Olive Branch Operating Manager

We are seeking an Operating Manager to lead daily restaurant operations, ensuring culinary excellence, operational efficiency, and an exceptional guest experience. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with strong restaurant and kitchen execution experience who is excited to help scale a proven and growing brand.

Key Responsibilities

Restaurant Operations

• Oversee daily kitchen and front-of-house operations to ensure smooth service and consistency
• Maintain operational standards aligned with brand expectations
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness at all times

Culinary Oversight

• Serve as the culinary lead, owning menu execution and food quality standards while setting the tone and leading by example in the kitchen
• Ensure consistency in food preparation, presentation, and portion control
• Monitor kitchen workflows to maintain efficiency and quality

Team Leadership & Training

• Lead, coach, and motivate kitchen and front-of-house teams
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new employees
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented team culture

Financial & Inventory Management

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and profit & loss oversight
• Monitor food costs, labor, and operational expenses
• Oversee inventory levels, ordering, and vendor coordination

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulations
• Maintain a safe, compliant, and organized workplace

Customer Experience

• Address guest concerns promptly and professionally
• Promote a customer-first environment that drives loyalty and repeat business

Marketing & Sales

• Act as a brand ambassador, representing Olive Branch Eatery through food quality, service standards, and guest engagement
• Partner with leadership to support local marketing initiatives, promotions, and community outreach
• Drive in-store revenue through strong menu knowledge, suggestive selling, and intentional guest engagement
• Train and coach front-of-house teams on upselling techniques, add-ons, and featured items
• Ensure menu presentation, food execution, and service flow support increased check averages
• Use guest feedback and sales trends to refine menu features, daily specials, and in-store promotions
• Create a welcoming, high-energy dining environment that encourages repeat visits and word-of-mouth referrals
• Optimize menu offerings and descriptions for online ordering platforms to increase conversion and average order value
• Train staff to promote online ordering, takeout, and catering options to in-store guests
• Monitor online order performance, guest feedback, and order accuracy to drive repeat business
• Collaborate with leadership on promotions, limited-time offerings, and featured items designed for digital channels
• Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, offices, and community organizations to generate recurring orders
• Support catering sales through menu execution, pricing awareness, and operational readiness
• Identify partnership opportunities aligned with brand values and Pacific Health Group initiatives
• Ensure consistent food quality and service standards for all large orders, events, and off-site engagements
• Support catering programs, special events, and partnerships to increase revenue and brand visibility
• Leverage guest feedback and sales trends to inform menu features, promotions, and operational improvements
• Build relationships with local businesses and community partners to grow repeat and referral business

Expansion & Partnership Support

• Support the opening of future locations and standardization of processes
• Assist with catering initiatives and partnerships aligned with Pacific Health Group

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of experience in restaurant operations or hospitality leadership (required)
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations and food service workflows
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health compliance standards
• Proven leadership and people-management skills
• Financial awareness, including cost control and operational efficiency
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
• Multi-unit or expansion experience is a plus, but not required

Schedule & Location

• Day, Evening, and Morning Shifts
• Location: San Marcos, CA 92078 (On-site, required)
• Relocation: Must relocate prior to start date
• Valid California Driver's License and active auto insurance meeting CA requirements
• Reliable personal vehicle for daily work use
• Successful completion of background check (including MVR)
• Must be able to travel up to 60-70% within the county to conduct in person visits
• Must successfully complete a Testlify skills assessment
• Must have a reliable working laptop for the first 21 days of employment (personal equipment stipend) until company issued laptop is received
• Must have effective Time Management skills
• Must have internet speed of 300+ mbps download and 25+ mbps upload
• Must be proficient in technology, including documentation systems, case management platforms, and communication tools
• Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed