General Manager

Denny's (WKS Restaurant Group)•Portland, OR

26d•Onsite

About The Position

The General Manager oversees all daily operations of a Denny’s restaurant to ensure efficient, compliant, and profitable performance. The role leads and develops employees, maintains high standards of guest service, ensures food safety and operational compliance, 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 position includes responsibility for hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance reviews; managing restaurant operations and finances; maintaining guest service standards; and ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulations. The General Manager works in a fast-paced restaurant environment and must be able to meet the physical, cognitive, and environmental demands described in the posting. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

At least 2 years of supervisory or management experience in a restaurant setting.
At least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong communication, leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills.
ServSafe certification.
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 attention in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, multitask, make timely decisions, solve problems, lead and coach employees, adapt to changing demands, maintain composure, and attend work regularly and predictably.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; reach, bend, stoop, grip, pinch, write, and use hands to operate equipment and handle products.
Ability to lift and carry 0–10 lbs frequently; 11–25 lbs occasionally to frequently; 26–50 lbs occasionally with assistance; and 51–75 lbs seldom with a team lift.
Ability to occasionally push or pull 10–40 lbs of force.

Nice To Haves

Full-service restaurant experience.
Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Hire, train, motivate, and develop restaurant employees; conduct onboarding, orientation, performance reviews, and coaching.
Enforce uniform and grooming standards and promote a professional, inclusive workplace culture that supports retention, teamwork, and guest service.
Demonstrate WKS Values: Integrity, Loyalty, Winning, Service, and Teamwork.
Oversee 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 operations through daily walk-throughs and checklists, and ensure food safety standards are met.
Ensure compliance with Health Department requirements and Denny’s brand audit standards.
Complete weekly inventory counts and reporting and place orders as required.
Work stations during peak periods, team breaks, and as needed to maintain service levels.
Ensure prompt, friendly, accurate, and high-quality guest service and meet Denny’s and WKS service metrics.
Address guest concerns professionally and promptly; improve guest experience through coaching, training, and daily reinforcement.
Communicate clearly with guests, vendors, and team members.
Manage financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L analysis; meet or exceed sales and profit goals while controlling 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, and health 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 the restaurant meets WKS and Denny’s brand compliance standards, including safety training, certifications, and documentation.