Restaurant Manager/ Head Server

Recruiting Partner: Rob Rush

Buffalo, New York | Food & Beverage & Lodging | Not Remote | $90,000 to $100,000 | Job ID: 163095

Job Summary

To Apply for this Job Click Here

A well-established, upscale restaurant in the Buffalo Southtowns is seeking an experienced and polished Head Server / Restaurant Manager to join our team. This is a unique working manager role ideal for a seasoned professional who thrives in a hands-on environment and enjoys providing exceptional service while leading by example.

Position Overview:

The Head Server / Restaurant Manager will be responsible for the seamless operation of front-of-house activities, while also working regular shifts as a server—handling high-profile tables, VIP guests, and large parties. This role combines leadership, service excellence, and administrative responsibilities to deliver an unparalleled dining experience.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Hourly Rate: $16/hour
  • With tips, annual compensation averages $90,000–$100,000
  • Overtime available
  • Benefits include:
    • 401(k)
    • Paid vacation time
    • Flexible scheduling with the ability to create your own schedule

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide exemplary table service as a lead server, including handling large parties and VIP guests with discretion and professionalism
  • Manage all front-of-house operations to ensure smooth and efficient service during all shifts
  • Write and manage weekly staff schedules to optimize coverage and labor costs
  • Hire, train, and develop front-of-house staff to maintain high standards of service and professionalism
  • Oversee banquet bookings, coordinating all aspects of private events from inquiry to execution
  • Place and manage all liquor, beer, and wine orders to maintain appropriate inventory levels
  • Take and monitor reservations to ensure a balanced flow of guests and maximize revenue
  • Handle guest concerns and special requests promptly and professionally to ensure guest satisfaction
  • Maintain cleanliness, ambiance, and readiness of the dining room at all times
  • Conduct regular staff meetings and pre-shift briefings to communicate expectations and updates

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 10 years of restaurant experience, with at least 2–4 years in a management role in a high-volume, upscale dining environment
  • Highly polished, professional demeanor with the ability to interact comfortably with VIPs and high-profile clientele
  • Strong knowledge of wine, spirits, and fine dining service standards
  • Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills
  • Proven ability to manage and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience with POS systems and reservations 

At Goodwin Recruiting, we are committed to our core values and providing world class customer service. We are committed to helping our clients navigate and comply with the complex and ever-changing labor laws as well as help ensure that in every hiring decision, internally and with our client partners, that all viable candidates are considered, and the most qualified candidate is offered the role. We evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that meet the requirements of the position and aim to open doors and change lives. We value all people, understanding that uniqueness and diversity foster a stronger team that is innovative and brings varying perspectives to the table. We put our money where our mouth is and are proud of our efforts to identify a broad slate of candidates, with many hiring success stories to share.

 

JOB ID: 163095

#post

Rob Rush

To Apply for this Job Click Here

Share This Job

Share This Job

Additional Information

At Goodwin Recruiting we are committed to our core values. We take our value, Dedicated to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, very seriously and will never discriminate against a candidate or client based on any protected classes. Our clients seek qualified candidates, and that is what we deliver. A person’s age, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or arrest or conviction record has no bearing on whether he, she, or 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 value all people, understanding that uniqueness and diversity foster a stronger team that is innovative and brings varying perspectives to the table. We put our money where our mouth is and are proud of our efforts to identify a broad slate of candidates, with many hiring success stories to share.

Rob Rush

Senior Recruiting Partner & Training Coach

Regional Vice President of Operations

Chicago, Illinois
Food & Beverage & Lodging
$200,000 to $225,000

Resort Director of Accounting

Dallas, Texas
Food & Beverage & Lodging
$160,000 to $175,000

General Manager Fast Casual

Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Food & Beverage & Lodging
$55,000 to $58,000

Executive Chef

Burlingame, California
Food & Beverage & Lodging
$90,000 to $95,000

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.

Rob Rush

Senior Recruiting Partner & Training Coach