Food & Beverage Assistant General Manager

Location: Downtown Chicago

Salary: $80,000

Position Overview

The Food & Beverage Assistant General Manager is responsible for supporting the overall leadership, operations, and financial performance of the property's Food & Beverage division. This position will work closely with the General Manager and Food & Beverage leadership team to deliver exceptional guest experiences, drive revenue, control costs, and develop a high-performing team.

The ideal candidate will have a strong Beverage operations background combined with significant restaurant experience and a proven track record managing high-volume Food & Beverage operations. Experience overseeing restaurants, bars, banquets, and other F&B outlets is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in overseeing all Food & Beverage operations, including restaurants, bars, lounges, banquets, catering, and special events.
• Provide hands-on leadership and ensure consistent execution of restaurant service standards and guest experience expectations.
• Lead and develop Food & Beverage managers, supervisors, bartenders, servers, and other team members.
• Drive restaurant and beverage revenue through effective sales strategies, promotions, menu initiatives, upselling, and guest engagement.
• Oversee beverage operations, including wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, beverage menus, pricing, inventory, purchasing, and cost controls.
• Maintain strong relationships with beverage vendors, distributors, and suppliers.
• Monitor beverage and food costs, inventory levels, waste, purchasing, and product quality.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, labor management, and overall F&B financial performance.
• Review P&L statements and develop strategies to improve profitability and operating results.
• Manage staffing levels and schedules to maximize productivity while maintaining excellent service.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop employees while building a strong culture of accountability and hospitality.
• Work closely with the culinary team to ensure coordination between food, beverage, and front-of-house operations.
• Assist with menu development, beverage program development, pricing, promotions, and new F&B concepts.
• Ensure restaurants and bars maintain appropriate service, cleanliness, presentation, and hospitality standards.
• Monitor guest feedback and resolve service concerns promptly and professionally.
• Assist with VIP functions, banquets, private events, and other high-profile guest experiences.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, sanitation, alcohol service, and company standards.
• Partner with other hotel departments to ensure a seamless overall guest experience.
• Serve as a key member of the property's leadership team and assume operational responsibility in the absence of senior F&B leadership.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of progressive Food & Beverage management experience.
• Strong restaurant management and operations background in a high-volume, upscale, full-service, or luxury environment.
• Demonstrated beverage management experience, including wine, spirits, cocktails, beer, beverage cost controls, and inventory management.
• Experience managing multiple Food & Beverage outlets is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage restaurant and beverage P&Ls, budgets, labor, purchasing, and inventory.
• Strong understanding of food and beverage cost controls and revenue-generation strategies.
• Proven success leading, training, and developing hospitality teams.
• Exceptional guest service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while maintaining exceptional service standards.
• Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Food safety and alcohol-service certifications preferred.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded hospitality leader with a strong restaurant and beverage foundation. They understand both the operational and financial sides of Food & Beverage and are comfortable being highly visible and hands-on with guests and employees.

This individual should have a passion for restaurants, beverage programs, wine and spirits, service excellence, and revenue generation, while also possessing the leadership skills necessary to manage managers and drive the overall performance of a sophisticated Food & Beverage operation.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) and retirement benefits
• Employee hotel and Food & Beverage discounts
• Career growth and advancement opportunities

If interested, please send your resume to jay@geckohospitality.com for immediate review and consideration