Hiring an Experienced Restaurant General Manager

Overview

We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and motivational General Manager who loves leading a team and creating great guest experiences—someone who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while maintaining a positive attitude and a calm, kind demeanor with both guests and staff.

Key ResponsibilitiesDaily Operations & Leadership

• Oversee all front and back-of-house operations, ensuring smooth daily service.

• Conduct daily shift briefings with FOH / BOH staff (i.e., menu updates, promotions, events).

• Manage reservations, walk-ins, private events, and promotions seamlessly.

• Perform all guest service duties as needed and/or ensure proper delegation of tasks—including order-taking, drink-making, food running, and table clearing.

• Input and maintain inventory levels in POS (TouchBistro); oversee daily food and beverage stock availability.

Team Development & Staff Management

• Hold a genuine positive demeanor throughout the shift while motivating and leading the team by example.

• Hire, train, schedule, and mentor current and future FOH team members.

• Uphold company service standards, with a training focus on a memorable guest experience.

• Positively impact team morale through daily check-ins and performance coaching.

• Continuously assess team members' performance, skills, and operational effectiveness. Participate in performance management and formal reviews of staff.

• Handle team conflicts and resolve issues promptly.

• Maintain daily contact with hourly staff members to assess labour requirements.

Beverage & Menu Management

• Ensure food and beverages are presented with an exceptional level of detail prior to delivering to guests to ensure brand quality and consistency.

• Prepare and oversee the quality of beverages including specialty coffees, teas, cocktails, and mocktails.

• Ensure all beverages are prepared according to SAAN SAAN’s recipes and presentation standards.

• Collaborate on beverage menu development, including recipe testing, costing, and seasonal changes.

• Lead ongoing beverage training sessions for FOH team.

• Ensure liquor service adheres to all Serving It Right regulations.

Guest Experience & Brand Standards

• Maintain presence on the floor during service periods while supporting staff in required areas.

• Ensure guests are welcomed and served with warmth, care, and attention to dietary needs.

• Maintain deep knowledge of all menu items, gluten-free, and allergen protocols.

• Uphold service, cleanliness, and food safety standards at all times.

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for guests and team members.

• Address and resolve guest concerns professionally and efficiently.

Administrative & Financial ResponsibilitiesDaily

• Daily review and reporting to upper management of sales and labour; actuals vs. projections.

• End of day reporting on reconciliation of cash, floats, and payments, voids, discounts, and promos with full explanation of any large spends or anomalies.

• Reconcile floats and POS closeouts. Report on sales, labor, discounts, and operational issues.

• Execute events and promotions to an exemplary level.

• Manage suppliers, orders, invoicing, cost control, and cost reporting.

Weekly

• Participate in operations review meetings (sales, inventory, events).

• Manage inventories; complete weekly beverage inventory counts, inventory orders, and production schedules.

• Oversee FOH & BOH schedules.

• Review weekly sales and labour budget targets with the ability to proactively adjust operational standards.

• Plan and coordinate upcoming events and communicate logistics with BOH.

• Manage budgets, sales reports, and cost control strategies.

Monthly

• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and training new staff.

• Update and maintain employee records and training documents.

• Contribute to marketing and promotional strategy and execution.

Competencies & Skills

• Leadership: Enthusiastic, motivating, and team-oriented with a hands-on leadership style.

• Guest Experience: Passionate about creating memorable, personalized experiences for every guest.

• Time Management: Capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication: Clear, consistent, and empathetic communicator with staff, guests, and leadership.

• Problem Solving: Flexible, creative, and calm under pressure when facing challenges, issues, or complaints.

• Organization: Highly organized with attention to detail and follow-through on operational tasks.

• Consistency: Sets a professional, reliable example in behavior, communication, and expectations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience at the management level.

• Minimum 3 years experience in a full-service restaurant.

• Experience in a new restaurant opening considered an asset.

• Proficient with POS and scheduling systems (TouchBistro and PUSH preferred).

• Strong understanding of inventory, cost control, and sales reporting.

• Physically able to lift 25–40 lbs, stand for long periods, and multitask in a fast-paced setting.

• Understand and prioritize food safety and allergen protocols.

• Calm under pressure with a positive, kind attitude toward the team.

• Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable with budgeting and inventory systems.

• Hold Food Safe, WHMIS, and Serving It Right certifications.

Schedule

• Must be available to work daytime and evening shifts as required by the business.

• Weekend shifts are mandatory.

Why Join Saan Saan Café?

• Be part of an innovative and inclusive food culture that celebrates gluten-free dining without compromising flavor or quality.

• Work in a lively and supportive team environment that values creativity, passion, and growth.

• Competitive pay with tips, as well as opportunities for advancement as we grow.

• Enjoy employee discounts and perks, including free drinks and food!

• Extended health benefits after the probation period.

If you're passionate about great coffee and teas, excellent service, and providing a gluten-free experience like no other, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to become a part of the SAAN SAAN team and help us bring the best of Hong Kong-style café culture to our customers!