About Convivium
Convivium Urban Farmstead is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving life through food. Through our restaurant, catering services, educational programs, urban farm and community outreach, we create opportunities for people to connect—with each other, with healthy food, and with their community.
We're looking for a leader who believes exceptional hospitality can transform lives. If you're passionate about creating outstanding guest experiences while helping grow a mission-driven organization, we'd love to meet you.
Position Summary
The General Manager & Catering Sales Coordinator is responsible for the overall daily operation of Convivium's breakfast and lunch restaurant, ensuring excellence in hospitality, food quality, staff development, financial performance, and operational efficiency. This position also leads the growth and coordination of our catering and private event business, serving as the primary contact for clients from initial inquiry through successful event execution.
This role is ideal for an experienced restaurant professional who is ready to take the next step into leadership. We are looking for someone with a strong restaurant background, exceptional customer service skills, sound judgment, strong organizational abilities, and the desire to grow into a leadership role.
Our restaurant operates during daytime hours, with occasional evenings required for catered events and special programs.
Key Responsibilities
Restaurant Leadership & Operations
- Oversee all daily restaurant operations, including both front-of-house and back-of-house functions.
- Foster a culture of hospitality, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
- Ensure every guest receives an exceptional dining experience.
- Lead by example through visible, hands-on leadership during service.
- Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and customer service.
- Work collaboratively with kitchen and front-of-house staff to ensure efficient service and communication.
- Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally.
- Identify opportunities to improve systems, efficiency, and the overall guest experience.
Staff Leadership & Development
- Recruit, hire, onboard, train, coach, and evaluate restaurant staff.
- Schedule front- and back-of-house employees while managing labor costs.
- Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback.
- Conduct regular staff meetings and training sessions.
- Promote a positive workplace culture that reflects Convivium's mission and values.
- Address employee concerns professionally and consistently.
- Support employee growth and cross-training opportunities.
Kitchen Operations
- Work closely with the culinary team to ensure consistent food quality and timely service.
- Monitor food preparation, presentation, and adherence to recipes and quality standards.
- Coordinate kitchen staffing needs with culinary leadership.
- Ensure proper food safety, sanitation, and health department compliance.
- Oversee ordering and inventory systems for food and kitchen supplies.
- Monitor food cost, waste, portion control, and inventory accuracy.
- Collaborate on seasonal menu updates, catering menus, and operational improvements.
Financial & Administrative Management
- Monitor restaurant sales, labor costs, food costs, and operating expenses.
- Order restaurant supplies, beverages, paper products, and operational inventory.
- Review daily sales reports and key performance indicators.
- Assist with budgeting and financial planning.
- Help achieve revenue and profitability goals.
- Ensure accurate cash handling and operational procedures.
- Maintain POS systems, pricing, and operational records.
Catering & Event Sales
- Serve as the primary contact for catering and private event clients.
- Respond promptly to inquiries and prepare proposals and estimates.
- Build relationships with individuals, businesses, and community organizations.
- Coordinate event logistics with clients and internal teams.
- Schedule catering staff and oversee successful event execution.
- Ensure outstanding customer service throughout the planning process and event day.
- Follow up after events to encourage repeat business and referrals.
- Actively seek opportunities to expand Convivium's catering and event business.
- Earn commission on catering and event sales.
Facilities & Collaboration
- Coordinate with maintenance and cleaning staff to ensure the restaurant and event spaces remain clean, safe, and welcoming.
- Ensure compliance with all health, sanitation, safety, and licensing requirements.
- Work closely with the Executive Director and leadership team to support organizational goals.
- Participate in planning meetings, special events, and organizational initiatives.
Qualifications
Required
- Five or more years of restaurant or hospitality experience.
- Demonstrated excellence in customer service.
- Strong leadership potential with the ability to motivate and develop others.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
- Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Basic computer proficiency, including email, scheduling software, and point-of-sale systems.
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand for extended periods.
Preferred
- Restaurant management or shift leadership experience.
- Experience with catering or private events.
- Sales or client relationship experience.
- Scheduling and inventory management experience.
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
What Success Looks Like
A successful General Manager will:
- Create a welcoming environment where guests become loyal customers.
- Build a positive, engaged, and accountable team.
- Maintain high standards of food quality and hospitality.
- Grow catering and event revenue through exceptional client relationships.
- Keep labor and food costs within budget.
- Solve problems proactively and communicate effectively.
- Champion Convivium's mission in every interaction.
Compensation & Benefits
- $45,000 annual salary.
- Commission on catering and event sales.
- Primarily daytime schedule.
- Occasional evening and weekend events.
- Paid time off.
- Professional growth opportunities.
- The opportunity to help build a stronger community through food.
Why Join Convivium?
Our restaurant is not simply a place to eat—it is one piece of a larger mission to improve life through food.
As General Manager, you'll have the opportunity to shape exceptional guest experiences, lead an outstanding team, grow our catering business, and help advance an organization making a meaningful impact in our community every day.
Pay: $45,000.00 per year
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person