University of Georgia is hiring: General Manager of Restaurants in Athens

General Manager of Restaurants

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Posting Details

Posting Number: S14516P

Working Title: General Manager of Restaurants

Department: PSO-Cont Ed-Aux-Food Services

About the University: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university. The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department: College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Work Schedule: This position offers a 40 hour work week. Hours and schedule may vary and will include evenings and weekends.

Advertised Salary: $60,000-70,000

Posting Date: 12/16/2025

Open until filled: Yes

Closing Date: Proposed Starting Date 01/26/2026

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement: Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Position Information: Classification Title Food & Beverage Supervisor; FLSA Exempt; FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 8 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications: (see responsibilities and knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies below)

Position Summary

The General Manager of Restaurants oversees all aspects of service for the Savannah Room Restaurant, the Bulldog Bistro, and beverage services at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel. They manage a team of supervisors and managers that oversee a staff of full-time, temporary, and student staff that work as servers, baristas, and bartenders for all outlets in the Food & Beverage Division. This role ensures excellence in service delivery, product quality, and operational efficiency across all retail outlets. The manager is responsible for staff supervision, training, scheduling, inventory control, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Working closely with Food & Beverage senior leadership, the individual develops and implements service standards, drives innovation, and supports financial oversight of outlets operations. With a strong foundation in food & beverage knowledge and a commitment to integrity, customer service, and continuous improvement, this position plays a key role in enhancing the guest experience and supporting the Georgia Center’s hospitality mission.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 8 years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated success in managing restaurant operations.
• Expertise in delivering exceptional guest experiences and resolving customer concerns with professionalism and care.
• Extensive food, beverage, and wine knowledge.
• Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and analyzing profit and loss statements to drive financial performance.
• Proficient in restaurant management systems (POS, inventory, scheduling) and general computer applications.
• Ability to streamline workflows, optimize labor, and improve service delivery across multiple retail outlets.
• Strong leadership & team development skills.
• Able to make data-informed decisions that align with business goals and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Resourceful in identifying issues, analyzing root causes, and implementing effective solutions.
• Skilled in prioritizing tasks and managing responsibilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative approach to leadership, fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and shared success.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced environments and responding effectively to operational challenges.
• Deep understanding of front-of-house and back-of-house workflows, including service standards, kitchen operations, and health/safety regulations.

Physical Demands

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Lift, pull and/or push at least 30 lbs.
• Capable of bending at waist, squatting, kneeling and working with your hands.
• Driving as needed to perform job duties.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Manage the Savannah Room, Bulldog Bistro, and Bar Operations

• Oversee daily operations of all food outlets, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and adherence to service standards.
• Manage labor scheduling and food cost controls to maintain operations within budgeted guidelines.
• Coordinate and supervise shifts to ensure smooth service flow and optimal staffing coverage.
• Ensure all outlets operate in compliance with food safety standards, sanitation protocols, and alcohol service laws.

Percentage of time 25

Manage Guest Experience

• Lead a professional, service-oriented team focused on delivering exceptional food quality and customer service.
• Ensure guest satisfaction through proactive service and timely resolution of inquiries and complaints.
• Foster a welcoming and responsive environment for guests and visitors of the Georgia Center.
• Monitor service delivery to ensure compliance with responsible alcohol service practices and guest safety.

Percentage of time 25

Provide Administration & Financial Oversight

• Maintain full comprehension of outlet administrative responsibilities, including financial reporting and compliance.
• Plan, develop, and update innovative menus in collaboration with culinary leadership.
• Monitor restaurant operations and implement corrective actions to maintain standards.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations, including food handling and alcohol licensing requirements.
• Forecast inventory needs, manage stock levels, and minimize waste to optimize profitability.

Percentage of time 20

Provide Staff Leadership & Development

• Oversee staffing needs including recruitment, scheduling, training, and shift planning based on business demands.
• Work with Service Training Manager to hire, onboard, and train new team members to uphold service standards and comply with food safety and alcohol service regulations.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching to support staff growth and retention.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Percentage of time 15

Manage Marketing & Business Growth

• Develop and execute marketing strategies to increase food sales and daily guest traffic.
• Create guest loyalty initiatives to encourage repeat business.
• Implement innovative approaches to enhance productivity and revenue.
• Represent the outlets at local food events to promote brand visibility and community engagement.

Percentage of time 10

Other duties as assigned to support the Outlets General Manager and Director of Food & Beverage at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel.

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact: Leta Salazar

Recruitment Contact Email: leta.salazar@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone:

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
• Public Job Posting
• Internal Job Posting
• Agency Referral
• Advertisement/Publication
• Personal Referral
• Website
• Other

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents