Restaurant General Manager Resume Guide
Restaurant General Managers are responsible for overseeing the operations of a restaurant. They plan and direct all restaurant services, including front-of-house duties such as customer service and back-of-house tasks like food preparation. Additionally, they handle ordering, budgeting, staff scheduling, marketing activities and ensuring compliance with health codes.
Your management background and expertise in the restaurant business make you a great candidate for any eatery. To get noticed by hiring managers, however, you must put together an impressive resume that highlights your experience and skills.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.
Table of Contents
The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.
Restaurant General Manager Resume Sample
Wava Spencer
Restaurant General Manager
[email protected]
829-753-3310
linkedin.com/in/wava-spencer
Summary
Skilled restaurant general manager with 8+ years of experience in the hospitality industry. Proven ability to manage operations, develop and maintain customer relations, hire and train staff, create promotions for increased sales revenue, coordinate events/catering services. At XYZ Restaurant consistently achieved top-level performance metrics while managing a team of 15 people. Developed new safety protocols during Covid-19 pandemic which resulted in zero incidents reported at facility.
Experience
Restaurant General Manager, Employer A
Frisco, Jan 2018 – Present
- Mentored and managed a team of 30+ front-of-house personnel, including servers, bartenders, hostesses and bussers; increased employee satisfaction by 15%.
- Facilitated daily operations at the restaurant under strict budgetary constraints while ensuring compliance with all health & safety regulations; reduced operating costs by 10% within first 6 months.
- Accurately forecasted sales trends for the week/month using predictive analytics tools to optimize inventory levels and minimize food wastage; decreased surplus stock purchases by 25%.
- Streamlined kitchen processes through the introduction of new systems such as automated order taking system that improved customer service response times by 20 minutes on average.
- Utilized advanced customer relationship management software to track customers’ preferences in order to identify repeat buyers and VIPs; increased loyalty program memberships from 500 to 1,200 in 3 months time frame.
Restaurant General Manager, Employer B
Boston, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017
- Introduced innovative strategies to streamline restaurant operations, resulting in a 15% increase in overall productivity.
- Represented the establishment at local business events and tradeshows; successfully secured new customers and 10+ catering contracts within 6 months of joining.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff & waiters on daily basis to ensure that all guests were served meals as per their requirements; reduced customer complaints by 75%.
- Formulated budget proposals for management review and met financial targets with precision, saving $10,000 annually through cost-cutting initiatives without compromising quality or service standards.
- Reliably handled payroll activities for more than 50 employees each week while ensuring compliance with labor laws and wage regulations at all times.
Skills
- Restaurant Management
- Restaurants
- Food and Beverage
- Hospitality
- Food
- Catering
- Hospitality Management
- Time Management
- Customer Satisfaction
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
Certifications
ServSafe Manager Certification
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
May 2017
1. Summary / Objective
The summary/objective at the top of your resume is like a movie trailer – it provides the hiring manager with essential bits of information and, if written correctly, should compel them to read on. This is where you can showcase your best qualities as a restaurant general manager; for example, you could mention how many years’ experience in hospitality management you have, any awards or recognition that demonstrate excellence in customer service and satisfaction ratings from past employers. Additionally, highlight any unique skills such as knowledge of POS systems or familiarity with health codes and regulations.
Below are some resume summary examples:
Well-rounded restaurant general manager with 8+ years of experience in the food and service industry. Experienced in managing day-to-day operations, improving customer satisfaction, boosting sales revenues, and developing high performing teams. At XYZ restaurant achieved a 20% increase in profits within one year by launching new menu items and promotions. Proven track record of successful multi-site management including cost control measures that led to an average profit margin of 15%.
Committed and results-oriented restaurant general manager with 10+ years of experience in the food service industry. Proven track record of managing a successful establishment, including increasing customer satisfaction by 30% and revenue growth by 20%. Skilled at motivating team members to achieve maximum efficiency and profitability while ensuring compliance with all health codes, regulations, and laws. Dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience for customers.
Hard-working and experienced restaurant general manager with 8+ years of successful experience in the hospitality industry. Proven record of improving operations, increasing revenue, and providing superior customer service to patrons. Most recently achieved a 45% increase in turnover at Company X by developing innovative marketing campaigns and streamlining processes. Seeking an opportunity to utilize my skillset as General Manager for ABC Restaurant Group.
Energetic and experienced restaurant general manager with 10+ years of experience in hospitality management. Skilled at overseeing daily operations, customer service and staff training while maintaining a high standard of quality food and beverage services. Currently seeking to join ABC Restaurant Group as the General Manager for their flagship location where I can leverage my expertise in driving sales growth through innovative marketing strategies.
Reliable and successful restaurant general manager with over 10 years of experience in hospitality. Proven track record for developing and executing winning strategies to increase customer satisfaction, reduce costs, and maximize profits. At XYZ Restaurant Group managed a team of 50+ employees across three locations achieving an average revenue growth rate of 15%. Seeking to bring leadership and vision to ABC Restaurants as the new General Manager.
Seasoned restaurant general manager with 7+ years of experience in the food industry. Skilled at leading a team and driving customer satisfaction through excellent hospitality, quality service, and strategic management of human resources. At XYZ Restaurant increased revenue by 20% while reducing operating costs by 15%. Recognized for developing successful marketing campaigns that significantly improved brand awareness.
Driven restaurant general manager with 10+ years of experience leading teams and driving sales. At ABC Restaurant, improved customer satisfaction ratings by 25% within six months while increasing revenue by 15%. Brought in over $1 million dollars in annual profits through strategic cost-saving measures and a renewed focus on customer service. Looking to bring my skillset to XYZ Restaurant as the next GM.
Detail-oriented restaurant general manager with 4+ years of experience leading teams in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. A proven track record of increasing sales and profits while maintaining customer satisfaction & reducing costs. Seeking to use my knowledge and experience at ABC Restaurant to create an unforgettable dining experience for customers.
2. Experience / Employment
Next comes the work history section, which should be written in reverse chronological order. This means that the most recent job is listed first.
When writing this section, it’s best to stick to bullet points; doing so allows the reader to quickly take in what you have to say. When describing your roles and responsibilities, provide as much detail as possible and include any quantifiable results achieved during your tenure.
For example, instead of saying “Managed restaurant staff,” you could say, “Successfully managed a team of 15+ employees across all departments while maintaining an average customer satisfaction rating of 95%.”
To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:
Other general verbs you can use are:
- Achieved
- Advised
- Assessed
- Compiled
- Coordinated
- Demonstrated
- Developed
- Expedited
- Facilitated
- Formulated
- Improved
- Introduced
- Mentored
- Optimized
- Participated
- Prepared
- Presented
- Reduced
- Reorganized
- Represented
- Revised
- Spearheaded
- Streamlined
- Structured
- Utilized
Below are some example bullet points:
- Advised restaurant staff on best practices to ensure the highest standard of customer service, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores within 3 months.
- Developed and implemented operational policies and procedures that increased efficiency by 25% while maintaining safety standards and reducing wastage by 10%.
- Spearheaded menu redesign initiatives, introducing new dishes that resulted in an additional $15,000 revenue per month with no significant overhead costs incurred.
- Diligently monitored restaurant operations for any discrepancies or issues; successfully identified cost savings opportunities up to 30%, leading to yearly savings of over $20,000 annually due to improved inventory control processes and lower supply costs.
- Expedited order processing times during peak hours through effective scheduling of staff; reduced wait time from 15 minutes down to 7 minutes on average without compromising quality levels or profitability margins.
- Compiled and managed a team of over 50 staff members, ensuring that all employees were trained on proper food safety procedures, customer service etiquette and job duties; decreased employee turnover rate by 22%.
- Revised restaurant policies to ensure efficient operations such as streamlining ordering processes for kitchen staff, reducing wait times for customers and improving overall quality of dining experience.
- Reduced labor costs by 13% through improved scheduling practices including cross-training personnel in multiple areas across the restaurant to increase flexibility during peak periods.
- Meticulously tracked inventory levels to reduce spoilage losses while maintaining a well-stocked supply room; achieved $1500 savings per month in purchasing budget due diligence efforts.
- Assessed current staffing needs on an ongoing basis by conducting regular performance reviews with each individual employee; implemented training programs when needed to improve their knowledge & skillset accordingly.
- Effectively managed day-to-day operations of a 200+ seat restaurant, supervising 30+ staff members and reducing labor costs by 8%.
- Reorganized the floor plan to enhance workflow efficiency and customer satisfaction; increased table turn times from 1 hour to 45 minutes on average.
- Demonstrated excellent problem solving skills when resolving conflicts between employees or customers in order to maintain a positive dining experience.
- Presented monthly financial reports with accurate sales figures and cost breakdowns; contributed over $100,000 in added revenue during peak seasons by implementing promotional campaigns & events.
- Improved inventory management processes resulting in reduced food wastage levels by 15% while increasing overall profitability margins within the first year as General Manager.
- Prepared and managed restaurant budgets and forecasted financial objectives, achieving a 3% increase in profits over the last year.
- Confidently handled all customer service issues with poise and professionalism; minimized customer complaints by 25%.
- Achieved an average of 90+% satisfaction ratings from customers on weekly surveys, resulting in increased positive reviews online for the restaurant business.
- Optimized operational processes to effectively manage staff scheduling, inventory control and vendor procurement; reduced labor costs by 10%.
- Structured comprehensive training programs for new employees which resulted in 15% improved efficiency amongst kitchen staff within 6 months of implementation.
3. Skills
Skill requirements will differ from one employer to the next; this can easily be ascertained from the job posting. Organization A may be looking for a general manager to oversee their high-end restaurant while Organization B may be seeking someone with experience in fast food.
It is essential to keep this in mind because of the applicant tracking systems utilized by many companies. Their role is to analyze resumes for certain characteristics (such as specific keywords), filtering out the ones they deem not to be a high-quality match for that particular job.
Once listed here, you can further elaborate on your skillset by discussing it in more detail in other areas, such as the summary or experience section. You should also include any relevant certifications and/or qualifications related to restaurant management and customer service that you possess.
Below is a list of common skills & terms:
- Banquets
- Bartending
- Catering
- Coaching
- Cooking
- Culinary Skills
- Customer Satisfaction
- Employee Training
- Event Management
- Fine Dining
- Food
- Food Safety
- Food Service
- Food and Beverage
- Hiring
- Hospitality
- Hospitality Industry
- Hospitality Management
- Hotel Management
- Hotels
- Inventory Control
- Labor Control
- MICROS
- Menu Development
- Multi Unit
- New Restaurant Openings
- Operations Management
- Pre Opening
- Profit
- Recruiting
- Restaurant Management
- Restaurants
- ServSafe
- Team Leadership
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- Wine
4. Education
Including an education section on your resume will depend on how far along you are in your career. If you have very little experience, mention the relevant courses and subjects below your objective statement. However, if you have been working as a restaurant general manager for some time and can demonstrate plenty of accomplishments throughout multiple positions, omitting an education section altogether is perfectly acceptable.
If an education section is included try to highlight any courses or qualifications related to the role of a restaurant general manager that could be beneficial to potential employers.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
5. Certifications
Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your expertise in certain areas. They show potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to become certified by an accredited organization, proving that you possess the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their industry.
Including certifications on your resume is an excellent way to prove your qualifications and make yourself stand out from other applicants. Be sure to include any relevant certifications when applying for jobs so hiring managers can see how qualified you are right away!
ServSafe Manager Certification
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
May 2017
6. Contact Info
Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.
You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.
Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Wava Spencer, this would be Wava-Spencer-resume.pdf or Wava-Spencer-resume.docx.
7. Cover Letter
Submitting a cover letter with your job application is a great way to make yourself stand out from the competition. It’s usually made up of 2 to 4 paragraphs and helps you establish an emotional connection with the recruiter or hiring manager by introducing yourself in more detail than what can be found on just your resume.
Cover letters are not always required, but they serve as a valuable opportunity for you to express why you’re suitable for the role and how it aligns with your professional goals. Writing one could be key in helping you land that dream job!
Below is an example cover letter:
Dear Vince,
I am writing to apply for the position of Restaurant General Manager at your restaurant, [restaurant name]. I have experience managing restaurants and teams of up to 50 employees and I am confident that I can be an asset to your organization.
In my current role as Restaurant Manager at [restaurant name], I oversee all aspects of the restaurant’s operations. This includes managing the front-of-house staff, overseeing inventory and ordering supplies, developing marketing initiatives, and ensuring that the restaurant is in compliance with all health and safety regulations. In addition, I have experience training new employees and developing employee schedules. As a result of my efforts, our team has been consistently ranked as one of the top-performing restaurants in the company.
I am a motivated leader with a proven track record of success in managing restaurants. I am confident that I can bring my skills and experience to your organization and contribute to the success of your business. I look forward to speaking with you about this opportunity soon.
Sincerely,
Wava