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Restaurant and Bar Manager

Gecko Hospitality

Chicago, Illinois

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$120,000–$140,000
LOCATION
Chicago, Illinois
POSTED
30+ days ago
Job Title: Restaurant / Nightlife Operations Manager
Location: Downtown Chicago

Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Restaurant / Nightlife Operations Manager to help lead a fast-paced hospitality venue in Downtown Chicago. This role is responsible for overseeing both restaurant and late-night operations, ensuring guests receive a consistent, high-quality experience while maintaining strong operational and financial performance.

The ideal candidate is an energetic leader who can balance guest satisfaction, team development, and profitability. You will play a key role in maintaining service standards, coordinating staff, and driving revenue through operational excellence and a strong floor presence.

Total Compensation: $120,000 – $140,000

Core Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership:
  • Direct day-to-day restaurant and nightlife operations.
  • Ensure smooth service flow during both dining and late-night service periods.
  • Maintain cleanliness, organization, and presentation standards throughout the venue.
Team Leadership & Development:
  • Hire, train, coach, and supervise front-of-house and support staff.
  • Schedule labor effectively based on business volume.
  • Build a positive, accountable workplace culture that supports performance and retention.
Guest Experience:
  • Maintain high service standards and consistent hospitality execution.
  • Address guest concerns professionally and resolve issues quickly.
  • Monitor service quality and continuously improve the guest experience.
Inventory & Vendor Coordination:
  • Manage beverage and food inventory levels.
  • Reduce waste and control purchasing costs.
  • Coordinate with vendors to maintain product quality and availability.
Compliance & Safety:
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol service regulations.
  • Enforce company policies and responsible service practices.
  • Maintain a safe environment for guests and employees.
Financial & Business Performance:
  • Review sales and labor reports and manage operating expenses.
  • Implement promotions, events, and revenue-driving initiatives.
  • Support marketing efforts and local outreach to increase traffic.
Industry Awareness:
  • Stay informed on nightlife, bar, and dining trends.
  • Introduce new service ideas, menu concepts, and entertainment offerings that align with guest preferences.

Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum 3 years of Restaurant and/or Nightclub Management experience.
  • Proven ability to lead and motivate hospitality teams.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • Solid understanding of service standards, POS systems, and bar/restaurant operations.
  • Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree in Hospitality Management or a related field.
  • Food safety and alcohol service certifications.
  • Experience with event programming, entertainment scheduling, or high-volume nightlife venues.
  • Exposure to sustainability or waste-reduction practices in food and beverage operations.

We are looking for a hands-on leader who thrives in an energetic environment and enjoys being present on the floor, engaging with guests, and developing team members. This position offers an opportunity to make a measurable impact on operations, culture, and guest satisfaction within a well-established Downtown Chicago venue.

About the Company

G

Gecko Hospitality

Gecko Hospitality© makes best-fit career connections between management-level hospitality professionals and the industry's most notable employers. In twelve short years, we have become the nation's largest hospitality recruiting firm for hotels, restaurants, casinos, clubs, and resorts. Through our thirty-seven (37) regional offices and 75+ recruiters, we have earned the trust of numerous Fortune 500 hospitality organizations and countless senior-level professionals — who turn to us daily to help them best manage their careers

INDUSTRY
Hotels and Lodging
WEBSITE
http://www.geckohospitality.com/