Job Description Job Description
Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven General Manager to oversee all aspects of our high-volume fast-casual restaurant operations at the University of Vermont. Operating on a university campus schedule offers a rare operational structure: 32 weeks of peak operations and 20 weeks of limited/off-season operations during campus breaks.
This role provides an exceptional opportunity for an experienced, highly motivated leader to drive financial success, manage daily operations, and lead a high-performing team while enjoying an unmatched schedule-including up to 10+ weeks of time off during the off-season.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Excellence: Oversee daily fast-casual operations, ensuring absolute compliance with health, safety, cleanliness, and food quality standards.
- Financial & P&L Management: Manage inventory, control food and labor costs, track expenses, analyze KPIs, and execute strategies to maximize profitability.
- Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, train, and mentor a passionate, dependable team. Foster a positive, collaborative environment centered on high performance and accountability.
- Guest Relations: Maintain a customer-first culture, ensuring exceptional service and resolving any customer feedback promptly and professionally.
- Local Marketing: Partner with corporate marketing to implement localized campus promotions to build brand awareness and drive traffic.
- Schedule Commitment: Manage weekly scheduling to optimize labor metrics. Ability to work up to 60 hours per week (typically Sunday through Friday) during peak semesters, with significantly reduced demand during off-season periods.
Qualifications & Experience Required
- Experience: 3 to 5 years of proven management experience in a fast-casual or quick-service restaurant (QSR) environment.
- Financial Acumen: Strong experience with P&L analysis, cost controls, budget management, and labor optimization.
- Leadership Capabilities: Exceptional communication, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with POS systems, inventory management software, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Cuisine Passion: An interest or background in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavor profiles is preferred.
- Certifications: ServSafe Certification is highly preferred.
- Physical Demands: Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive Base Salary: Up to $75,000 per year (paid during the operational period).
- Bonus Structure: Lucrative monthly performance-based bonuses.
- Unmatched Work-Life Balance: 4 to 14 weeks of total time off annually, synchronized with university winter and summer breaks (including potential hybrid/work-from-home project opportunities during the off-season).
- Full Benefits Package: Health insurance, Dental insurance, and 401(k) program.
- Career Advancement: Continuous professional training, corporate support, and long-term growth opportunities.
Company Description The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit-ensuring both clients and candidates succeed. Company Description The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit-ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.
