, and implementing strategic plans that align with business objectives. They effectively use technology and digital tools to streamline operations, troubleshoot system issues, and enhance communication. This role also carries the responsibility to execute the career path duties associated with the Head Coach position, including those performed by Assistant Coaches, Shift Leaders, Kitchen Leads, and Team Members. It requires adaptability in high-volume, fast-paced environments, a strong financial acumen, and the ability to lead with empathy and effectiveness.

Sweetgreen offers a competitive base salary with potential bonuses, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, paid vacation and wellness time, a 401(k) program, and paid family leave. Employees also enjoy company perks such as complimentary greens, exclusive Sweetgreen merchandise, and opportunities to impact their local communities and personal career progression within a collaborative team environment. The company is dedicated to equal employment opportunities, making it an ideal workplace for professionals passionate about health, sustainability, and operational excellence in the food service industry.

Job Requirements

  • Meet all physical requirements of all roles within the career path of the Head Coach including Assistant Coach role, Shift Leader, Kitchen Lead, and Team Member
  • 3+ years in food service, with at least 2 years in hands-on management
  • Experience hiring, developing, training, and motivating team members
  • Skilled in planning, managing, and forecasting financials, labor, and inventory
  • Hands-on experience managing and optimizing processes in a fast-paced environment
  • Proven ability to lead and mentor teams collaboratively

Job Qualifications

  • Experience in high-volume, fast-paced restaurants
  • Hands-on experience with local, organic, and sustainable products
  • ServSafe Manager or Regional Manager Food Safety certification
  • Tech-savvy and comfortable using digital tools for operations, reporting, and team communication
  • Strong financial acumen managing budgets, labor, and P&L effectively
  • Proven experience hiring, coaching, and developing high-performing teams
  • Exceptional adaptability and problem-solving in dynamic environments
  • Data-driven mindset with curiosity to identify and implement operational improvements
  • Commitment to operational excellence, hospitality, and team engagement
  • Experience in fast-casual or retail operations is a plus

Job Duties

  • Lead the full employee lifecycle while fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and inclusion
  • Ensure compliance, deliver timely feedback, and develop a strong, diverse talent pipeline
  • Maintain high standards for food safety, cleanliness, and equipment maintenance
  • Resolve facility, supply, and food quality issues while prioritizing team safety
  • Deliver clean, hospitable, and brand-aligned customer experiences using guest metrics and data-informed decisions
  • Drive sales and profit by analyzing reports, managing costs, executing strategic plans, and creating effective schedules
  • Operate and support all systems, troubleshoot issues, and prioritize daily operations to ensure smooth business and guest experiences

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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