4Rivers Restaurant Manager - Lakeland

4 Rivers Smokehouse; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

4 Rivers Smokehouse in Lakeland is seeking an experienced Restaurant Manager to lead the Lakeland market and help prepare for General Manager responsibility. You will work with the GM and market leadership to drive daily front- and back-of-house operations and guest experience.

This senior role emphasizes coaching, cost controls, and team development across locations in the Lakeland/Tampa market, with hands-on leadership and a focus on operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of restaurant management experience, preferably in a high-volume or fast casual environment.
• Demonstrated readiness to grow into a General Manager role
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience supporting labor, food cost, and operational metrics
• Flexible availability, including weekends and some holidays
• Willingness to support multiple locations within the Lakeland/Tampa market
• Hands-on, guest-first leadership style

Responsibilities

• Support and lead daily front- and back-of-house operations
• Coach, develop, and hold managers and hourly team members accountable
• Drive guest experience through consistent service, quality, and cleanliness standards
• Assist with hiring, training, scheduling, inventory, and cost controls
• Provide hands-on leadership and step into BOH support when needed
• Partner with the General Manager to ensure operational excellence and team development
• Independently lead shifts and assume full restaurant responsibility when required

Skills

Restaurant management

GM-ready

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Labor management

Cost controls

Job description

Restaurant Manager – Lakeland Market

4 Rivers Smokehouse | Lakeland & Surrounding Market (Including Tampa)

At 4 Rivers Smokehouse, we’re more than great barbecue—we’re a purpose-driven, people-first organization rooted in faith, family, and community. We’re seeking anexperienced Restaurant Managerto join the Lakeland market and help lead high-volume operations while preparing for future General Manager responsibility.

This role works closely with the General Manager and Market leadership team and is ideal for asenior Manager who is GM-readyand eager to continue growing within a strong, values-driven brand.

What You’ll Do

• Support and lead daily front- and back-of-house operations


• Coach, develop, and hold managers and hourly team members accountable


• Drive guest experience through consistent service, quality, and cleanliness standards


• Assist with hiring, training, scheduling, inventory, and cost controls


• Provide hands-on leadership and step into BOH support when needed


• Partner with the General Manager to ensure operational excellence and team development


• Independently lead shifts and assume full restaurant responsibility when required

What You Bring

• 4+ years of restaurant management experience, preferably in a high-volume or fast casual environment


• Demonstrated readiness to grow into a General Manager role


• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills


• Experience supporting labor, food cost, and operational metrics


• Flexible availability, including weekends and some holidays


• Willingness to support multiple locations within the Lakeland/Tampa market


• Hands-on, guest-first leadership style

Why 4 Rivers

• Competitive pay with growth opportunity


• 401(k) with company match


• Medical, dental, and vision insurance


• Paid vacation and paid parental leave


• Wellness and cell phone reimbursement


• Free mental health services and Employee Assistance Program


• Leadership development through 4R University


• Supportive, people-first culture with real work-life balance

If you’re an experienced Restaurant Manager ready to take the next step toward General Manager leadership, we’d love to meet you.

At 4 Rivers, every team member has the opportunity to make a difference. We’re proud to be aDrug-Free Workplaceand anEqual Opportunity Employer. Background checks are required.

4 Rivers Smokehouse began with the launch of the “Barbecue Ministry” in 2004, when John hosted a cookout fundraiser to support a local family whose young daughter was battling cancer. This one event resulted in a passion for supporting local schools, churches, and charitable organizations. After trials, tribulations, and a whole lot of burnt ends, we finally flipped that “Hot Brisket Now” sign on in October of 2009. Within the first hour, a line had formed out the door…and then around the corner.