Assistant General Manager

Wagamama; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

wagamama, Arlington, VA is seeking an Assistant General Manager to partner with the General Manager to lead daily restaurant operations, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and develop a high-performing team.

This role focuses on operational excellence, financial performance, and ongoing staff development while ensuring brand standards, food safety, and a premier guest experience in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of restaurant management experience in high-volume, full-service settings.
• Strong financial acumen with labor, food cost, and profitability experience.
• Food safety and sanitation certification per local/state requirements.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to stand/walk; lift up to 40 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily restaurant operations with General Manager.
• Recruit, coach, and develop a high-performing team.
• Uphold brand standards, food safety, cleanliness, and service quality.
• Support sales, labor, food cost, and profitability goals.
• Lead onboarding, training, and ongoing development.
• Monitor guest feedback and drive improvements.
• Utilize business systems and reporting tools to support performance.

Skills

Restaurant management

Financial acumen

Team leadership

Communication

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Arlington, VA 22201
Position Type: Full Time

About wagamama

At wagamama, from bowl to soul reflects how we care for our guests and our people. Guided by our philosophy of kaizen—always striving to be better—we foster a culture where growth, teamwork, and continuous learning thrive. Join a team where your voice matters, your development is supported, and your work has a meaningful impact.

About the Role

The Assistant General Manager partners with the General Manager to lead daily restaurant operations, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and develop a high-performing team. This role supports operational excellence, financial performance, and team development while serving as a key operational leader within the restaurant.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the General Manager to lead daily restaurant operations and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Recruit, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing restaurant team.
• Drive operational excellence by upholding brand standards, food safety, cleanliness, and service quality.
• Support sales, labor, food cost, and profitability goals while ensuring efficient restaurant operations.
• Lead onboarding, training, and ongoing development using company tools and programs.
• Monitor guest feedback and partner with the team to continuously improve the guest experience.
• Utilize business systems and reporting tools to support operational performance and team success.

Qualifications

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs.
• 3–5 years of restaurant management experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing labor, food cost, and profitability.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and lead high-performing teams.
• Food safety and sanitation certification in accordance with local and state requirements.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements & Availability

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Flexible schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work up to 55 hours per week, depending on business needs.
• Occasional off-site support and up to 10% travel may be required.