General Manager

Optipeople-Resources; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k)

Job summary

Optipeople-Resources's Chicago-based client is seeking a General Manager to oversee two restaurant concepts, build and lead the management team, and drive exceptional guest experiences. You will own the P&L, optimize labor and COGs, manage payroll, inventory, and vendor relations, and ensure top-tier service across both locations.

Flexibility for evenings and weekends is expected; DOH compliance is essential.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of restaurant management experience at GM level.
• Proven track record of building teams and financial results.
• Fluent with P&L analysis and cost controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead FOH and BOH management teams across two locations.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance.
• Manage daily operations, payroll, and vendor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with DOH, sanitation, and employment laws.

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

People development

High-volume operations

Education

BASSET certification

Food manager certification

Tools

POS systems

Scheduling software

Inventory management

Reservation platforms

Job description

Our client is a Chicago based restaurant group. The group operates multiple acclaimed restaurants that have earned national recognition. Their concepts are built on honest cooking, genuine hospitality, and a commitment to doing things the right way. They believe great experiences start with great people, and invest in the team's growth, development, and well-being.

The Opportunity

This is a leadership role with real scope and real ownership. You will oversee operations across two restaurants, develop and lead your management team, drive financial performance, and serve as the cultural anchor for everything on the floor. Ownership is committed, approachable, and truly interested in your growth, and yours in theirs.

If you are a General Manager looking for your next challenge, or an Assistant General Manager ready to own the room, our client would love to meet you.

What You’ll Lead

Guest Experience

• Set the standard for hospitality across both concepts, and hold every shift to it.
• Be present on the floor, visible to guests and team alike.
• Oversee VIP, media, and partner experiences with the attention they deserve.
• Own the feedback loop: collect it, review it, act on it.

Your Team

• Directly lead, develop, and evaluate your FOH and BOH management teams.
• Build a culture where people want to stay, grow, and bring their best.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance across both locations.
• Create accountability systems that are fair, clear, and consistently applied.

Operations & Finance

• Run clean, efficient daily operations across openings, service, and closings.
• Own your P&L: analyze reports, manage labor, and hit your COGs targets.
• Oversee payroll, tip distribution, vendor relationships, and inventory.
• Work closely with culinary leadership to protect quality and consistency.
• Maintain compliance with all DOH, sanitation, and employment regulations.

What You Bring

• 3 to 5 years of restaurant management experience, ideally at the GM level.
• A track record of building strong teams and strong financial results at the same time.
• Financial fluency: you can read a P&L, spot the problem, and fix it.
• Comfort with restaurant technology: POS, scheduling, inventory, and reservation platforms.
• BASSET certification and current food manager certification, or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• The ability to stay grounded and sharp in a high-volume, fast-moving environment.
• Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act (amended effective January 1, 2025), our client provides the following compensation and benefits information for this position.

• Salary Range: $75,000 to $95,000 per year
• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k)

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our client is committed to an inclusive workplace and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military or veteran status, arrest record, immigration or citizenship status, source of income, housing status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, including the Illinois Human Rights Act and Cook County Human Rights Ordinance.