General Manager

High-Volume, Scratch Restaurant – Hands-On Hospitality Leader

Are you an experienced Restaurant General Manager with a passion for genuine hospitality, team development, and operational excellence? We are seeking a hands-on leader for an established, high-volume Italian restaurant in Waikoloa on Hawaiʻi Island. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operator who excels at developing people, driving financial performance, and creating memorable guest experiences.

This dinner-only restaurant has built a strong community following through quality food, consistent service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Ownership is seeking a positive, committed leader who can anticipate business needs, strengthen the team, and help guide the restaurant’s continued success.

Title of Position: General Manager

Location: Waikoloa, Hawaiʻi Island

Compensation: Starting base salary of $85,000, negotiable based on experience, plus a management profit-sharing incentive program.

Job Description

The General Manager will oversee daily operations for a scratch Italian restaurant generating approximately $4.5 million in annual revenue, with dinner-only service and approximately 35 employees.

The General Manager will work closely with ownership, an Assistant Manager, Chef de Cuisine, and Sous Chef. An Office Manager provides additional support with payroll, receiving, and administrative responsibilities.

The General Manager will be responsible for leading and developing the team, maintaining service standards, overseeing hiring and training, managing schedules, and creating a culture that balances empathy with clear expectations and accountability. Mentoring the Assistant Manager and developing future leaders will be important priorities.

The General Manager will take ownership of budgets, labor management, operating costs, productivity, and profitability. This individual must anticipate business levels, staffing requirements, and training needs while using financial information to guide daily decisions and longer-term planning.

Beyond managing expenses, the General Manager will identify opportunities to grow revenue, increase check averages, strengthen repeat business, and continually improve the guest experience. Close collaboration with culinary leadership will support consistency and effective communication throughout the restaurant.

This is a hands-on, floor-focused leadership position requiring a strong presence with guests and employees. The pace can be demanding, and the schedule requires evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on business needs.

Benefits

• Competitive Base Salary, Negotiable Based on Experience
• Management Profit-Sharing Incentive Program
• Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Additional Employee Perks
• Potential Temporary Housing for Up to Three Months, Subject to Availability and Agreed-Upon Terms
• Support from an Established Management Team and Engaged Ownership

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant
• Current or recent General Manager experience strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of restaurant financials, including P&L statements, budgets, labor costs, and profitability
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, coach, and retain strong restaurant teams
• Experience mentoring Assistant Managers and developing future leaders
• Hands-on leadership style with a commitment to guest satisfaction
• Ability to lead with empathy while maintaining high standards and accountability
• Proven ability to identify revenue opportunities and improve operational performance
• Strong communication, organization, planning, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with ownership and culinary leadership
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service standards
• Availability to work a flexible schedule based on restaurant needs