Restaurant Opening Manager
Job Type Full-time Description HOSPITALITY STARTS HERE Welcome to The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG), where hospitality is more than a job; it's a family, a lifestyle, and an exciting journey. We believe that by taking care of you, you'll best take care of our guests. It's working. In addition to generous benefits and job openings across 30+ locations, we have internal growth opportunities for everyone who wants it. But most of all, we have heart! THE ROLE... The Restaurant Opening Manager is responsible for managing and executing all phases of new restaurant openings for The Indigo Road. This highly mobile leadership role will serve as the on-the-ground liaison between our home office, project teams, and local operators, ensuring each new restaurant launches successfully and operates with excellence from day one. This position requires 85% travel and extended stays at opening locations, often for several weeks at a time. WHAT YOU'' DO AS THE RESTAURANT OPENING MANAGER:
- Collaborate with design, construction, and leadership teams to ensure alignment on timelines, layouts, and operational needs.
- Oversee pre-opening checklists and lead the creation of tailored opening plans for each concept.
- Coordinate with HR, IT, marketing, and vendors to ensure all operational systems are installed and functioning.
- Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring management and hourly teams for new locations.
- Lead and support front-of-house and back-of-house training programs with a focus on The Indigo Road's service culture and brand standards.
- Serve as acting GM or in an operational leadership role during the opening ramp-up period, until permanent leadership is fully in place.
- Guide the setup of all systems and procedures including POS programming, floor plans, service sequences, and inventory management.
- Monitor opening P&L performance, labor usage, and team execution to ensure a strong financial and operational launch.
- Provide real-time coaching and support to management teams during and after the soft opening, previews, and grand opening.
- Remain on-site for a defined transition period to ensure smooth handoff to permanent leadership.
- Support post-opening evaluations and follow-ups, identifying opportunities for continued training or operational improvement.
- Maintain documentation and debrief with executive leadership to refine future opening processes.
Requirements
Requirements:
- Minimum 5 years of full-service restaurant General Manager experience
- At least 2 years of experience in restaurant openings or pre-opening project leadership
- Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills
- Deep knowledge of restaurant operations, from service and hospitality to labor and inventory systems
- Ability to travel extensively (approximately 85%) and remain on-site for multi-week periods
- Highly organized and adaptable with a proactive problem-solving mindset
- Comfortable working in dynamic, high-pressure environments with multiple moving parts
- Proficient in POS systems, Google Suite, and operational planning tools
- Embodies The Indigo Road's values of respect, integrity, and hospitality
- Flexible to work nights and weekends when necessary, based on business and staffing needs.
IRHG PERKS:
- Competitive Compensation: Competitive base pay, performance-based bonuses (paid quarterly), and PTO benefits after 90 days.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and more.
- Financial Planning: Access to a 401K plan with a 50% match on your first 6% investment, along with Roth options.
- Home Loan Program: We offer a zero-interest housing loan program to help you achieve your dream of home ownership.
- Employee Discounts: Enjoy discounts at our 15 restaurant concepts and growing boutique hotels division.
- Family Time: Benefit from 4 weeks of PTO for maternity/paternity leave.
The above job description is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position, nor should it be construed as a contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. Apply tot his job