Assistant General Manager - Full-service restaurant

ExcelliSearch, Inc.; Freehold (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

ExcelliSearch, Inc. is seeking an experienced Assistant General Manager to work alongside the GM and lead daily restaurant operations in a high‑volume setting in New Jersey. This role emphasizes operational leadership beyond mere closing management, with opportunities to develop into a future General Manager.

The AGM will oversee service standards, coach staff, manage openings/closes, and handle guest concerns. Strong hospitality instincts and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience as AGM, restaurant manager, or strong service manager required.
• Experience in polished full‑service or high‑volume dining preferred.
• Seafood or raw bar experience is a plus; strong knowledge of wine, spirits, and cocktails.

Responsibilities

• Support the GM with daily restaurant operations.
• Independently run shifts and manage the restaurant.
• Coach and develop employees.
• Maintain service and hospitality standards.
• Assist with scheduling and labor management.
• Manage opening and closing procedures.
• Monitor restaurant cleanliness, organization and readiness.
• Handle guest concerns and recovery.
• Assist with training and onboarding.
• Help maintain inventory and operational controls.
• Communicate issues and opportunities to the GMTake ownership of problems and follow them through to resolution

Skills

AGM/Restaurant management

Service management

Leadership & coaching

Scheduling & labor management

Guest relations & issue handling

Food & beverage knowledge

Job description

Assistant General Manager

We are looking for an experienced Assistant General Manager who can work directly alongside the GM and become a major presence in the daily operation of the establishment.

The AGM should be capable of running the restaurant in the GM's absence and should view the position as an operational leadership role, not simply a closing manager position.

What We're Looking For

• Previous AGM, Restaurant Manager, or strong Service Manager experience
• Experience in polished full-service or high-volume dining
• Seafood or raw bar experience is a plus
• Strong food, wine, spirits, and cocktail knowledge
• Strong service and hospitality instincts
• Excellent floor management skills
• Ability to lead pre-shifts, coach employees, and maintain service standards
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Experience with scheduling, labor management, inventory, and restaurant systems
• Ability to handle guest issues professionally and confidently
• High attention to cleanliness, organization, presentation, and detail
• Ability to hold employees accountable while maintaining a positive culture
• Desire and ability to develop into a future General Manager

Core Responsibilities

• Support the GM with daily restaurant operations
• Independently run shifts and manage the restaurant
• Coach and develop employees
• Maintain service and hospitality standards
• Assist with scheduling and labor management
• Manage opening and closing procedures
• Monitor restaurant cleanliness, organization, and readiness
• Handle guest concerns and recovery
• Assist with training and onboarding
• Help maintain inventory and operational controls
• Communicate issues and opportunities to the GMTake ownership of problems and follow them through to resolution