Restaurant General Manager

General Manager – Upscale, High-Volume Restaurant

Charleston, SC

An established hospitality group is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead a high-volume, upscale dining restaurant in Charleston! This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in fast-paced service environments, builds strong teams, and understands how to balance hospitality, operations, and financial performance.

The ideal candidate is an organized, service-driven operator with a strong background in team development, cost controls, and day-to-day execution. Experience with new restaurant openings or launching new concepts is strongly preferred.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee the day-to-day front-of-house operation and overall guest experience
• Lead and support the management team and hourly staff through clear direction, coaching, and accountability
• Drive labor efficiency, scheduling accuracy, and cost control initiatives
• Monitor operational performance and partner on sales forecasting and budget planning
• Maintain service standards, cleanliness, and consistent execution across all shifts
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management for front-of-house team members
• Manage scheduling, payroll-related oversight, and labor planning
• Oversee ordering for operational supplies, beverage-related items, linens, and other restaurant needs
• Participate in inventory processes and support ongoing expense management
• Ensure proper cash handling procedures, safe counts, deposits, and shift-level financial accuracy
• Lead pre-shift lineups and communicate daily priorities, service notes, and business goals
• Assist with guest issue resolution and ensure a professional, hospitality-focused response
• Support planning and execution for private dining, special events, and VIP service opportunities
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards
• Partner with senior leadership on operational goals and business initiatives

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience as a General Manager in a high-volume restaurant environment
• Prior experience in upscale casual or polished dining strongly preferred
• New restaurant opening experience is a major plus
• Strong knowledge of labor management, scheduling, payroll, and cost controls
• Experience with hiring, onboarding, training, and team development
• Comfortable using POS, scheduling, payroll, inventory, and other restaurant software systems
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Ability to remain composed, decisive, and solutions-oriented in a busy service environment
• High level of professionalism, accountability, and attention to detail
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Working knowledge of health department and workplace safety standards

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to bend, lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 lbs as needed
• Ability to work in a fast-paced restaurant setting for the duration of scheduled shifts

Why This Role

This is an opportunity to step into a leadership role with a growing restaurant group and help shape the success of a high-profile location in one of the area’s strongest dining markets. Ideal for a GM who is equally comfortable leading from the floor, developing managers, and owning the numbers behind the business.