Longleaf Restaurant, General Manager

At the heart of one of Atlanta's most beautiful destinations, the General Manager is a dedicated leader overseeing all facets of the restaurant's operation within the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, quality, and outstanding guest satisfaction and hospitality. The General Manager is a keyholder, drives the restaurant's operational efficiency, manages the staff, handles inventory and maintenance, and is crucial in achieving departmental strategies and financial objectives. This position requires high energy, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a commitment to excellence in food, beverage, and service.

Key Responsibilities:

I. Leadership and Team Management

• Supervise and Develop Staff: Directly manage and lead all on-site employees, including hiring, training, developing, evaluating, and disciplinary counseling. Serve as a mentor and guide for the team
• Culture and Values: Ensure the team upholds leadership behaviors, core values, and adheres to strategic/operational priorities. Inspire and share ideas with the staff
• Team Cohesion: Develop and guide an integral team that effectively sells the quality and professionalism of the restaurant
• Operational Planning: Plan and develop systems and procedures to improve the operating quality and efficiency of the restaurant directing staff in areas of performance improvement
• Communication: Establish clear communication regarding restaurant with the Senior Team, Department Managers, Supervisors and the restaurant staff

II. Service and Sales Management

• Guest Experience: Maintain and exceed guest satisfaction by monitoring, evaluating, and auditing food, beverage, and service offerings. Build strong relationships with customers, staff and ABG teams
• Service Standards: Ensure staff consistently implements excellent service, hospitality, food and beverage standards
• Service Oversight: Review, approve, and actively monitor the planning and success of all service periods
• Feedback Management: Solicit and appropriately react to both positive and negative guest feedback

III. Operations and Financial Management

• Financial Control: Create the yearly restaurant budget and maintain fiscal responsibility. Manage inventory, including weekly ordering, receiving, re-stocking, and coding, and provide monthly records to the accounting department
• Compliance: Understand and comply with federal, state and local laws related to food and beverage service. Maintain current ServSafe and TIPS certifications
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Supervise and enforce the cleanliness and organization of all areas of the restaurant and coordinate maintenance as needed
• Administrative Duties: Manage payroll functions, including reviewing bi-weekly payroll, approving staff timecards, calculating and approving tips
• Menu Development: Oversee the creation and planning of restaurant menus
• Inter-Departmental Coordination: Communicate and coordinate effectively with other departments within the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of three years of successful management experience in the hospitality industry. 2+ years of Restaurant Management (fine dining concepts)
• Leadership Track Record: Proven ability to implement, manage, and develop high-performance teams, driving results and continuous improvement
• Financial Acumen: Experience with fiscal activities such as staffing levels, budgets, and achieving financial goals
• Certifications: Current ServSafe and TIPS certifications are required
• Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google, SpotOn (hospitality software)
• Education: A bachelor's degree in a related field is required, along with extensive, proven experience/knowledge of the restaurant business

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Schedule: Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including late nights, weekends, and holidays. 10-to-12-hour shifts are required
• Physical: Ability to walk and stand for long periods, occasionally lift moderate weights pounds), and hear well among loud background noise

Personal Trait Profile:

The ideal candidate exhibits confidence, integrity, and respect. They are an effective listener who can influence others, include staff in decision-making, and are focused on excellence in all aspects of the job. They possess strong organizational skills, are cost-conscious, and demonstrate a deep appreciation for high-quality food, beverage, and hospitality.

ABG Core Values:

• Conservation: We value natural resources and ecosystems, making choices with the long-term sustainability of our planet in mind
• Excellence: We hold ourselves to high standards and expect commitment from each other to contribute to a positive image and reputation for the Garden
• Inspiration: We inspire through the creation of an environment that supports imagination and expression of beauty, providing joy, delight, and a deeper appreciation of plants for everyone
• Integrity: We demonstrate honesty, transparency, accountability, trustworthiness, and ethical behavior, exercising good judgment in our actions and communication
• Respect: We value the diversity of our coworkers, volunteers, and guests, holding each other in the highest regard