Restaurant Operations Manager No Nights Ever! - New Restaurant Opening
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $55,000.00 - $65,000.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Day Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
401k
Paid vacation
Excellent training
competitive pay
Opportunities to Advance
Job Description
First Watch is an award-winning daytime dining restaurant chain renowned for its made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. Established as a chef-driven concept, First Watch has earned hundreds of local accolades such as "Best Breakfast" and "Best Brunch," recognized for its elevated takes on classic dishes as well as unique specialties like the Quinoa Power Bowl, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation fresh juice, Spiked Lavender Lemonade, and the signature Million Dollar Bacon. With over 650 locations spread across 33 states, First Watch is a leading restaurant brand committed to excellence not just in food but also in customer experience and team culture.
In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp's inaugural list of the 50 most loved brands in the U.S., highlighting its tremendous community and customer support. The company also received the honor of being the #1 Most Loved Workplace in America in 2024 by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute, reflecting its strong focus on employee satisfaction, workplace culture, and leadership excellence. Additional significant recognitions include a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace in Newsweek for consecutive years, the MenuMasters award by Nation’s Restaurant News for innovative menu items, and ADP’s Culture at Work Award, showcasing First Watch’s commitment to fostering a healthy and productive work environment.
The Operations Manager role at First Watch is a critical leadership position focused on supporting the company’s mission, vision, and core values through day-to-day restaurant operations. This full-time position is dedicated to achieving long-term profitability by overseeing financial controls, operational procedures, and team development within a single restaurant location. With responsibilities encompassing staffing, customer service, sales and revenue management, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, the Operations Manager plays a key role in driving business success.
This position involves providing direct supervision and management coverage of restaurant operations, assisting the General Manager with budget forecasting, scheduling, and meeting revenue goals while maintaining excellent service standards. The role requires proficient leadership capability to coach, train, and develop both front of house and back of house teams, fostering a positive environment that encourages accountability and superior customer experiences. The Operations Manager also handles communication between employees and management and swiftly addresses any operational issues or customer concerns.
Candidates are expected to have a background in hospitality or service-oriented environments with strong financial acumen, human resources management skills, and the ability to work independently under pressure. With a commitment to safety protocols, adherence to OSHA and state regulations, and upholding high food handling standards, this role ensures that every shift runs smoothly, equipment is properly maintained, and all internal controls are in place.
First Watch offers a motivating daytime-only work schedule with no night shifts, competitive pay, comprehensive benefits including health insurance and retirement plans, paid vacation, and excellent training opportunities. The company emphasizes passion for fresh food, integrity, teamwork, and a positive attitude as essential qualities for success. Open to applicants with a range of educational backgrounds and experience levels, First Watch values diversity and inclusion, welcoming those returning to the workforce or entering the hospitality industry for the first time.
The Operations Manager at First Watch will oversee up to 40 employees and assist in managing operations with revenues exceeding one million dollars. This influential position requires a combination of strong leadership, operational expertise, financial management, and effective communication skills to ensure the restaurant meets its business objectives while maintaining a vibrant and supportive team culture. It is an excellent career opportunity for professionals passionate about quality dining experiences and leading teams in a dynamic, fast-paced restaurant setting.
In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp's inaugural list of the 50 most loved brands in the U.S., highlighting its tremendous community and customer support. The company also received the honor of being the #1 Most Loved Workplace in America in 2024 by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute, reflecting its strong focus on employee satisfaction, workplace culture, and leadership excellence. Additional significant recognitions include a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace in Newsweek for consecutive years, the MenuMasters award by Nation’s Restaurant News for innovative menu items, and ADP’s Culture at Work Award, showcasing First Watch’s commitment to fostering a healthy and productive work environment.
The Operations Manager role at First Watch is a critical leadership position focused on supporting the company’s mission, vision, and core values through day-to-day restaurant operations. This full-time position is dedicated to achieving long-term profitability by overseeing financial controls, operational procedures, and team development within a single restaurant location. With responsibilities encompassing staffing, customer service, sales and revenue management, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, the Operations Manager plays a key role in driving business success.
This position involves providing direct supervision and management coverage of restaurant operations, assisting the General Manager with budget forecasting, scheduling, and meeting revenue goals while maintaining excellent service standards. The role requires proficient leadership capability to coach, train, and develop both front of house and back of house teams, fostering a positive environment that encourages accountability and superior customer experiences. The Operations Manager also handles communication between employees and management and swiftly addresses any operational issues or customer concerns.
Candidates are expected to have a background in hospitality or service-oriented environments with strong financial acumen, human resources management skills, and the ability to work independently under pressure. With a commitment to safety protocols, adherence to OSHA and state regulations, and upholding high food handling standards, this role ensures that every shift runs smoothly, equipment is properly maintained, and all internal controls are in place.
First Watch offers a motivating daytime-only work schedule with no night shifts, competitive pay, comprehensive benefits including health insurance and retirement plans, paid vacation, and excellent training opportunities. The company emphasizes passion for fresh food, integrity, teamwork, and a positive attitude as essential qualities for success. Open to applicants with a range of educational backgrounds and experience levels, First Watch values diversity and inclusion, welcoming those returning to the workforce or entering the hospitality industry for the first time.
The Operations Manager at First Watch will oversee up to 40 employees and assist in managing operations with revenues exceeding one million dollars. This influential position requires a combination of strong leadership, operational expertise, financial management, and effective communication skills to ensure the restaurant meets its business objectives while maintaining a vibrant and supportive team culture. It is an excellent career opportunity for professionals passionate about quality dining experiences and leading teams in a dynamic, fast-paced restaurant setting.
Job Requirements
- A high school diploma
- completion of the Culinary and Food Expert (CAFÉ) training program
- minimum two years of experience in a service-oriented hospitality industry such as hotel, resort, restaurant, retail, or entertainment venue preferred
- effective oral and written communication skills
- willingness to regularly work 50-55 hours per week
- must hold a valid driver’s license and drive for company business as required
- ability to manage, lead, coach, teach and train others including culinary duties and host and service duties
- knowledge of accounting and financial management principles focusing on budgeting and forecasting revenue goals
- human resources management skills in employee relations, recruiting, retention and employee recognition
- ability to supervise a team of hourly employees
- ability to work with minimal supervision and determine task priorities
- ability to make difficult and quick decisions
- advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
- excellent computer skills with emphasis on MS operating systems
- exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- strong communication, presentation and writing skills
- ability to communicate with all levels of management
- ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced environment
- ability to multitask and prioritize effectively
- ability to manage teams and work as part of a team
- passion for providing excellent service and quality
- must be able to frequently stand, walk, view computer monitors, communicate orally, bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, and discern color
- must be able to regularly lift/carry up to 20 lbs, occasionally up to 40 lbs
- must be able to do repetitive grasping, fine manipulation, and pushing and pulling frequently
- must tolerate exposure to extreme temperatures and changes
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma
- completion of Culinary and Food Expert (CAFÉ) training program
- minimum two years of experience in service-oriented hospitality such as restaurant, hotel, resort, retail or entertainment venue preferred
- effective oral and written communication skills
- ability to manage, lead, coach, teach and train others including culinary and service duties
- knowledge of accounting and financial management principles focusing on budgeting and forecasting
- human resources management skills in employee relations, recruiting, retention and recognition
- ability to supervise and oversee hourly employees
- ability to work independently and prioritize tasks
- ability to make difficult and quick decisions
- advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
- excellent computer skills with emphasis on MS operating systems
- exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- strong communication, presentation and writing skills
- ability to communicate effectively with all management levels
- ability to work well under pressure
- ability to multitask and prioritize
- ability to manage teams and work as part of a team
- passion for providing excellent service and quality
Job Duties
- Provide management coverage and direct supervision of operations in an individual restaurant
- exercise basic shift-to-shift financial control to meet restaurant sales, revenue and profitability goals
- assist in meeting or exceeding established sales, revenue and profitability goals
- manage and assist the General Manager in managing all revenues, cash, credit, and company collateral
- identify and resolve sales and profit problems at the restaurant
- provide efficient and professional service to meet or exceed customer expectations and respond to customer feedback
- ensure the integrity and operational functionality of all POS and security systems and equipment
- ensure restaurant equipment is kept in satisfactory working order and cleanliness
- supervise food handling procedures and operational processes
- ensure safe working conditions compliant with OSHA and other regulations
- report and arrange maintenance and repair work
- manage all internal/external communications timely and effectively
- verify and complete required paperwork timely
- supervise, guide and train team members front and back of house
- communicate with staff and customers to promote positive image and morale
- perform duties of all restaurant positions as needed to role model and train staff
- train staff in End of Day procedures
- counsel and coach hourly employees regularly
- make disciplinary decisions including suspension or termination
- evaluate staff performance jointly with General Manager
- set goals and assignments, recognize good performance and coach poor performers
- delegate tasks and ensure completion
- lead and run shifts effectively as manager in charge
- execute use of Daily Shift Card and Red Book
- open or close restaurant ensuring all tasks and paperwork are completed
- maintain a safe and harassment-free workplace
- take quick action to solve problems and respond to complaints
- assist General Manager with staffing forecasts and schedules
- address Health or Steri-tech Inspection violations
- safeguard company assets
- assist in payroll and administration
- promote First Watch brand externally
- obtain and maintain food handler certifications
- handle customer and staff incidents, accidents, injuries, and complaints
- regularly interview applicants, assist in hiring and train new employees
- ensure compliance with laws and company policies
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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