Department: Front of House
Reports to: Director of Operations
Salary: 95,000 - 110,000 DOE
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Sens, San Francisco

Position Overview

The General Manager is the operational and cultural leader of the restaurant, holding full accountability for financial performance, team development, sanitation standards, and guest satisfaction.

We seek a leader who believes that exceptional guest experiences begin with empowered employees. This role requires empathetic leadership, disciplined execution, and ownership of measurable business outcomes.

This is an exempt leadership role requiring independent judgment and full responsibility for operational results.

Leadership Philosophy

The General Manager will:

Lead with empathy while maintaining clear standards and accountability
Build a culture of respect, development, and performance
Maintain uncompromising standards of cleanliness and organization
Protect financial health through disciplined cost control
Develop strong managers and future leaders

Employee-first leadership means developing people while upholding high expectations.

Core Responsibilities & Key Performance Indicators

1. Financial Performance

Accountability: Full P&L ownership

KPIs:

Labor Cost: Within budgeted target (typically 28–32% of revenue, based on concept)
Prime Cost (Labor + COGS): ≤ 60%
Beverage Cost: Within 1% of target
Food Cost Variance: ≤ 1.5% monthly variance
Monthly EBITDA: Meet or exceed budget
Overtime Hours: Reduced month-over-month where operationally feasible
Timely submission of payroll and financial reporting (100% on-time)

2. Cleanliness & Operational Standards

Accountability: Maintain industry-leading sanitation and organization

KPIs:

Health Department Score: 90+ (or equivalent “A” grade)
Internal Sanitation Audits: 95%+ compliance
Zero repeat critical violations
Monthly deep-clean schedule completed 100%
Equipment maintenance logs completed weekly
Dining room readiness: 100% pre-service checklist completion

3. Employee Development & Retention

Accountability: Build a stable, high-performing team

KPIs:

Annual Employee Retention: ≥ 75% FOH
Management Retention: ≥ 85%
100% of staff receive documented quarterly feedback
90-day onboarding completion for all new hires
Internal promotions: At least 1–2 annually (where volume allows)
Employee engagement pulse survey: 80%+ positive response

4. Guest Experience

Accountability: Deliver consistent hospitality excellence

KPIs:

Online Review Rating: 4.5+ average
Response to negative reviews: Within 48 hours
Guest complaint resolution: Same-shift whenever possible
Secret Shopper / Internal Service Audit: 90%+ score
Repeat guest tracking growth year-over-year

5. Operational Execution

Accountability: Consistent service standards and floor leadership

KPIs:

On-time schedule posting: 100%
Pre-shift meetings: Conducted daily
Manager floor presence during peak hours: 100%
Inventory completion: Weekly without delay
Waste tracking logged weekly
Vendor invoice reconciliation accuracy: 99%+

Leadership Expectations

The General Manager is expected to:

Be visibly present during peak service hours
Provide real-time coaching and feedback
Address performance concerns promptly and professionally
Maintain composure under pressure
Model professionalism, cleanliness, and hospitality standards

Qualifications

Minimum 2 years fine dining experience
Previous restaurant management experience required
Strong financial acumen and budget management experience
Advanced knowledge of food, wine, and beverage programs
Strong understanding of dining room operations
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Technologically proficient (POS, scheduling, payroll systems)

Schedule

Minimum 50 hours per week
Nights, weekends, and holidays required

Certifications Required

California Food Handler’s Card
Responsible Beverage Service Certification

Benefits

401(k) matching
Health, dental, vision insurance
Paid time off
Employee discount

Company Description

Sens is a vibrant waterfront restaurant where California’s seasonal ingredients meet the bold, social flavors of the Mediterranean. Inspired by Spain, Italy, France, and Greece, the menu celebrates fresh produce, seafood, and wood-grilled dishes designed for sharing. True to its name, Sens creates an experience that engages all five senses—through flavor, aroma, texture, music, and the stunning views of San Francisco Bay.

Sens Restaurant

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Restaurant General Manager