Front of House Manager — Guest Experience Leader

The Whitaker Group; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Quarterly bonus eligibility

Growth opportunities

Job summary

The Whitaker Group in Chicago, IL is seeking an experienced Front of House Manager to lead daily operations at our full‑service restaurant. This hands-on leader thrives in a guest‑first environment and balances financial oversight with developing a high‑performing FOH team.

Responsibilities include managing dining room, bar, and events, driving guest satisfaction, overseeing P&L and labor costs, and ensuring food safety and brand standards across all touchpoints.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or related field.
• 5+ years progressive FOH experience in full-service restaurants.
• Experience in a management or supervisory role.
• Working knowledge of P&L management and inventory systems.
• Current ServSafe Manager Certification (ANSI-accredited).
• Chicago food handler / food manager permit required for Chicago, IL

Responsibilities

• Oversee all FOH operations across dining room, bar, and event spaces.
• Partner closely with BOH leadership to ensure seamless, consistent service.
• Own P&L reporting, labor management, and cost controls.
• Lead inventory processes and vendor coordination.
• Hire, train, schedule, and develop FOH team members.
• Drive guest satisfaction and resolve escalated issues with professionalism.
• Execute private events and programmed experiences (buyouts, tastings, special programming).
• Uphold brand standards and company policies across all touchpoints.
• Maintain food safety compliance and ensure team adherence to health standards

Skills

Leadership

Guest service

P&L management

Inventory management

Team development

Vendor coordination

Training

Operations oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or related field

Tools

P&L systems

Inventory systems

Job description

The Whitaker Group in Chicago, IL is seeking an experienced Front of House Manager to lead daily operations at our full‑service restaurant. This hands-on leader thrives in a guest‑first environment and balances financial oversight with developing a high‑performing FOH team.

Responsibilities include managing dining room, bar, and events, driving guest satisfaction, overseeing P&L and labor costs, and ensuring food safety and brand standards across all touchpoints.