Executive Assistant Restaurant Manager
Recruiting Partner: John Webb
Des Moines, Iowa | Food & Beverage & Lodging | Not Remote | $65,000 to $80,000 | Job ID: 169976
Job Summary
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Executive Assistant Restaurant Manager
Casual Full-Service
Market: Des Moines, Ames & Iowa City, IA
Position Summary
The Executive Assistant Manager (EAM) is a high-impact leadership role designed to support the District Manager in driving operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and team performance across multiple restaurant locations. This role serves as a flexible, hands-on leader who can step into various Front-of-House (FOH) functions as needed while maintaining strong oversight of standards, systems, and people development.
The ideal candidate brings a proven track record from a corporate restaurant environment—either full-service or QSR—with demonstrated stability and strong tenure. This position requires the ability to work extended hours, weekends, and travel regularly within the market.
Key Responsibilities
Operational & Leadership Support
- Partner closely with the District Manager to execute company initiatives, operational standards, and performance goals
- Assist with oversight of daily operations across multiple locations, ensuring consistency in food quality, service, cleanliness, and safety
- Serve as a leadership presence in restaurants during peak periods, special projects, and coverage needs
- Support execution of new openings, remodels, menu rollouts, and operational pilots as assigned
Front-of-House Execution
- Provide hands-on FOH leadership, including stepping into bartending and serving roles when business needs require
- Coach and support FOH teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences
- Ensure adherence to service standards, alcohol compliance, and responsible service practices
- Address guest concerns promptly and professionally, resolving issues to brand standards
Team Development & Culture
- Support hiring, onboarding, training, and development of hourly and management team members
- Reinforce a culture of accountability, professionalism, and guest-first service
- Assist with performance management, coaching, and corrective action in partnership with the District Manager
- Serve as a role model for leadership behaviors and company values
Administrative & Business Support
- Assist with labor management, scheduling, and productivity controls
- Support inventory control, cost management, and cash handling procedures
- Ensure compliance with all company policies, brand standards, and local/state regulations
- Provide operational feedback and insights to the District Manager to drive continuous improvement
Schedule & Travel Requirements
- Ability to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Regular travel required between restaurant locations in Des Moines, Ames, and Iowa City, IA
- Flexibility to adjust schedule based on business needs and district priorities
Qualifications
Required
- 3+ years of management experience in a corporate restaurant environment (QSR or full-service)
- Demonstrated strong tenure and career stability
- Proven ability to lead teams in high-volume, guest-facing environments
- Hands-on operational mindset with willingness to work FOH positions as needed
- Strong communication, organization, and follow-through skills
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Preferred
- Experience supporting multi-unit or district-level operations
- Background in casual dining or high-volume restaurant brands
- Bartending and alcohol service experience
- ServSafe and alcohol certification (or ability to obtain)
What Success Looks Like
- District Manager is effectively supported through reliable execution and leadership presence
- Restaurants consistently meet or exceed brand standards and guest satisfaction goals
- FOH teams feel supported, coached, and engaged
- Operations run smoothly during peak periods, transitions, and special initiatives
JOB ID: 169976
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John Webb
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Additional Information
At Goodwin Recruiting, our clients seek qualified candidates, and that is what we deliver. A person’s age, gender, race, color, marital or family status, national origin, disability, religion, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity has no bearing on whether they are able to do the job. We evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that meet the requirements of the position and aim to open doors and change lives. We work hard to identify a broad slate of candidates for each of our clients, with many hiring success stories to share.
