General Manager

Job Details

Cafe des Artistes is seeking a General Manager for the new restaurant opening on the Upper West Side in early 2027. Joining during the pre-opening stage, the General Manager will work closely with the senior leadership team to build the operating structure, recruit and develop the team, and establish the systems and standards that will guide the operation from opening forward.

Cafe des Artistes is a special piece of NYC history and requires a leader who can bring together hospitality, operational discipline, and strong business judgment. We are looking for a thoughtful and highly engaged General Manager who leads with clarity and consistency, develops strong teams, and understands how the details of daily operations contribute to an exceptional experience and exceptionally high service standards.

The Role

• Lead the day-to-day operation, ensuring consistent execution across service, hospitality, team performance, and overall operational standards
• Play an integral role in the pre-opening process, including operational planning, recruitment, training, systems implementation, and opening readiness
• Build, lead, and develop the management and hourly teams, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and opportunities for growth
• Establish and maintain operating procedures, service standards, communication practices, and management routines
• Maintain a strong presence on the floor, setting the tone for hospitality and supporting the team throughout service
• Partner closely with culinary leadership to ensure alignment between the kitchen and dining room and a cohesive overall experience
• Lead recruitment and staffing efforts in partnership with Human Resources, maintaining appropriate staffing levels and a strong talent pipeline
• Oversee scheduling, payroll, timekeeping, and labor management in accordance with business needs and established financial targets
• Own the operating P&L and maintain a strong understanding of revenue, labor, cost of goods, controllable expenses, and overall financial performance
• Partner with finance and senior leadership on budgeting, forecasting, financial reviews, and performance against established goals
• Analyze operating results and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability, and the overall experience
• Oversee inventory, purchasing, vendor relationships, and operational controls within assigned areas
• Ensure consistent execution of company policies and compliance with all applicable employment, health, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Address employee performance and workplace matters promptly and thoughtfully in partnership with Human Resources
• Develop managers through regular coaching, feedback, performance management, and clear ownership of their areas
• Partner with the events and guest relations teams to support private dining, events, and other revenue-driving opportunities
• Foster a culture centered on hospitality, professionalism, collaboration, accountability, and respect
• Maintain clear communication with senior leadership regarding business performance, staffing, operational priorities, and areas requiring attention

Experience & Leadership

• Significant experience as a General Manager or senior operations leader within high-quality, full-service restaurants or hospitality environments
• Experience opening a restaurant or building an operation from its early stages strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of restaurant operations, service, staffing, labor management, and financial performance
• Demonstrated experience owning and presenting P&L performance, budgets, forecasts, and key operating metrics
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and retain strong management and hourly teams
• A highly engaged leader with a strong presence on the floor and a genuine commitment to hospitality
• Highly organized with the ability to establish structure, systems, and accountability across a complex operation
• Sound judgment and the ability to make thoughtful decisions in a fast-paced and evolving environment
• Clear and effective communicator who can work collaboratively across culinary, operations, finance, Human Resources, and senior leadership
• Comfortable balancing the immediate needs of daily operations with broader financial and organizational priorities
• Detail-oriented and consistent, with high standards for service, execution, and team performance
• Motivated by the opportunity to help build an operation and culture from the ground up

Benefits

• Paid Time Off Policy
• Performance-Based Incentive Plan
• Dining Discounts across AirMax Hospitality

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to be flexible with job demands and open-minded when being asked to complete tasks
• Ability to operate and use equipment necessary to perform restaurant and kitchen operations
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and handle stress under pressure
• Ability to see, hear, speak, reach, bend, and move intermittently throughout working hours
• Ability to frequently lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to perform repetitive motions associated with food preparation, service, cleaning, and other restaurant operations
• Ability to work varied hours and days as business dictates, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

NOTE: JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON BUSINESS NECESSITY

AirMax Hospitality reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and responsibilities as business needs evolve. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications associated with the position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT

AirMax Hospitality provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.