How to Write the Perfect Restaurant Manager Job Description
byRestaurants thrive when a motivated manager is in place. Not only do they keep employees productive and constantly improving within their roles, but they oversee a multitude of key business functions–from inventory, to reporting, and much more.
And even though your search may be internal, as data from the 2016 Restaurant Industry Pocket Factbook noted that 9 of 10 restaurant managers started as an entry level employee, you still need a job description that motivates and inspires the right candidate to apply.
So, how can you write the perfect restaurant manager job description to attract top talent? We’ll look at an example template, examine why it works, and offer suggestions for customizing it to fit your restaurant’s unique needs.
Use This Restaurant Manager Job Description Example As a Guide
Will this example be a perfect match for your unique business needs? Probably not. But using this restaurant manager job description template can help you get started. Let’s look at the template first, and then go over why each section matters.
Job Title: Restaurant Manager at Our Restaurant
At Our Restaurant, we’re looking for some great managers who love working with people–because people are what our business is all about. The ideal candidate should be skilled at handling interpersonal communications, managing teams, and creating an extremely positive experience for each and every customer. We’re looking for the person who’s excited to come into work each day–who’s ready to tackle challenges and develop a team that’s almost like a second family.
The restaurant manager’s duties include coordinating restaurant operations, managing customer satisfaction, managing inventory, coordinating employee scheduling, monitoring compliance with regulations, supervising and developing team members, and promoting the restaurant brand. We’ll look to this person as our go-to for all things leadership related.
Experience & Skills
- 5+ years experience with restaurant management
- Strong communication & interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of the food service industry
- Computer literacy and willingness to learn new systems and software
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience (prefered, not required)
Key Competencies
- Interested in motivating teams, developing staff, and minimizing turnover
- Displays leadership abilities
- Task-driven, with a focus on meeting core objectives
- Customer-centric approach to management
What’s In It For You
- Flexible work environment
- Paid time off
- Medical and dental benefits
- Data/cell stipend
- Corporate training 2x/year
- Bonuses for reaching sales goals and minimizing turnover
Sound Like You?
We’d love to hear from you. Please submit the following:
- Resume (indicate length of employment for each role)
- Cover letter explaining:
- Why you want to pursue a career in restaurant management
- What appeals to you about our organization
*Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Why Does This Job Description Work?
This restaurant manager job description does a few things right–which is why it’s likely it will bring in some of the best possible candidates. It doesn’t use the standard language or the stale, crusty format of a template your company has been using for years–it speaks to an ideal candidate (not just any candidate.)
You’ll need to modify it, of course, to fit your needs–but the bones are good.
Here’s why:
1. It’s not the standard job description.
A quick Google search for ‘restaurant manager job description’ yields hundreds of nearly identical results–all of which are a bit lifeless and standardized.
The restaurant manager who sees this job description is compelled to pause because it touches on something beyond the norm. It communicates brand values and company mission right from the start, and gives the applicant a reason to keep reading. It talks about opportunities and challenges–which indicate growth and development. It touts incentive-based goals. It gives the applicant a peek into a role that is ever-evolving, exciting, and intense.
2. It takes a people-centric approach.
Rather than using the same meaningless phrases like “accomplishes objectives,” this restaurant manager job description is written like a human, for a human. The opening talks about company culture, opportunities for growth, and the power of leadership–rather than launching right into the specifics of the job.
It also leverages the word “you” so that the applicant can visualize him or herself in the position, rather than feeling like an outsider–which can happen when you use the job title in place of “you.”
It also speaks plainly and clearly to the requirements of the role without industry jargon or business phrases that make job descriptions feel cold and dead.
3. It motivates rather than informs.
The section titled “What’s In It For You” gives the restaurant manager applicant a reason to be excited about applying–and leverages the key benefits your company can offer in a simple, no-nonsense format.
So often, job descriptions are written in a purely informational voice, which can give the job a “take it or leave it” feel. Motivating applicants by outlining the perks right at the beginning helps you attract candidates who are excited to take on more responsibility.
Customizing for Your Needs
There are a few extra elements that are currently missing from this restaurant manager job description that you could add in to increase customization. Consider sharing language about:
- Your restaurant’s mission
- Stats that highlight company success
- Quotes from leadership
- Elements of local pride
Not only will these help make your job description more interesting and compelling, but they’ll give the applicant a better sense of what lies at the core of the business and the people behind it.
Bonus: By asking applicants to examine your company culture or mission and then to comment on it in the cover letter, you can weed out the people who don’t pay attention to detail.
Filter Your Applicants
If you’re used to getting a flood of low-quality resumes and cover letters for your open positions, add a few additional requests. These extra steps will be no problem for candidates who are truly interested, but will help scare off those who have a “take it or leave it” mindset about the role.
Think about asking applicants to send a cover letter and resume, plus:
- Write 250-500 words on their experience within the foodservice industry (this will help you gauge their written communication skills)
- To share how they’d handle three management scenarios (so you can judge their decision-making and interpersonal skills)
- To comment on their experience with your company so far
- To list a reference of someone who can vouch for their management/restaurant experience
These extra tasks don’t require much work, but do take a step beyond the standard application requirements–and they’ll help you weed out candidates who aren’t truly interested in the role. You want a restaurant manager who’s excited for this new challenge–not someone who wants just any job.
Finally, once your restaurant manager job description is complete and customized, it would be a good idea to review some of the common mistakes surrounding hiring and managing restaurant employees.
Perfecting an Ideal Restaurant Manager Job Description
With these tips, you should find yourself with a job description that attracts the best candidates. Your next task? Share it with the world!
