Founding General Manager – Michelin Experienced

Goodwin Recruiting; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Guaranteed bonus program

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Brand-building opportunity

Competitive salary

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking a Founding General Manager to lead a future Michelin-starred restaurant in Birmingham, AL. You will shape the guest experience and set the standards for luxury service.

With 3–5 years Michelin-level leadership and a track record in new restaurant openings, you will drive SOPs, budgets, and POS-based operations while building a brand in the luxury dining space. This leadership role offers a rare chance to influence every aspect of the concept, from concept

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years managing Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Experience with new restaurant openings (NRO).
• Expertise in luxury hospitality standards and French service.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills in luxury F&B operations.
• Proficient in cost accounting, budgeting, and financial planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead front‑of‑house operations to Michelin-level service.
• Develop and implement SOPs and service protocols.
• Monitor costs to meet profit targets (food, beverage, labor).
• Oversee guest and employee satisfaction and drive improvements.
• Foster a culture aligned with proven hospitality systems.
• Build relationships with key patrons and stakeholders to grow revenue.

Skills

Michelin experience

Front-of-house leadership

P&L analysis

Budgeting

Cost control

Financial planning

Staff development

Hospitality standards

Leadership

Tools

MS Word

Excel

POS systems

Reservation systems

Job description

Founding General Manager - Michelin Experience

Join a prestigious and innovative hospitality organization as the Founding General Manager for a future Michelin-starred restaurant. This is a unique opportunity to shape a new venue from the ground up, leading front-of-house operations to deliver exceptional service and create an inspiring atmosphere that attracts guests and builds lasting loyalty.

Founding General Manager Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary of $120,000
• Guaranteed Bonus program - a % of sales - Total compensation expected at $200,000
• 100% employer-paid health insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Opportunity to build and influence a new brand in the luxury dining space

Founding General Manager Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years managing Michelin-starred restaurants
• Experience with new restaurant openings (NRO), capable of transforming an empty space into a vibrant dining destination
• Expertise in French service techniques and luxury hospitality standards
• Strong leadership and managerial skills in luxury food and beverage operations
• Proficient in cost accounting, budget development, financial planning, and strategic decision-making
• Knowledge of MS Word, Excel, accounting, POS, and reservation systems
• Depth of experience in P&L analysis, cost control, health and safety, and five-star service standards

Founding General Manager Preferred Background & Skills

• Ability to establish a positive culture through proven systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Excellent verbal communication and customer focus
• Skilled at building relationships with staff and patrons to maintain high satisfaction and profitability

Founding General Manager Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Lead the front-of-house team, ensuring the highest standards of service and hospitality consistent with Michelin expectations
• Develop and implement policies, SOPs, and service protocols to maintain operational excellence
• Monitor and control food, beverage, labor, and utility costs to meet profit targets
• Oversee guest and employee satisfaction through ongoing evaluation and improvement initiatives
• Foster a positive culture aligned with a strong business philosophy and proven hospitality systems
• Build relationships with key patrons and stakeholders to enhance the restaurant’s reputation and revenue growth

This role offers a rare chance to lead a new Michelin-level restaurant, creating a lasting impact on its success and reputation. If you have passion for luxury hospitality and proven experience in Michelin environments, this is the perfect leadership opportunity.

JOB ID: 183038#post

Tim Elkins