General Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE

Left Bank Santana Row is seeking an experienced, business-minded General Manager to lead one of the Bay Area's most celebrated French brasseries. This is a high-impact leadership role for a candidate who thinks and operates like a business owner, someone who is as comfortable in a P&L review as they are on the floor during a Friday night service.

We are not looking for a caretaker. We are looking for a builder, a leader who uses data and systems to make informed decisions, holds their team to a high standard, and consistently delivers results across financial performance, guest experience, and team development.

The ideal candidate brings proven operational discipline, strong financial acumen, and a genuine passion for hospitality. They lead by example, develop the people around them, and take full ownership of the restaurant's performance.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Financial Leadership & Business Performance

• Own the restaurant's full P&L. Reviewing financial results regularly, identifying variances, and driving corrective action with urgency and clarity.

• Manage labor costs with precision, building schedules and staffing models that align with forecasted covers and revenue targets.

• Monitor and control managed income, food and beverage costs, and operating expenses to consistently meet or exceed financial targets.

• Lead weekly and monthly business reviews with ownership and operations leadership, presenting results and forward-looking plans with confidence.

• Identify revenue opportunities and operational efficiencies, and execute on them.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, and onboard high-caliber hourly and salaried team members aligned with the restaurant's culture and standards.

• Conduct regular performance evaluations for both hourly and salaried team members, delivering clear, data-informed feedback that drives growth and accountability.

• Build and develop a high-performing team by setting clear expectations, providing consistent coaching, and holding staff accountable.

• Address performance issues proactively and professionally, utilizing the full spectrum of performance management tools in partnership with HR.

• Foster a culture of ownership, professionalism, and continuous improvement throughout the team.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee all aspects of daily restaurant operations, including service execution, food quality, cleanliness, and brand standards.

• Maintain a visible, hands-on presence on the floor, leading service, supporting the team in real time, and ensuring an exceptional guest experience during every shift.

• Partner closely with culinary and bar leadership to ensure alignment, consistency, and collaboration across the full guest experience.

• Drive accountability across all operational areas through clear systems, regular audits, and consistent follow-through.

• Continuously assess and improve operational systems and processes, leveraging available platforms and tools to drive efficiency.

Guest Experience & Reputation

• Champion a guest-first culture that results in consistently positive reviews and ratings, aligned with established brand and bonus benchmarks.

• Monitor guest feedback across all channels and respond strategically, using insights to drive service improvements and team coaching.

• Represent the restaurant within the community, building local relationships that strengthen the brand's presence and reputation.

Systems & Technology

• Demonstrate fluency and confidence across all restaurant technology platforms, including: Toast (POS), SpotOn, Paylocity, Margin's Edge, Ingest, and Asana.

• Leverage Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail, Calendar) proficiently for day-to-day communication, reporting, and operational management.

• Use data and reporting tools to monitor key performance metrics, identify trends, and make informed operational and staffing decisions.

• Drive team adoption of systems and technology to improve consistency, accountability, and operational efficiency across all departments.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 5+ years of General Manager or senior leadership experience in high-end, high-volume restaurant environments.

• Demonstrated financial acumen with a strong track record of managing P&L, labor, and cost controls to deliver consistent results.

• Proven ability to build, develop, and retain high-performing teams through effective coaching, evaluation, and performance management.

• Confident and data-driven decision-maker who leverages systems and reporting to inform strategy and drive outcomes.

• High proficiency in restaurant technology platforms and Google Workspace; ability to learn and champion new systems quickly.

• Experience with Asana or similar project management tools for operational planning and task management.

• Clear, confident communicator who can set expectations, give direct feedback, and lead through complexity.

• Strong ownership mentality with a solutions-oriented mindset and a bias toward action.

• Hands-on leadership presence, comfortable on the floor and equally comfortable in a business review.

• Genuine passion for food, wine, and elevated hospitality.

• High emotional intelligence and professionalism in all interactions, with guests, team members, and ownership.

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.

ROLE EXPECTATIONS

• Full-time, exempt position requiring flexibility across evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Majority of time spent in-restaurant, actively leading operations and engaging with both guests and team members.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Base salary range: $135,000 – $150,000, commensurate with experience.

• Performance-based bonus tied to financial and guest experience targets.

• Accrued Paid Time Off.

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability after 90 days.

• 401(k) with company match after one year.

• Dining discounts across all Vine Hospitality restaurants.

• The opportunity to lead a flagship location within a growing, respected hospitality group, with real visibility, real accountability, and a real opportunity to make your mark.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $135,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• San Jose, CA 95128 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• San Jose, CA 95128: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person