What levels of experience are appropriate to list in a Restaurant Manager job description?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

Restaurant Manager Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a thriving 160-seat restaurant serving contemporary cuisine with emphasis on exceptional guest experiences, operational efficiency, and sustained profitability. Our restaurant manager leads all aspects of daily operations, balancing strategic business objectives with hands-on leadership of front-of-house and kitchen teams totaling 25+ staff members. The role demands comprehensive understanding of hospitality operations, financial management, and team development while maintaining the service standards and brand identity that define our market position. Our management culture values innovation, accountability, and collaborative leadership, requiring a manager who can inspire teams, optimize performance, and drive continuous improvement across all operational areas.
• Lead comprehensive restaurant operations including staff management, financial performance, guest satisfaction, and regulatory compliance • Recruit, train, and develop high-performing teams across all departments, conducting regular performance reviews and career development planning • Manage P&L responsibility including revenue optimization, cost control, inventory management, and budget planning to achieve financial targets • Implement and maintain service standards, operational procedures, and quality control systems that ensure consistent guest experiences • Oversee daily operations including shift management, staff scheduling, inventory control, and equipment maintenance coordination • Develop and execute marketing initiatives, promotional activities, and customer loyalty programs to drive revenue growth • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, licensing requirements, and food safety protocols through comprehensive monitoring systems • Handle escalated guest relations including complaint resolution, VIP management, and reputation management across review platforms • Collaborate with head chef on menu development, pricing strategies, and food cost management to optimize profitability • Conduct regular staff meetings, training sessions, and one-to-one reviews to maintain communication and performance standards • Manage supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and purchasing decisions to ensure quality and cost effectiveness • Plan and coordinate special events, private functions, and corporate bookings to maximize revenue opportunities • Implement technology solutions including POS systems, reservation platforms, and operational software to enhance efficiency
Essential Skills: Proven senior management experience in high-volume restaurant operations with demonstrated P&L responsibility and financial accountability; exceptional leadership abilities including staff recruitment, training, performance management, and team development; comprehensive understanding of restaurant operations including front-of-house service, kitchen coordination, and back-office administration; strong business acumen with experience in budget management, cost control, revenue optimization, and strategic planning; excellent communication and interpersonal skills for guest relations, staff management, and stakeholder coordination; thorough knowledge of hospitality regulations, health and safety requirements, and licensing compliance. Preferred Qualifications: 5+ years progressive restaurant management experience with multi-site or senior management responsibility; formal business or hospitality management qualifications; advanced understanding of restaurant technology including POS systems, inventory management, and analytics platforms; experience with brand management, marketing initiatives, and customer relationship management; proven track record of achieving financial targets, improving operational efficiency, and driving business growth; knowledge of wine and beverage programs, menu engineering, and pricing strategies.
We're looking for an accomplished restaurant management professional with at least 5 years senior management experience in similar volume and complexity establishments, showing progressive career advancement and proven business results. You should have comprehensive understanding of restaurant operations, financial management, and strategic planning gained through hands-on leadership roles with full P&L accountability. The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability to lead large teams, implement operational improvements, and achieve ambitious financial targets while maintaining exceptional guest satisfaction levels. This executive role offers significant influence over business direction, involvement in expansion planning, and potential advancement to regional management or ownership opportunities within our growing restaurant group.
We're looking for someone who combines entrepreneurial thinking with operational excellence, leading by example while inspiring teams to achieve exceptional results across all performance metrics. You should have natural coaching and development abilities, showing skill in building high-performing teams while maintaining high standards for guest service and operational efficiency. We value leaders who embrace innovation, think strategically about business growth, and communicate vision effectively throughout the organization. The right person will be results-oriented yet people-focused, analytical in approach yet creative in problem-solving, and committed to building sustainable business success through exceptional hospitality delivery and team excellence.
Competitive management salary of £42,000-£50,000 annually plus substantial performance bonus structure based on revenue targets, profit margins, and operational KPIs (potential additional £8,000-£12,000 annually). Executive benefits package includes: 30 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays and professional development time; comprehensive health and dental insurance including family coverage; company car allowance or equivalent transport benefits; executive pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions; ongoing management development including industry conferences and leadership training; profit-sharing opportunities based on restaurant performance; flexible working arrangements for strategic planning and business development; equity participation options for exceptional performers; career advancement opportunities including regional management roles and new venture partnerships within our expanding hospitality group.

When writing a job description for a Restaurant Manager, it's important to clearly define the level of experience needed. This can range from trainee positions, which are open to nurturing someone without managerial experience, to senior roles requiring extensive experience in managing high-volume, quality-oriented restaurants.

Common misunderstanding: More years of experience always means a better candidate.

It's not just about the number of years; it's about the relevance and quality of the experience. A candidate with fewer years but highly relevant experience might be more suitable than someone with many years in a less relevant role.

Common misunderstanding: Any type of management experience is suitable.

Specific experience related to restaurant management is crucial. Experience in unrelated fields, while valuable, might not provide the necessary skills for managing a restaurant effectively.

Should I prioritise practical experience over years of service in a Restaurant Manager role?

Yes, prioritising practical experience over just the number of years worked can be more beneficial. Practical experience provides clear evidence of a candidate's ability to handle the specific challenges of a restaurant environment, such as managing a busy kitchen, dealing with customer service issues, and leading a team effectively.

Common misunderstanding: Years of service is the best indicator of a candidate’s ability.

While years of service can indicate dedication, it doesn't necessarily reflect a candidate's competence or success in specific managerial tasks within a restaurant setting.

Common misunderstanding: All management experience is the same.

Different management roles require different skills. Managing a retail store, for example, involves different challenges than managing a restaurant. It's important to look for experience that directly relates to the restaurant industry.

How do I specify the type of environment the experience should be in for a Restaurant Manager?

Be specific about the type of restaurant environment when listing experience requirements in a job description. This could include whether the experience should be in a fast-paced, high-turnover setting, a fine dining environment, or a family-style restaurant. Detailing the type of service, such as casual dining, buffet, or a la carte, can also help attract candidates with the most relevant background.

Common misunderstanding: Any hospitality experience is suitable.

Not all hospitality experience will equip a candidate for the specific demands of a restaurant manager role. Experience in hotel management or event catering, for example, while valuable, might not directly translate to the day-to-day demands of restaurant management.

Common misunderstanding: The size of the previous restaurant isn’t important.

The scale of operations can greatly affect the relevance of experience. Managing a small cafe is different from managing a large, busy restaurant. Specify if the experience should be in managing similar-sized or larger operations than your own.