District Manager

Kizuki Ramen • Bellevue, WA

31d • $95,000 - $110,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The District Manager is a key operational leader responsible for overseeing multiple Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya locations throughout the Greater Seattle Area, driving restaurant profitability, operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and leadership development. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Operations and Director of Operations, this position works directly with General Managers and restaurant teams to ensure consistent execution of company standards and achievement of financial and operational goals. This is a hands on, field focused leadership role requiring a strong presence inside our restaurants, the ability to develop high performing management teams, and a commitment to identifying and correcting operational challenges.

Requirements

• 5+ years of restaurant management experience, including experience in high volume or full service restaurant operations.
• 2+ years of multi unit restaurant leadership experience preferred.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop General Managers and restaurant management teams.
• Strong financial acumen, including P&L management, labor controls, budgeting, and profitability improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to improve underperforming restaurants and establish accountability.
• Strong understanding of both front of house and back of house restaurant operations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to balance operational planning with direct, hands on restaurant leadership.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly between assigned Greater Seattle Area restaurant locations.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a District Manager, Area Manager, Regional Manager, or similar multi unit leadership role.
• Experience managing multiple high volume, full service restaurants.
• Experience within Japanese cuisine, ramen concepts, or hospitality driven restaurant brands.
• Experience supporting restaurant openings and leadership development programs.
• ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety certification.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish or Japanese preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and performance across assigned Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya restaurants.
• Lead, coach, and hold General Managers accountable for restaurant performance and operational standards.
• Maintain a consistent presence in restaurants, particularly during peak lunch and dinner service periods.
• Conduct regular operational audits, restaurant evaluations, and performance reviews.
• Identify performance gaps, implement corrective action plans, and ensure sustainable improvements.
• Support restaurant openings, operational transitions, and company initiatives.
• Drive restaurant profitability through disciplined labor management, food cost controls, and operational efficiency.
• Review and analyze restaurant P&L statements, sales trends, labor performance, and controllable expenses.
• Ensure accurate sales forecasting, staffing plans, inventory management, and financial reporting.
• Monitor scheduled versus actual labor, overtime, purchasing, and food waste.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, increase productivity, and reduce unnecessary expenses.
• Hold General Managers accountable for established financial targets and measurable results.
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and evaluate General Managers, Assistant General Managers, and emerging leaders.
• Establish clear performance expectations and ensure consistent accountability.
• Build leadership succession plans and strengthen internal management development.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and development planning.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Address staffing challenges, employee relations concerns, and leadership performance proactively.
• Ensure consistent execution of Kizuki hospitality, food quality, and service standards.
• Monitor guest feedback, restaurant evaluations, and service performance.
• Personally engage with restaurant teams and guests to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure guest complaints receive timely follow up and appropriate resolution.
• Work alongside restaurant leadership to improve service execution, order accuracy, speed of service, and guest satisfaction.
• Maintain an authentic and exceptional Japanese dining experience across all assigned restaurants.
• Partner with Culinary Leadership and restaurant management to ensure recipe adherence, ramen quality, portion consistency, and food safety.
• Verify proper execution of broth preparation, noodle cooking, plating standards, kitchen procedures, and inventory controls.
• Identify and eliminate food waste, unnecessary labor, production bottlenecks, and operational inefficiencies.
• Improve kitchen throughput, team productivity, and operational consistency.
• Ensure consistent execution of new menu items, operational procedures, and company initiatives.
• Support both front of house and back of house teams in maintaining operational excellence and authentic Japanese culinary standards.
• Partner with Culinary, Human Resources, Training, Facilities, Marketing, Finance, and IT to support restaurant performance.
• Ensure company initiatives are communicated, implemented, and maintained across assigned locations.
• Provide regular updates to the Assistant Director of Operations and Director of Operations regarding financial performance, staffing, operational challenges, and corrective action plans.
• Participate in leadership meetings and operational reviews with clear reporting on results, challenges, and action plans.
• Maintain strong communication between restaurant leadership and corporate support teams.
• Ensure compliance with Washington State labor laws, wage and hour requirements, and applicable local scheduling regulations.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, and health department standards.
• Ensure consistent execution of company policies, procedures, and operational requirements.
• Monitor employee training, certifications, and compliance documentation.
• Proactively identify compliance risks and implement corrective action.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with potential participation in a performance based bonus program.
• $500 monthly car allowance to support travel between restaurant locations.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 90% of eligible premiums covered by the employer.
• Paid Time Off.
• Employee meals and discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed