General Manager

Spark HR Advisors
North Branch, MI

Job Description

Job Description

The General Manager oversees all aspects of the restaurant and brewery, ensuring smooth daily operations, exceptional guest experiences, and strong financial performance. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on management across front-of-house, back-of-house, and brewing operations. The GM is responsible for maintaining high standards for food, beverage, and service quality, while driving profitability through effective staffing, cost control, and operational efficiency.

Beyond operations, the General Manager serves as the face of the business-building a positive culture, developing staff, and fostering relationships with guests, vendors, and the local community. Working closely with ownership and the brewing team, the GM supports new beer releases, events, and marketing initiatives that strengthen brand visibility and customer loyalty. This position is ideal for a motivated leader with a passion for craft beer, hospitality, and creating memorable guest experiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Culture

  • Lead all restaurant and brewery operations with a focus on hospitality, teamwork, and accountability.
  • Recruit, hire, train, and retain high-performing team members across front-of-house, kitchen, and brewery operations.
  • Foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and pride in delivering an exceptional guest experience.
  • Conduct regular team meetings to communicate priorities, performance results, and business updates.
  • Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and recognition to support employee development and retention.

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

  • Ensure a consistently positive and memorable guest experience in the restaurant, taproom, and events.
  • Oversee food, beverage, and beer service to maintain quality, presentation, and consistency standards.
  • Handle guest concerns promptly and professionally, turning feedback into opportunities for improvement.
  • Maintain a visible leadership presence on the floor during peak hours and special events.

Operations Management

  • Manage day-to-day operations, including opening/closing procedures, staffing, cleanliness, and safety.
  • Oversee brewery coordination, ensuring seamless integration between beer production, taproom, and food service.
  • Maintain vendor relationships, negotiate pricing, and ensure timely ordering of supplies and ingredients.
  • Monitor and enforce compliance with all local, state, and federal health, safety, and alcohol regulations.
  • Ensure facilities, equipment, and systems are well-maintained and fully operational.

Financial Performance

  • Develop and manage budgets, financial goals, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Analyze sales, labor, and cost-of-goods data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
  • Manage inventory and purchasing to minimize waste, optimize margins, and maintain optimal stock levels.
  • Prepare and present weekly, monthly, and quarterly performance reports to ownership.

Marketing, Events & Community Engagement

  • Partner with ownership and the brewing team to plan and promote new beer releases, food specials, and taproom events.
  • Collaborate on social media, community outreach, and local partnerships to drive brand visibility and sales.
  • Represent the brewery and restaurant at community events, tastings, and industry gatherings.
  • Support creative programming (e.g., trivia nights, live music, seasonal menus) that enhance guest engagement.

Compliance & Safety

  • Ensure adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and alcohol service standards.
  • Maintain proper employee certifications (ServSafe, TIPS, etc.) and training documentation.
  • Uphold a safe, secure, and inclusive work environment for staff and guests alike.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

  • Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive management experience in a full-service restaurant, brewpub, or similar hospitality environment.
  • At least 2 years in a senior leadership role overseeing both front- and back-of-house operations; experience with brewery or taproom operations strongly preferred.
  • Proven track record of improving operational performance, building strong teams, and maintaining profitability.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire, motivate, and hold team members accountable.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; able to build positive relationships with staff, guests, vendors, and ownership.
  • Skilled in conflict resolution, team coaching, and fostering a collaborative, respectful workplace culture.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through change, multitask under pressure, and maintain composure in a fast-paced environment.

Operational & Financial Acumen

  • Strong understanding of restaurant and brewery operations, including inventory management, labor planning, scheduling, and cost control.
  • Competence in reading and analyzing financial reports, P&L statements, and budget forecasts.
  • Experience implementing systems or processes that increase efficiency and profitability.
  • Knowledge of craft beer production, styles, and taproom operations a plus.

Compliance & Technical Skills

  • Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal health, safety, and alcohol regulations.
  • ServSafe Manager and TIPS (or equivalent alcohol safety) certifications required or ability to obtain upon hire.
  • Proficiency with POS systems, scheduling tools, and basic accounting or inventory software.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace; experience with HRIS or scheduling platforms preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Fast-paced, customer-focused environment encompassing both restaurant and brewery operations.
  • Frequent movement throughout the facility, including the dining room, taproom, kitchen, and brewery floor.
  • Extended periods of standing and walking (up to 8–10 hours per shift).
  • Regular bending, reaching, twisting, and lifting or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds (such as kegs, boxes, or supplies).
  • Exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, steam, and noise from kitchen and brewing equipment.
  • Hands-on, on-site leadership presence required during all operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Must be able to multitask effectively and remain calm under pressure in a dynamic, high-energy setting.
  • Frequent interaction with guests and team members in a loud or busy environment; clear communication is essential.
  • Ability to move safely and efficiently through crowded or confined spaces.
  • Work atmosphere emphasizes teamwork, hospitality, quality, and safety at all times.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, a pre-employment drug screen. These checks may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other information relevant to the position. We are committed to maintaining a safe and compliant workplace and reserve the right to withdraw an offer of employment based on the results of these screenings.

Posted 2026-05-09

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