General Manager

Location: El Cajon, CA

Salary: 28/hour - 29/hour

Posted Date: 10.17.2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Job ID: 3629697

Job Description

Restaurant General Manager

Established Mexican Restaurant Group | Restaurant Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Position: General Manager

Reports To: Head of Operations

Classification: Hourly, Nonexempt

Industry: Restaurant | Fast Casual | Mexican Cuisine

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and results-driven Restaurant General Manager to lead the daily operations of an established Mexican restaurant concept known for its quality food, strong guest relationships, and commitment to operational excellence.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on restaurant leader who enjoys developing people, building a positive workplace culture, driving sales, and managing the financial performance of a restaurant.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of restaurant operations, a passion for hospitality, and the ability to develop a team that consistently delivers exceptional food quality, guest service, and operational results.

We are looking for a General Manager who leads by example, takes ownership of the business, and understands that successful restaurant operations begin with great people and consistent execution.

Position Overview

The General Manager is responsible for the overall success of the restaurant, including daily operations, employee development, guest satisfaction, sales growth, and profitability.

This position requires a highly engaged leader who is comfortable working alongside the team, coaching employees, managing restaurant financials, and maintaining strong operational standards.

The successful candidate will establish a culture of teamwork, accountability, and hospitality while ensuring the restaurant operates efficiently and profitably.

Key Responsibilities

Restaurant Operations & Leadership

  • Oversee all aspects of daily restaurant operations.
  • Maintain high standards for food quality, service, cleanliness, and operational execution.
  • Lead by example with a hands-on management approach.
  • Establish clear expectations, accountability, and consistent operating procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, operating standards, and training programs.
  • Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient restaurant environment.
  • Communicate effectively with employees, management, and senior leadership.
  • Identify operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, including meal and rest breaks, timekeeping, and required documentation.

Team Leadership & Employee Development

  • Recruit, interview, hire, train, and develop restaurant employees.
  • Build a positive workplace culture focused on teamwork, respect, and accountability.
  • Coach employees and provide timely, constructive performance feedback.
  • Identify high-potential team members and develop future leaders.
  • Establish effective training programs and ensure employees understand operational expectations.
  • Conduct employee evaluations and address performance concerns appropriately.
  • Manage staffing levels to support guest service and operational efficiency.
  • Improve employee engagement, productivity, and retention.
  • Foster a workplace where employees feel supported and motivated to succeed.

Guest Experience & Hospitality

  • Ensure every guest receives friendly, efficient, and professional service.
  • Maintain consistent standards for food quality, service, and cleanliness.
  • Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Monitor service execution and identify opportunities to improve the guest experience.
  • Build strong relationships with repeat customers and the surrounding community.
  • Maintain a welcoming restaurant atmosphere.
  • Coach employees on hospitality, guest engagement, and service recovery.
  • Promote guest loyalty through consistent execution and exceptional service.

Sales Growth & Business Development

  • Drive restaurant sales through strong operational execution and guest satisfaction.
  • Develop and implement strategies to increase customer traffic and repeat business.
  • Monitor sales trends, guest counts, and restaurant performance.
  • Understand the local market, competitive environment, and customer demographics.
  • Support company marketing initiatives and local store marketing efforts.
  • Identify opportunities to improve sales and strengthen community relationships.
  • Partner with senior leadership to establish and achieve restaurant sales goals.

Financial Management & Profitability

  • Take responsibility for restaurant financial performance and profitability.
  • Review and analyze profit and loss statements, operating reports, and financial performance indicators.
  • Manage food costs, labor expenses, inventory, and controllable operating costs.
  • Develop and execute plans to achieve established financial targets.
  • Monitor staffing levels and adjust labor based on sales projections and business volume.
  • Oversee ordering, inventory management, product rotation, and waste reduction.
  • Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and restaurant margins.
  • Maintain accountability for cost controls and financial results.
  • Support annual operating plans and business performance objectives.

Food Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with all applicable food safety and sanitation requirements.
  • Maintain proper food handling, storage, and temperature control procedures.
  • Ensure employees follow established health and safety practices.
  • Maintain required certifications and operational documentation.
  • Conduct regular restaurant inspections and address compliance concerns.
  • Promote a safe working environment for employees and guests.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

  • Previous restaurant management experience, preferably in a General Manager or Assistant General Manager capacity.
  • Strong understanding of restaurant operations, staffing, inventory, and cost controls.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop employees.
  • Experience managing labor costs, food costs, and restaurant financial performance.
  • Strong customer service and guest recovery skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant environment.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong computer skills, including familiarity with POS systems, scheduling software, spreadsheets, and inventory management tools.
  • Dependable, accountable, and comfortable taking a hands-on leadership role.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in Mexican restaurants, fast-casual dining, or quick-service restaurant operations.
  • Previous responsibility for restaurant P&L performance.
  • Experience developing management teams and improving employee retention.
  • Strong knowledge of local store marketing and sales-building strategies.
  • Experience managing high-volume restaurant operations.

Education

  • High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Two to four years of related restaurant management or kitchen leadership experience preferred.

Certifications & Requirements

  • Valid Food Handler's Card.
  • Manager-level food safety certification or health card, as applicable.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Ability to maintain any additional certifications required by applicable law or company policy.
  • Ability to work on-site and maintain a schedule that supports restaurant operations.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Our ideal candidate is a high-energy restaurant leader who enjoys being actively involved in the business.

You are comfortable working alongside employees, coaching performance, interacting with guests, and making operational decisions that positively impact restaurant performance.

You understand how to balance employee development, exceptional guest service, sales growth, and profitability.

You take pride in maintaining high standards and creating a culture where employees work together to achieve results.

Most importantly, you lead with accountability, consistency, and a genuine commitment to developing people.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position operates in a fast-paced restaurant environment and requires regular on-site presence.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Extended periods of standing and walking.
  • Frequent reaching, bending, and movement throughout the restaurant.
  • Occasional lifting and moving of items weighing up to 30 pounds.
  • Working around commercial kitchen equipment, hot surfaces, and refrigerated storage areas.
  • Exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and typical restaurant cleaning products.
  • Regular interaction with employees, customers, and restaurant leadership.
  • Ability to safely perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Why Join This Opportunity?

This position offers the opportunity to lead an established restaurant concept while making a direct impact on employee development, guest satisfaction, and business performance.

Position Highlights

  • Leadership opportunity with an established Mexican restaurant group.
  • Responsibility for overall restaurant operations and financial performance.
  • Opportunity to recruit, train, and develop a strong restaurant team.
  • Hands-on leadership role with operational autonomy.
  • Focus on building a positive workplace culture and delivering excellent guest experiences.
  • Opportunity to contribute to the restaurant's continued success.

Apply Today

If you are an experienced restaurant leader with a passion for hospitality, strong operational skills, and a proven ability to develop people and drive results, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

Apply today to learn more about this Restaurant General Manager opportunity!

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available in accordance with applicable law.


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