Assistant General Manager - Restaurant (Hamilton)

Assistant General Manager (Confidential Restaurant Opportunity)

Location: Stoney Creek Area, Ontario

Reports To: Ownership Group

Position Summary

Our Client, an established and successful upscale casual dining restaurant is seeking an experienced, passionate, and results-driven Assistant General Manager to lead all aspects of restaurant operations. The Assistant General Manager will be responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences, developing high-performing teams, driving financial results, maintaining brand standards, and ensuring operational excellence in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop management and hourly team members.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and performance-driven workplace culture.
• Lead by example and uphold exceptional hospitality and service standards.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Develop succession plans and identify future leaders within the organization.
• Manage employee relations matters professionally and in accordance with employment legislation.

Operations Management

• Oversee all daily restaurant operations, including dining room, bar, kitchen, takeout, and catering functions where applicable.
• Ensure consistent execution of service standards, food quality, cleanliness, and operational procedures.
• Monitor guest satisfaction and promptly resolve guest concerns.
• Maintain optimal staffing levels to support business demands.
• Conduct operational audits and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure all equipment and facilities are maintained to company standards.

Financial Performance

• Manage restaurant profitability through effective cost controls and revenue growth strategies.
• Analyze financial reports, including sales, labour, food costs, beverage costs, and operating expenses.
• Develop and execute plans to achieve budgeted sales and profit targets.
• Monitor inventory levels and minimize waste and loss.
• Approve purchasing and ensure adherence to procurement procedures.
• Identify opportunities to increase sales through local marketing and community engagement initiatives.

Guest Experience

• Create a welcoming and memorable dining experience for every guest.
• Monitor guest feedback and online reviews and implement service improvement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with guests and community stakeholders.
• Ensure service recovery procedures are effectively executed when required.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all municipal, provincial, and federal regulations.
• Maintain food safety standards and Public Health requirements.
• Oversee workplace health and safety programs and compliance with Ontario regulations.
• Ensure all licensing requirements are maintained, including liquor licensing and Smart Serve compliance.
• Lead health and safety investigations and corrective actions when necessary.

Business Development & Community Engagement

• Support local marketing initiatives and community partnerships.
• Participate in networking and promotional events to increase brand awareness.
• Collaborate with ownership on business growth opportunities.
• Analyze market trends and competitor activity to maintain a competitive advantage.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 7 years of progressive restaurant management experience in a full-service dining environment.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Assistant General Manager or Senior Manager overseeing high-volume restaurant operations.
• Proven success managing annual sales volumes exceeding $3 million.
• Experience leading both Front-of-House and Back-of-House operations.
• Demonstrated success in improving profitability, guest satisfaction, and employee engagement.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L statements, budgets, labour costs, and inventory controls.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and team-building abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.
• Proficiency with POS systems, scheduling software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Solid understanding of Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA), Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA), and food safety regulations.

Certifications

• Smart Serve Certification (required).
• Food Handler Certification (required).
• First Aid/CPR Certification (considered an asset).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Guest Satisfaction Scores
• Sales Growth
• Labour Cost Management
• Food & Beverage Cost Targets
• Employee Retention and Engagement
• Health & Safety Compliance
• Online Review Ratings
• Profitability and EBITDA Performance

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs when required.
• Flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to respond to operational needs outside of standard business hours.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary, performance-based bonus opportunities, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic hospitality organization.