General Manager

Denny's (WKS Restaurant Group)•Phoenix, AZ

20d

About The Position

The General Manager oversees all daily operations of a Denny’s restaurant to ensure efficient, compliant, and profitable performance. The role manages and develops employees, maintains high guest-service and food-safety standards, and works toward financial and operational targets. The General Manager is accountable for staffing, training, scheduling, brand standards, safety, and overall restaurant leadership in a full-service dining environment. The role leads restaurant operations, including scheduling, food ordering, inventory, equipment checks, payroll processes, opening and closing procedures, and cash controls. It also manages financial performance through budgeting, forecasting, P&L analysis, and expense control; ensures compliance with applicable regulations and company standards; and responds to guest concerns. The job involves extended standing and walking, frequent guest interaction, work in a fast-paced environment, and exposure to kitchen and cleaning hazards.

Requirements

At least 2 years of supervisory or management experience in a restaurant setting.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Strong communication, leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills.
ServSafe certification required.
Proficiency with cash handling, smart safe operation, and POS systems.
Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Reliable transportation and willingness to work at nearby restaurant locations as business needs require.
Ability to resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally using company service standards and processes.
Ability to maintain focus in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, multitask, shift priorities, make timely decisions, and adapt to changing business demands.
Ability to lead, supervise, coach, and direct employees at all levels and manage guest interactions professionally.
Ability to maintain professional composure and regular, predictable attendance.

Nice To Haves

Full-service restaurant experience.
Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Hire, train, motivate, and develop restaurant employees, including conducting onboarding, orientation, performance reviews, and coaching.
Enforce uniform and grooming standards and foster a professional, inclusive, positive work culture that supports retention, teamwork, and guest service.
Demonstrate WKS Values: Integrity, Loyalty, Winning, Service, and Teamwork.
Oversee restaurant operations, including scheduling, food ordering, inventory management, equipment checks, and payroll processes.
Maintain appropriate staffing levels based on sales trends and business needs.
Manage opening and closing procedures, including security and cash protocols.
Monitor daily walk-throughs, operational checklists, and food-safety standards.
Ensure adherence to Health Department requirements and Denny’s brand audit standards.
Complete weekly inventory counts and reporting, and perform ordering as required.
Work stations during peak periods, team breaks, and as needed to maintain service levels.
Ensure guests receive prompt, friendly, accurate, and high-quality service; meet service metrics for friendliness, accuracy, cleanliness, speed, and food quality.
Address and resolve guest concerns professionally and promptly, and improve guest experience through coaching, training, and daily reinforcement.
Communicate clearly with guests, vendors, and team members.
Manage financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, P&L analysis, and meeting or exceeding sales and profit goals.
Control labor, food, and operating expenses; analyze operating statements and identify trends and opportunities using company reporting tools.
Ensure cash controls, safe operations, deposits, and reconciliation procedures are followed.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and company timekeeping policies.
Maintain accurate records, complete required reports, and meet safety, sanitation, health, and brand compliance standards.
Promptly report claims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour violations, bullying, workplace violence, or other inappropriate behavior to the District Leader and Human Resources.
Ensure required safety training, certifications, and documentation are maintained.