General Manager

Restaurant Operations Manager

Overview Our YOU FIRST Philosophy In addition to no night shifts and our fully chef-curated menu, our #1 priority has always been our people. We care about our customers, and we care about you! That's where our YOU FIRST culture begins each day, we put our employees first and strive to make them happy. They are empowered with an independence to make decisions that will help provide an exceptional breakfast, brunch, or lunch experience for their customers. In fact, we like to say, we love our employees more than bacon. And that says a lot.

All employees are eligible for the following : One Shift - No Night Shifts. Ever. Opportunity to grow your career with a great company and great people! 24 / 7 Employee Assistance Program 401(K) Retirement Savings Program (must be employed for 60 days and must be 21 years of age to participate) Life Insurance Short Term Disability Long-Term Disability Dental Vision Health Insurance Bright Horizon - back up child and elder care Spot Insurance Supplemental Insurance (accident, critical illness, indemnity) Meal Discount Complimentary premium access to the Calm App, plus 5 gift subscriptions Unlimited access to medical and behavioral telemedicine through Cirrus MD Tuition Reimbursement & High School Diploma Program Perks at Work (over 30,000 discounts on purchases for travel, fitness, auto event tickets & more) Childcare Discount Program Paid Time Off (PTO)

Responsibilities

Leadership : Lead by example, demonstrating our values of kindness, teamwork, and dedication Inspire and motivate the team to achieve their best Bring the You First Vision, Mission and Values to life within the restaurant Supervise, guide and train team members in both the Front of the House (FOH) and Back of the House (BOH) to meet established objectives Effectively communicate with leadership, restaurant managers, hourly employees, customers, vendors and Home Office support staff Delegate responsibilities to managerial staff and assign tasks to team members. Ensure all required responsibilities are performed and completed effectively Maintain a safe environment free of any type of discrimination, harassment and / or retaliation Conduct regular manager and staff meetings to communicate updates, share performance highlights and recognize performance Operational Excellence : Oversee daily operations, ensuring the restaurant runs smoothly and efficiently Prepare and post weekly schedules and ensure appropriate coverage for the restaurant, both in planning and execution Implement and maintain high standards of quality, service, and cleanliness Provide oversight over compliance with applicable liquor laws and Responsible Alcohol Service guidelines Provide management coverage of operating hours and direct supervision of operations in an individual restaurant Understand, manage and enforce safe food handling procedures Ensure the integrity and operational functionality of all systems and equipment Ensure safe working conditions as required by First Watch, OSHA and any applicable federal, state and local laws Ensure all equipment is kept in satisfactory working order maintaining the highest degree of usability and cleanliness People Development and Management : Invest in the growth and development of the team. Provide training, coaching, and support to help them reach their full potential Provide ongoing training to ensure compliance with established standards and protocols Review applications, interview, select and hire hourly team members Maintain appropriate managerial and hourly staffing levels at the restaurant Evaluate the performance of team members and conduct coaching and disciplinary conversations Utilize decision-making authority to hire, promote, discipline, suspend or terminate employees Ensure compliance with all employment policies and procedures Develop and oversee incentive programs to recognize and reward team members, both individually and collectively Oversee the delivery and completion of training programs to enhance employees' skills, knowledge, and capabilities Customer Focus : Ensure every guest has a memorable experience Address customer feedback promptly and appropriately and work to continuously improve service delivery Effectively communicate with customers to ensure that every guest feels valued and heard Ensure appropriate seating and scheduling assignments based on forecasted business Financial Management : Manage weekly and monthly P&L and budgets, control costs, and drive revenue and profitability growth Ensure the financial integrity of all P&L statements by adhering to systems that properly track expenses and revenue that are categorized, coded, and posted through control processes Analyze financial performance and implement strategies to achieve business goals Provide oversight over all food, labor and liquor costs Prepare, plan and oversee inventory Community Engagement : Build strong relationships with the local community Participate in community events and initiatives to promote the restaurant and drive sales and awareness.

Leadership Responsibilities and Reporting

The General Manager will report to the Director of Operations. They will typically have 1-4 direct reports and be responsible for a staff of ~ 30-40 employees. The General Manager will be responsible for revenue operations more than one million dollars.

Qualifications

Other Key Qualifications Ability to manage, lead, coach, teach, and train others in roles from entry-level to mid-management Knowledge of accounting and financial management principles Skilled in employee relations, recruiting, retention, and employee recognition Ability to work with no supervision, multitask, and prioritize all operations of the restaurant Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills Strong computer skills with emphasis on MS operating system Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management and staff Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment Ability to effectively manage teams as well as work effectively as part of a team Passion for providing excellent service and quality Additional Physical Requirements Must be able to continuously see, stand, walk, view computer monitors, give & receive oral communication, bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, and discern color. Must be able to occasionally sit, drive, type, and make fine discriminations in sound Ability to regularly lift / carry up to 20 lbs; occasionally lift / carry up to 50 lbs Ability to do repetitive simple grasping, fine manipulation, and pushing & pulling frequently Must be able to tolerate exposure to extreme temperatures and temperature changes Must be flexible and willing to work a varied schedule, that may include travel as needed, as dictated by the needs of the business Must attend all scheduled meetings, unless otherwise authorized by RVP Occasionally travel to other First Watch locations or off-site meetings throughout the United States as needed Obtain and maintain safe food handler certifications Obtain and maintain alcohol certifications, in compliance with local and state laws Through communication with the Operations Manager(s), Director of Operations, and Home Office, handle customer and employee incidents, accidents, injuries, and complaints in a timely / effective and efficient manner

Who We Are

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its "Follow the Sun" culinary philosophy, First Watch's chef-driven menu rotates five times a year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid's meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact in our communities raising more than $1.7 million to date. A recipient of hundreds of local "Best Breakfast" and "Best Brunch" awards, First Watch was voted 2025's #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards and was also named 2024's #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute, after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 600 restaurants in 31 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com. First Watch is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, First Watch will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.