General Manager

Cain Partners; Washington (District of Columbia, MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cain Partners seeks a results-driven General Manager to lead the opening of a premium steakhouse in Washington, DC. The role demands hands-on leadership, strong hospitality standards and a clear path from recruitment to pre-opening execution.

You will oversee pre-opening planning, daily operations, budget discipline and guest experience, partnering with the culinary team to deliver an exceptional beverage and dining program in a competitive DC market.

Qualifications

• Experience as General Manager in upscale steakhouse, luxury restaurant or premium dining group.
• Strong knowledge of high-volume, high-quality restaurant operations and hospitality.
• Track record of building and retaining teams in demanding environments.
• Experience managing restaurant financials including labour and cost of goods.

Responsibilities

• Lead the pre-opening process: recruitment, training, planning and service standards.
• Oversee daily operations across dining room, bar and kitchen with continuity.
• Develop and coach a high-performing team focused on accountability and hospitality.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef to ensure premium food quality and execution.
• Maintain floor leadership, guest focus and personalised hospitality.
• Monitor budgets, purchasing, inventory and profitability to drive revenue.
• Establish relationships with VIPs and local clientele to position the restaurant.

Skills

General Management

Upscale Dining

Team Leadership

Budgeting

Job description

General Manager – Luxury Steakhouse | New Opening

Location: Washington, DC, USA

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced General Manager to lead the opening of a premium steakhouse in Washington, DC.

This is an opportunity to be part of an ambitious new opening, bringing a distinctive steakhouse concept to life in one of the US capital’s most competitive dining markets. Combining premium cuts of meat, an exceptional beverage offering, polished service and a vibrant, sophisticated atmosphere, the restaurant will be designed to attract a discerning clientele looking for more than just a great meal.

We are looking for a commercially driven, hands‑on leader with a strong background in upscale restaurant operations, who understands how to build a successful dining destination. From assembling the opening team to establishing service standards and driving performance, you will play a central role in shaping the restaurant’s identity and long‑term success.

The Role

As General Manager, you will take full responsibility for the restaurant’s pre-opening, operations, team development, financial performance and guest experience. Working closely with senior leadership and the culinary team, you will bring the concept to life and ensure the restaurant opens with the right people, systems and standards in place.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the pre-opening process, including recruitment, team training, operational planning and establishing service standards ahead of launch.
• Taking full ownership of daily restaurant operations, ensuring seamless service across the dining room, bar and kitchen.
• Building, developing and leading a high-performing team, creating a culture centred on accountability, professionalism and genuine hospitality.
• Working closely with the Executive Chef to deliver consistently high food quality, exceptional steakhouse execution and a cohesive guest experience.
• Maintaining a strong presence on the floor, setting the pace of service and ensuring every guest receives attentive, personalised hospitality.
• Building relationships with VIPs, regular guests and key local clientele, helping establish the restaurant as a destination within the Washington, DC market.
• Managing budgets, labour, cost of goods, inventory and purchasing, with a clear focus on profitability and operational efficiency.
• Driving revenue through effective floor management, beverage sales, guest retention and a strong understanding of the restaurant’s commercial performance.
• Maintaining high standards across food quality, service, presentation, cleanliness and compliance.
• Working with senior leadership to monitor results, identify opportunities for growth and build the restaurant’s reputation beyond opening.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience as a General Manager within an upscale steakhouse, luxury restaurant or premium dining group.
• Strong knowledge of high-volume, high-quality restaurant operations, with the ability to balance exceptional hospitality with commercial performance.
• A track record of leading, developing and retaining teams in demanding restaurant environments.
• Experience managing restaurant financials, including labour, cost of goods, inventory and profitability.
• A strong understanding of premium dining, beverage service and the expectations of a discerning clientele.
• Confident guest relations skills, with the ability to build relationships with VIPs, regular guests and influential local clientele.
• A hands‑on leadership style, with a visible presence on the floor and the ability to lead by example.
• The commercial mindset and operational discipline to build a successful restaurant while protecting the guest experience.
• Previous new-opening or pre-opening experience would be highly advantageous.
• Knowledge of the Washington, DC market would be beneficial.

The Opportunity

This is a chance to take the lead on a major new steakhouse opening in Washington, DC, with the opportunity to build your team, establish the restaurant’s culture and make a genuine impact from day one.

For a driven restaurant leader who combines a passion for premium dining with strong commercial instincts and a commitment to exceptional service, this is an opportunity to help establish a standout new destination in the DC dining scene.