Assistant General Manager

About us:

The Popal Group, a family-driven boutique hospitality brand, is setting the standard in D.C. dining with our innovative restaurant concepts. We are looking for a passionate Assistant General Manager for Lapis. The ideal candidate will have a strong hospitality, food, and wine background. In this role, you’ll oversee daily operations, manage a talented team, maintain high service standards, and ensure the bar is a unique destination for guests. You’ll also develop strategies to drive growth and profitability. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team, elevate business performance, and deliver a memorable guest experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Management

• Oversee daily restaurant operations, ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures
• Manage opening and closing procedures, including cash handling, safe deposits, and security protocols
• Conduct regular inspections of dining areas, kitchen, and facilities to maintain cleanliness and operational standards
• Implement and monitor food safety and sanitation procedures
• Troubleshoot operational issues as they arise, making quick decisions to minimize disruption
• Manage inventory levels, place orders with vendors, and conduct regular stock counts
• Oversee equipment maintenance schedules and coordinate repairs when needed
• Writing nightly shift reports outlining any important events from the day.
• Troubleshoot any technical issues with POS systems and coordinate with IT or technical support as needed.
• Report operational issues, staff concerns, or maintenance needs to senior management.

Staff Management

• Promote a positive work environment that encourages teamwork and professionalism.
• Assist in interviewing, and hiring qualified staff members
• Train new employees on service standards, menu knowledge, and restaurant policies
• Create employee schedules that optimize staffing levels according to anticipated business volume
• Address employee concerns, mediate conflicts, and maintain positive workplace morale
• Lead pre-shift meetings to communicate daily specials, promotions, and operational updates
• Monitor and enforce attendance, punctuality, and dress code policies

Financial Oversight

• Track daily sales figures, labor costs, and food costs
• Implement cost-control measures to reduce waste and increase profitability
• Process payroll and manage labor cost percentages
• Control inventory costs through proper ordering, storage, and usage practices
• Prepare financial reports for upper management review
• Assist in budget adherence

Guest Experience

• Maintain a visible presence in the dining area, greeting guests and ensuring satisfaction
• Handle guest complaints with professionalism and find appropriate resolutions
• Implement service recovery protocols when guest expectations are not met
• Train staff on delivering consistent, high-quality service
• Collect and analyze guest feedback to identify improvement opportunities
• Ensure compliance with health department regulations and food safety standards
• Monitor dining room ambiance including lighting, music, temperature, and cleanliness

Qualifications:

• Proven experience (1+ years) in a senior management role, ideally in a fine-dining or wine-focused restaurant.
• Deep knowledge of wines, wine pairings and cuisine is highly preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing, developing, and motivating a diverse team.
• Expertise in financial management, including budgeting, cost control, and profit analysis.
• Ability to create and implement strategies that drive revenue and increase profitability.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with both guests and staff.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work well under pressure.
• Restaurant management
• Shift management
• Food Safety Certification
• ServSafe
• ABC/ ABRA

Skills:

• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
• Strong understanding of inventory management.
• Proficiency in using point-of-sale (POS) systems, resy, inventory software, and Google Office Suite.
• Creative thinking with a passion for providing an extraordinary dining and drinking experience.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal health, safety, and liquor laws.
• DOH food handler certified.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; a degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 1 years of experience in a managerial position within the restaurant or hospitality industry.
• Strong background in wine service is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining composure and attention to detail