District Manager

Pizza Ranch - Bettendorf; Pleasant Valley Township (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Health benefits

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Career development

Job summary

Gravy Train Restaurant Management seeks a District Manager to oversee approximately six Pizza Ranch locations in Iowa/Illinois. This role emphasizes operational leadership, profitability, and field support across a growing network, with a minimum commitment of 50 hours per week.

Responsibilities include driving sales growth, controlling costs, staffing, and ensuring quality and hospitality across locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or related field.
• Proven experience managing multiple restaurants.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Willingness to travel within the district.
• Ability to manage finances and drive profitability.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership to General Managers and their teams to ensure consistent execution of standards.
• Develop and execute plans to drive sales growth, manage expenses, and maximize profitability.
• Recruit, train, and develop high-performing teams to deliver exceptional guest service.
• Uphold brand standards, food safety, and sanitation compliance.
• Monitor KPIs and financial metrics, and implement improvement action plans.
• Collaborate with marketing for local promotions and community engagement.
• Oversee scheduling, labor costs, and inventory within the district.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Travel

Operations knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or hospitality

Job description

Who We Are

Gravy Train Restaurant Management is a premier restaurant management company that oversees a diverse portfolio of dining establishments. We are currently seeking a dynamic District Manager to join our team. This role will be responsible for overseeing operations at multiple Pizza Ranch® locations, driving growth, and ensuring excellence across our network.

As the District Manager, you will be a part of Gravy Train’s mission to build thriving restaurants and cultivate successful teams. While your focus will be on Pizza Ranch®, a fast-casual restaurant brand specializing in pizza, chicken, salad, and dessert buffets, you will represent Gravy Train’s core values and commitment to operational excellence. Pizza Ranch® has grown to over 200 locations in fifteen states and is dedicated to providing a legendary experience through quality food, service, and community engagement.

Please note: candidates must reside in Iowa, Illinois, or Missouri and be within driving distance of our restaurant locations—primarily in Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois, or Central Missouri. This role involves regular travel across this region.

If you are a results-driven leader with a passion for people and a track record of success in multi-unit restaurant management, we would love to have you join our Gravy Train team!

Job Description

As a District Manager at Gravy Train Restaurant Management, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the operations and profitability of approximately six Pizza Ranch locations within your assigned district in Iowa/Illinois. You will be responsible for ensuring that each Pizza Ranch restaurant maintains the highest standards of quality, service, and cleanliness while driving revenue growth and profitability. This role requires a commitment of at least 50 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Provide guidance, support, and leadership to restaurant General Managers and their teams to ensure consistent execution of operational standards and procedures.
• Financial Management: Develop and execute strategic plans to drive sales growth, manage expenses, and maximize profitability across all restaurants in the district.
• People Development: Recruit, train, mentor, and develop high-performing teams to deliver exceptional customer service and achieve operational excellence.
• Quality Assurance: Uphold Pizza Ranch's commitment to quality by ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and brand guidelines.
• Customer Experience: Foster a culture of hospitality and guest satisfaction by monitoring customer feedback, addressing concerns, and implementing initiatives to enhance the dining experience.
• Inventory Management: Oversee inventory levels, food costs, and supply chain logistics to minimize waste and optimize inventory turnover.
• Labor Management: Oversee sales forecasting, schedule writing, overtime, and hiring.
• Marketing and Promotions: Collaborate with the marketing department to implement local marketing initiatives, promotional campaigns, and community engagement activities to drive traffic and increase brand awareness.
• Performance Analysis: Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics to evaluate restaurant performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop action plans to address areas of concern.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or related field (preferred)
• Proven experience in multi-unit restaurant management, preferably in the quick-service or casual dining industry
• Strong leadership abilities with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities
• Knowledge of restaurant operations, financial management, and industry best practices
• Willingness to travel within the assigned district and work flexible hours as needed
• Must reside in Iowa or Illinois and be within driving distance of our restaurant locations

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package
• Retirement savings plan (401k) with company match
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development within a growing organization

Join Gravy Train Restaurant Management and be part of a team dedicated to driving operational excellence and supporting restaurant teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences. If you're passionate about hospitality, thrive on achieving results, and are ready to elevate your career, we want to hear from you. Help us continue making a positive impact in the communities we serve.