Associate Restaurant Manager

Nick's Restaurants; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Nick’s Restaurants in Irvine, CA is seeking an Associate Manager to lead daily restaurant operations, support the General Manager and Assistant GM, and foster a culture of hospitality and accountability. You will coach and develop associates, assist with recruiting and onboarding, and ensure the restaurant delivers exceptional guest experiences while meeting operational and financial goals.

The role requires a hands-on leader who can manage scheduling, uphold Nick’s standards, and drive team

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory or management experience in a high-volume restaurant.
• Leadership experience in coaching teams is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily restaurant operations and uphold service standards.
• Coach, train, and develop associates.
• Assist with scheduling, shift execution, and staffing needs.
• Monitor sales, labor, and profitability goals.
• Maintain a clean, welcoming, and safe dining environment.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Hospitality

Time management

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Reports To: General Manager and Assistant General Manager

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time

Salary Range: $70,000–$80,000

About Nick’s Restaurants

At Nick’s Restaurants, we’re passionate about delivering exceptional hospitality through outstanding food, genuine service, and a culture built on respect, teamwork, and excellence. We believe our people are our greatest asset and are committed to developing leaders who inspire others while creating memorable experiences for every guest.

As an Associate Manager, you’ll play an important leadership role in bringing our culture to life each day by supporting your team, developing associates, and helping ensure every guest leaves looking forward to their next visit.

Position Summary

The Associate Manager is a hands‑on restaurant leader responsible for supporting the day‑to‑day operations of the restaurant while helping create exceptional guest experiences. This role partners with the General Manager and Assistant General Manager to develop associates, maintain operational standards, and achieve financial, operational, and guest service goals.

The Associate Manager leads by example, promotes a culture of accountability and hospitality, and helps ensure consistent execution of Nick’s standards while developing future leaders within the restaurant.

• Lead by example while fostering a positive, respectful, and accountable work environment.
• Coach, train, and develop associates to deliver exceptional hospitality and operational excellence.
• Support recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training of new associates.
• Provide ongoing coaching, recognition, and performance feedback.
• Promote teamwork, associate engagement, and a positive restaurant culture.

Guest Experience & Operations

• Support the daily operation of the restaurant to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Ensure consistent execution of Nick’s service standards and operating procedures.
• Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally.
• Assist with scheduling, shift execution, and daily operational planning.
• Support effective communication between the front and back of house.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming restaurant environment.

Food Quality & Safety

• Ensure food quality, presentation, and consistency meet Nick’s standards.
• Maintain compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Monitor cleanliness, organization, and readiness throughout the restaurant.
• Support execution of all food safety and workplace safety standards.

Financial & Business Performance

• Assist in achieving sales, labor, and profitability goals.
• Monitor daily sales, labor, and operational performance.
• Support inventory management, product controls, and cost management initiatives.
• Assist with accurate completion of operational reports and administrative responsibilities.

Compliance & Administration

• Uphold all NickCo policies, procedures, and Human Resources standards.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and operational guidelines.
• Maintain accurate operational records and documentation.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the success of the restaurant.

Position Expectations

The Associate Manager is expected to:

• Lead with professionalism, integrity, and a positive attitude.
• Be visible and actively engaged in restaurant operations during each shift.
• Coach and develop associates through regular feedback and recognition.
• Foster teamwork and maintain high associate engagement.
• Ensure exceptional guest service and promptly resolve guest concerns.
• Support staffing, scheduling, and daily shift execution.
• Uphold Nick’s operational, food quality, safety, and service standards.
• Communicate effectively with restaurant leadership and support departments.
• Maintain flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and business-driven schedules.

QualificationsEducation & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; hospitality, culinary, or business coursework is preferred.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory or management experience in a high-volume restaurant environment.
• Previous experience leading teams and coaching associates preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to motivate and develop others.
• Passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time‑management abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Knowledge of restaurant operations, food safety, and sanitation standards.
• Proficiency with POS systems and standard business software.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced restaurant environment with exposure to heat, noise, and varying temperatures.