Culinary General Manager

Description

Iacofano’s Catering, a leading catering company with a strong presence up and down the East Coast, is seeking a dedicated, people-focused, and scrappy General Manager to oversee our operations in Cleveland, OH. The ideal candidate will not only have a robust background in culinary management and a proven track record of leadership in a high-volume catering environment but also demonstrate exceptional soft skills—such as empathy, adaptability, and clear communication—to drive team engagement and operational excellence. This role calls for an individual who leads with emotional intelligence, fosters a collaborative culture, and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to get the job done.

Duties & Responsibilities

Operations & Customer Service

• Coordinate daily operations with Iacofano’s Corporate, displaying strong communication skills to keep all stakeholders informed.
• Ensure excellent customer service in the facility by empowering team members to address client needs proactively and courteously.
• Monitor P&L, food cost, labor cost, and budgeting, using creative problem-solving to hit financial targets in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.

Staffing & Scheduling

• Manage staffing levels to meet production needs while controlling labor costs, demonstrating fairness and transparency in decision-making.
• Post employment ads, handle onboarding, and provide thorough training that highlights both technical responsibilities and teamwork best practices.
• Create and communicate work schedules at least 5 days in advance, promoting work-life balance and respect for team members’ time.
• Track employee hours and address overtime as needed, actively listening to staff concerns and finding mutually beneficial solutions.

Inventory & Ordering

• Maintain accurate food cost by reducing unnecessary store runs and leveraging a resourceful, go-getter mindset to optimize ordering processes.
• Order products efficiently, check quality, and manage inventory while collaborating with vendors and internal teams.
• Follow FIFO for product rotation and portion control, emphasizing consistency and detail-orientation.

Recipes & Production

• Document and train staff on new or updated recipes, mentoring team members to uphold Iacofano’s high standards.
• Ensure recipe consistency and a high-quality presentation, inspiring staff to take pride in their work.
• Oversee production standards, including portion sizes and cooking methods, while encouraging a positive feedback loop for continuous improvement.

Sanitation & Compliance

• Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen, adhering to Health Code, FDA, and USDA standards, and instilling a sense of ownership in every team member.
• Ensure employees follow proper hygiene and sanitation protocols through coaching and consistent follow-through.
• Maintain a ServSafe certification and enforce compliance, acting as a role model for best practices.

Employee Management

• Address attendance and disciplinary issues per company policies with fairness, empathy, and respect for all parties involved.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing training, empowering staff to grow personally and professionally.
• Organize monthly employee meetings to encourage open communication and gather valuable feedback for continuous improvement.

Daily & Weekly Checks

• Ensure cooler/freezer temps, cleanliness, vehicle inspections, and proper documentation, modeling accountability and attention to detail.
• Perform weekly inspections and budget analysis, using critical thinking to drive cost-effective solutions and inspire the team to uphold high standards.

Why You’ll Thrive Here

• Leadership with Heart: We place a premium on emotional intelligence, nurturing a supportive atmosphere where every voice is heard and respected.
• Scrappy, Can-Do Mindset: Our culture values initiative and resourcefulness, encouraging you to tackle challenges head-on with creativity and grit.
• Commitment to Growth: At Iacofano’s, we believe in continuous improvement—not just in our menus and operations, but in our people. You’ll have the freedom to innovate and the support to make it happen.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• 5+ years as a General Manager or equivalent leadership role
• 3+ years Management experience in a profitable organization
• 2+ years of experience in Budgeting and Profit/Loss Analysis
• Valid Driver's License
• Must Pass Full Background Check and maintain clean Driving Record