General Manager Resume Example With Real Bullet Points
Recruiters spend just 7 seconds scanning a resume, so your general manager resume must highlight achievements that stand out. With 180 applications per job on average, focusing on measurable results over generic responsibilities is key. For example, instead of "managed staff schedules", say "optimized scheduling to save 10% in labor costs." This guide outlines how to:
- Write a professional summary showcasing metrics like revenue growth or cost savings.
- Highlight essential skills like P&L management, inventory control, and team leadership.
- Craft bullet points that quantify achievements, such as "reduced food waste by 15%" or "boosted revenue by 20%."
Tailor your resume to job descriptions by using keywords like ServSafe Certified or POS Systems to pass ATS filters. Every section should demonstrate your ability to deliver results, from cutting costs to improving customer satisfaction.
Restaurant General Manager Resume Statistics and Key Metrics
General Manager Resume Tips from a Career Coach
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How to Write a Professional Summary
A professional summary at the top of your resume is your chance to make a strong first impression.
"Think of it like a business pitch. Your knowledge and experiences are the product you have to sell to the investor, in this case, the employer." – LiveCareer
Recruiters typically spend about seven seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to proceed. That means your summary needs to quickly and clearly highlight your value. Focus on key points like your years of experience, team sizes you’ve managed (e.g., "staff of 50+"), and financial contributions such as revenue growth or cost reductions.
The best summaries avoid vague phrases like "experienced manager" and instead include measurable achievements. For example, "increased weekend sales by $20,000" is much more impactful than generic statements. Don’t forget to include industry-relevant keywords (e.g., P&L Management, ServSafe Certified, Inventory Control) to ensure your resume passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
If you have over a decade of experience, focus on showcasing accomplishments. For those just starting out or making a career switch, highlight transferable skills through an objective statement instead.
Below are examples of professional summaries that effectively use measurable achievements to stand out.
Professional Summary Examples
These examples, tailored for restaurant general managers, show how to craft a summary that highlights measurable results and relevant skills:
Example 1 – High-Volume Operations Focus:
"Results-driven Restaurant General Manager with 10+ years of experience leading high-volume dining operations serving 500+ customers daily. Reduced food waste by 15% through strategic inventory management and negotiated vendor contracts that cut ingredient costs by 10%. Expert in P&L management, staff development, and maintaining health code compliance in fast-paced environments."
(Adapted from Benjamin Garcia’s experience at The Cheesecake Factory in Fort Worth, Texas, August 2017 – February 2023)
Example 2 – Revenue Growth Emphasis:
"Dynamic General Manager with proven track record of driving profitability in competitive markets. Increased restaurant revenue by 20% within first year and boosted food sales by 15% through enhanced menu offerings and strategic pricing. Skilled in team leadership, customer experience optimization, and implementing loyalty programs that drive repeat business."
(Based on Min Nguyen’s role at The Golden Table in Maplewood, NJ, January 2023 – July 2025)
Example 3 – Labor Cost and Retention:
"Accomplished Restaurant Manager specializing in operational efficiency and team development. Reduced employee turnover by 30% and cut labor costs by 14% through redesigned shift scheduling and performance incentive programs. ServSafe certified with expertise in POS systems, inventory control, and creating cultures of excellence in fast-casual dining environments."
(Inspired by Jamie Smith’s achievements at Burger Max in Phoenix, AZ, April 2021 – Present)
"Restaurant manager resumes should reflect team leadership, customer service, and cost control. Show how you create a smooth, high-quality dining experience." – Carolyn Kleiman, Resume and Career Advisor
Each example demonstrates the power of quantifying achievements with specific percentages or dollar amounts, outlining the scope of leadership (like team size or customer volume), and mentioning certifications and technical expertise. These details help hiring managers quickly understand your impact and the value you bring to their organization.
Skills Restaurant General Managers Should List
Your professional summary sets the stage, but the skills section is where you really prove your qualifications. Highlighting the right mix of technical and interpersonal skills is essential for demonstrating your ability to manage a profitable restaurant effectively.
Organizing your skills into categories like Operations, Financial Management, Leadership, and Technical Proficiency helps both hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) quickly identify your strengths.
"A proactive GM always has a financial bird’s eye view of the restaurant, providing the tools to be prepared for situations rather than react after they happen." – Mike Hewitt, CEO of One Haus
Restaurant managers need to shine in areas like P&L management and POS system integration, while also demonstrating leadership that improves team performance and operational efficiency. Tailor your skills section to the job description, using exact terms like "inventory control" or "food safety compliance" to pass ATS filters. Certifications such as ServSafe Food Protection Manager or Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) can further validate your expertise.
10-15 Skills to Add to Your Resume
Below are key skills every restaurant general manager should include, along with a brief explanation of their relevance:
Financial Management:
- P&L Management: Analyze profit and loss statements to identify cost-saving opportunities and maintain healthy margins. Aim for a prime cost (food, beverage, and labor) of 60–65%.
- Budgeting: Develop and manage budgets to control expenses and allocate resources effectively.
- Cost Control: Negotiate vendor contracts, reduce overhead, and minimize waste without affecting quality.
- Labor Control: Optimize staffing levels and scheduling to lower labor costs by 10–12% while maintaining service standards.
Operational Excellence:
- Inventory Management: Conduct regular audits to reduce food waste by up to 20% and prevent discrepancies.
- Staff Scheduling: Create efficient shift schedules that balance labor costs with customer demand during peak and slow periods.
- Food Safety Compliance: Ensure adherence to health code regulations and maintain ServSafe certification.
- Vendor Relations: Manage supplier relationships to secure quality ingredients at competitive prices.
Technical Proficiency:
- POS Systems: Use platforms like Toast, Micros, or Square to process transactions, track sales, and generate reports.
- Reservation Platforms: Optimize table turnover and guest experience using systems like OpenTable.
- Restaurant Management Software: Leverage tools such as Restaurant365 or QuickBooks for accounting, inventory tracking, and financial reporting.
Leadership and Team Development:
- Staff Training & Development: Implement training programs that improve service speed by 20% and reduce turnover by 30%.
- Conflict Resolution: Handle disputes effectively to maintain a positive work environment.
- Team Building: Boost morale and collaboration through performance incentives and recognition programs.
Customer Service:
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Use loyalty programs to increase repeat customer visits and drive revenue.
- Guest Experience Optimization: Consistently monitor satisfaction ratings and address feedback to maintain scores above 95%.
If you’re bilingual (e.g., English and Spanish), it can be a huge asset when managing diverse teams and customer bases. Additionally, skills like menu engineering, which involve designing menus that reflect guest preferences and maximize profit margins, highlight your ability to make strategic decisions that enhance profitability.
Work Experience Bullet Points with Real Examples
Your work experience section is where you prove your impact. Each bullet point should combine action verbs, specific metrics, and clear outcomes to answer the question: "What did I achieve, and how did it make a difference?"
"Quantifying your accomplishments demonstrates that you’re a results-oriented manager." – Nathan Soto, Career Expert & PR Specialist, Resume Genius
For example, instead of saying "Managed staff", you could say, "Supervised 30+ employees, reducing turnover by 25% through targeted training." This approach highlights your results and grabs the attention of hiring managers. Let’s dive into examples across leadership, operations, and revenue growth.
Leadership and Team Management Bullet Points
Leadership is about building and guiding teams to success. Highlight your ability to train staff, improve retention, and ensure compliance. Numbers help paint a clear picture of your impact.
At The Cheesecake Factory in Fort Worth, TX, Restaurant Manager Benjamin Garcia improved service speed by 20% and customer satisfaction ratings while managing over 500 daily customers. During his time at Chipotle Mexican Grill in Dallas, TX, he led a team of 30+ employees, kept turnover under 10%, and introduced cross-training to handle a 15% traffic surge without hiring additional staff.
At Harborview Bistro, Restaurant Operations Supervisor Min Nguyen trained 50+ staff members, cutting customer wait times by 30%. Meanwhile, a General Manager at Chipotle Mexican Grill in London reduced turnover by 25% and labor costs by 20% through strategic hiring and development.
Examples:
- Supervised 50+ front-of-house and back-of-house employees, achieving a 98% shift compliance rate through efficient scheduling and clear communication
- Trained 30+ staff on upselling techniques and service protocols, boosting service speed by 20% and improving customer satisfaction scores
- Introduced cross-training programs, enabling the team to manage a 15% rise in peak traffic without additional hiring
- Reduced employee turnover by 25% in one year by implementing performance incentives and recognition programs
- Maintained 100% compliance with ServSafe food safety regulations, ensuring zero violations during inspections
Operations and Cost Control Bullet Points
Operations-focused bullet points should show how you streamlined processes, reduced waste, and controlled costs while maintaining quality. Hiring managers are especially drawn to percentage reductions and cost savings.
At The Cheesecake Factory in Fort Worth, TX, the Restaurant Manager cut food waste by 15% and negotiated vendor contracts to lower ingredient costs by 10% while serving over 500 customers daily. Similarly, at Chipotle Mexican Grill in Dallas, TX, an Assistant Manager introduced an inventory tracking system that reduced discrepancies by 18%.
At Burger Max in Phoenix, AZ, the Store Manager redesigned scheduling and introduced performance incentives, cutting labor costs by 14% and product waste by 19% with daily quality checks. At Tasty Treats Restaurant, a Senior General Manager saved $10,000 annually by reducing food waste by 20% and renegotiating supplier contracts.
Examples:
- Reduced food waste by 30% through a streamlined inventory management system and weekly audits of storage procedures
- Negotiated vendor contracts for high-volume ingredients, cutting supply costs by 12% and saving $15,000 annually
- Optimized staff scheduling, reducing overtime expenses by 12% while maintaining service quality during peak hours
- Implemented a new POS system (Toast), improving order accuracy by 25% and reducing transaction time by 18%
- Decreased labor costs by 20% through strategic staffing adjustments without compromising customer service
Revenue Growth and Customer Satisfaction Bullet Points
Revenue-related bullet points should link your actions to financial results and customer satisfaction improvements. Show how you drove sales, enhanced the guest experience, and built loyalty.
At Bar Louie in Tucson, AZ, the Restaurant Manager exceeded monthly sales goals by at least 10% through upselling training and a featured food and beverage program. Similarly, at Chipotle Mexican Grill in Dallas, TX, an Assistant Manager increased quarterly revenue by 5% with strategic menu updates and launched a loyalty program that boosted repeat business by 12% in its first year.
At Seafood Delight, the General Manager raised average per-customer spend by 18% by introducing a premium wine and cocktail menu. Meanwhile, at Panera Bread in Fort Worth, TX, a Shift Supervisor maintained a 96% order accuracy rate by developing an enhanced order management system.
Examples:
- Increased restaurant revenue by 25% year-over-year through targeted marketing campaigns and a menu redesign focused on high-margin items
- Boosted weekend sales by $20,000 monthly by introducing promotional events and optimizing table turnover strategies
- Achieved a 92% rise in sales through comprehensive staff training on upselling techniques and premium menu items
- Grew repeat customer visits by 12% within six months by launching a digital loyalty program and personalized email campaigns
- Enhanced customer satisfaction scores by 30% by reducing average wait times from 20 to 14 minutes with streamlined service protocols
Full Restaurant General Manager Resume Example
Sample Resume
Here’s a complete reverse-chronological resume example that applies the strategies discussed earlier. It highlights how to effectively combine professional summaries, skills, and measurable achievements into one polished document.
MARIA RODRIGUEZ
Tampa, FL | (813) 555-7890 | maria.rodriguez@email.com | linkedin.com/in/mariarodriguez
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Experienced Restaurant General Manager with over 8 years of success in boosting revenue by 25%, cutting labor costs by 20%, and maintaining customer satisfaction above 90%. Proficient in P&L management, team leadership, and optimizing operations across both fast-casual and fine dining settings.
CORE SKILLS
- P&L Management
- Staff Training & Development
- Inventory Control
- POS Systems (Toast, Aloha)
- Vendor Negotiations
- Food Safety Compliance (ServSafe)
- Customer Experience
- Labor Scheduling
- Conflict Resolution
- Strategic Planning
EXPERIENCE
Restaurant General Manager
The Golden Table, Tampa, FL | March 2021 – Present
- Drove a 25% year-over-year revenue increase through strategic marketing and menu adjustments focusing on high-margin items.
- Managed a team of over 50 employees, achieving a 98% compliance rate with scheduling and shift protocols.
- Cut food waste by 30% via enhanced inventory processes.
- Negotiated vendor contracts, reducing supply costs by 12% and saving $15,000 annually.
- Introduced a digital loyalty program that boosted repeat visits by 12% within six months.
Assistant General Manager
Harborview Bistro, Tampa, FL | June 2018 – February 2021
- Trained a team of 30+ on upselling techniques, increasing service speed by 20%.
- Implemented the Toast POS system, improving order accuracy by 25% and reducing transaction times by 18%.
- Maintained perfect compliance with ServSafe regulations, ensuring no health inspection violations.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction scores by 30% by cutting average wait times from 20 minutes to 14 minutes.
Shift Manager
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Tampa, FL | January 2017 – May 2018
- Directed a team of 15+ employees during peak hours, serving 300+ customers daily.
- Launched cross-training initiatives, enabling the team to handle a 15% increase in traffic without additional hires.
- Reduced employee turnover by 25% through performance-based incentives and recognition programs.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL | Graduated May 2016
CERTIFICATIONS
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification | Valid through December 2027
- Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) | National Restaurant Association | Issued January 2022
How to Customize Your Resume for RR Guy Applications
Matching Your Resume to Job Descriptions
When tailoring your resume for RR Guy job applications, focus on aligning it with the specific requirements outlined in the job posting. Carefully review the listing and note the recurring keywords or phrases, especially those mentioned early on. These are often the employer’s top priorities. For instance, if the job description highlights "P&L management" and "inventory control", make sure these terms are prominently featured in your work experience section.
"When I review resumes, I scan for certain skills such as contract writing, program development and supervisory experience. I only interview candidates that have one or more skills specific to the job description." – Jessica Hinkle, hiring manager
To make your resume stand out, start each bullet point with a strong action verb like implemented, negotiated, or drove. Reorganize your bullet points so the most relevant experiences are listed first, ensuring the hiring manager quickly sees how your skills match their needs.
Using Numbers to Show Results
Once you’ve tailored your resume to reflect the job description, take it a step further by quantifying your achievements. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your contributions and make your resume more impactful. Instead of writing something vague like "improved customer satisfaction", be specific: "increased customer satisfaction scores by 15% through a new feedback resolution protocol."
Highlight measurable outcomes like revenue growth, cost savings, operational improvements, or team management. For example:
- "Reduced food waste by 15% through optimized inventory tracking."
- "Managed a team of 50+ employees across multiple locations."
"Numbers add detail about how big the results you deliver are, e.g., test scores, passing rate and more." – Gabriela Hernandez, CPRW
Whenever possible, pair your achievements with timeframes to showcase both the scope and speed of your success. For example: "Increased revenue by 20% within the first year by implementing a new sales strategy." This approach helps employers understand the immediate value you can bring to their organization.
Conclusion
Creating an impressive restaurant general manager resume boils down to four key elements: a strong professional summary and header, industry-relevant skills, measurable achievements, and tailoring each application to the job. Your professional summary is your chance to make a powerful first impression, so use it to emphasize your experience, standout accomplishments, and essential management abilities.
Focus on results throughout your resume. Instead of listing generic tasks, highlight achievements with numbers that demonstrate your impact. For instance, showing a 20% boost in revenue, cutting food waste by 15%, or increasing staff retention by 25% paints a clear picture of your success. These specifics help you stand out from candidates who only describe their responsibilities, offering proof of your ability to deliver real results.
Customizing your resume for each position is just as important. Tailor it to match the job description by incorporating relevant keywords and prioritizing accomplishments that align with the restaurant’s goals. This approach not only helps you get through Applicant Tracking Systems but also shows hiring managers that you’re prepared to tackle their unique challenges from day one.
FAQs
How can I effectively showcase measurable achievements on my general manager resume?
To make your general manager resume stand out, focus on showcasing measurable achievements with specific metrics. For instance, highlight results like revenue increases (e.g., "Boosted annual sales by $50,000"), cost reductions (e.g., "Cut expenses by 15%"), or operational efficiencies (e.g., "Improved service times by 20% through process enhancements").
Whenever possible, link your accomplishments to quantifiable outcomes that reflect your impact on the business. Examples include metrics related to customer satisfaction, team productivity, or employee retention. Numbers not only validate your contributions but also grab the attention of hiring managers by clearly demonstrating your value.
What are the best keywords to include in a restaurant general manager resume to get past ATS filters?
To increase your chances of getting past ATS (Applicant Tracking System) filters, make sure to include keywords relevant to the restaurant general manager role. Focus on terms such as restaurant management, team leadership, financial analysis, operational efficiency, staff training, customer service, inventory management, budgeting, staff recruitment, and regulatory compliance.
These terms highlight the key skills and responsibilities that hiring managers prioritize. By weaving these keywords naturally into your experience, achievements, and skills sections, you’ll enhance your resume’s visibility during automated screenings.
How can I customize my resume for specific job openings?
To make your resume stand out for a specific job, focus on aligning your skills and experiences with the job description. Start by researching the company to understand their priorities and the key qualifications they value – whether it’s leadership, financial management, or customer service excellence.
Next, highlight accomplishments and responsibilities that directly connect to these priorities. For instance, if the position emphasizes financial skills, detail your experience in budgeting, forecasting, or boosting profitability. If leadership is a key requirement, showcase how you’ve built effective teams, reduced staff turnover, or mentored team members to success. Incorporating keywords from the job description can also help your resume pass applicant tracking systems.
Lastly, customize your professional summary or objective to reflect the specific role and company. This personal touch not only shows genuine interest but also signals to recruiters that you’ve put effort into tailoring your application to their needs.
