The Best Resume Action Verbs for Restaurant Manager Jobs

Your resume has 6 seconds to impress a hiring manager. Action verbs are key to making your restaurant management experience stand out. Words like "Led", "Optimized", "Trained," and "Resolved" shift your resume from a list of tasks to a showcase of achievements. These verbs highlight leadership, process improvements, and customer service skills while improving compatibility with applicant tracking systems (ATS). Pair them with measurable results, like "Led a team of 25 employees, reducing turnover by 15%", to demonstrate your impact.

Here’s a quick look at 10 action verbs that can transform your resume:

• Led: Showcases leadership and team management.
• Optimized: Highlights process improvements and efficiency.
• Trained: Demonstrates talent development and mentorship.
• Boosted: Focuses on measurable achievements like revenue growth.
• Streamlined: Emphasizes process improvements and cost savings.
• Resolved: Shows problem-solving skills and conflict management.
• Elevated: Reflects improvements in team performance or customer satisfaction.
• Implemented: Highlights initiative and execution of new systems or strategies.
• Managed: Demonstrates leadership and operational oversight.
• Increased: Focuses on measurable growth in key areas.

Tip: Always pair action verbs with specific metrics for maximum impact. For example: "Optimized workflows, cutting customer wait times by 15%."

How To Write A Restaurant Manager Resume? – Job Success Network

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1. Led

In restaurant management, the word "Led" is a powerful way to showcase leadership and operational expertise. It highlights your ability to manage teams, plan effectively, and delegate responsibilities – all critical skills in this field. Whether you supervised a small team during a shift or managed over 30 employees during peak hours, this verb underscores your capability to handle various scales of responsibility.

Demonstrates Leadership

At The Urban Table in Marietta, GA, a General Manager led a team of 30 employees from August 2012 to May 2016, introducing a loyalty program that increased customer retention by 28%. Similarly, at Oceanview Resort in Orlando, FL, a Restaurant Manager has been leading a team since May 2016, serving over 800 guests weekly while maintaining guest satisfaction scores above 95%.

"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

This verb not only highlights leadership but also helps quantify your operational successes.

Highlights Operational Efficiency

"Led" turns day-to-day responsibilities into measurable achievements. For example, you could say: "Led a team of 25 employees, reducing turnover by 30%." At The Cheesecake Factory in Jacksonville, a Head Waiter led a 25-member staff from January 2010 to January 2014, improving service speed by 35% during that period.

To avoid overusing "Led", consider alternatives like "Chaired", "Oversaw", or "Orchestrated". These synonyms keep your resume fresh while preserving the strength of your leadership narrative.

While "Led" emphasizes leadership and results, the next action verb shifts focus to fine-tuning processes for better efficiency.

2. Optimized

When it comes to management, optimized processes highlight a leader’s ability to deliver measurable outcomes. The term "Optimized" conveys active improvement, shifting from passive descriptions to assertive, results-driven language. It reflects efforts like redesigning workflows, boosting productivity, and cutting costs.

Highlights Operational Efficiency

"Optimized" works especially well when paired with specific achievements and measurable outcomes. Take Restaurant Manager Benjamin Garcia, for instance. From August 2017 to February 2023, during his time at The Cheesecake Factory in Fort Worth, Texas, he optimized supply chain management, cutting food waste by 15%. Earlier, between March 2015 and July 2017, while serving as Assistant Restaurant Manager at Chipotle Mexican Grill in Dallas, Texas, he optimized menu offerings, which led to a 5% sales increase.

"Action verbs help express impact, responsibility, and results in a way that is clearer for both humans and ATS systems." – Hiration

This focus on optimization not only enhances behind-the-scenes operations but also lays the groundwork for improving customer-facing processes.

Emphasizes Customer Service Expertise

The power of "Optimized" extends beyond back-of-house tasks. It can also describe front-of-house improvements, such as implementing guest feedback systems that raise customer satisfaction scores by 25% or fine-tuning seating arrangements. For example, a statement like "Optimized table turnover process, reducing guest wait times by 15 minutes" clearly conveys both the action taken and its positive effect on the dining experience.

Strategic use of action verbs like "Optimized" can make a resume stand out. Studies show that resumes with at least 10 distinct action verbs have a 12% higher chance of passing ATS scans. However, to maintain its impact, it’s wise to use "Optimized" no more than twice in a single experience section.

3. Trained

Building on the foundation of leadership ("Led") and refining processes ("Optimized"), "Trained" emphasizes your ability to develop talent and enhance team performance.

Demonstrates Leadership

Using "Trained" highlights proactive leadership focused on mentoring and coaching team members. Instead of generic phrases like "Led a team" or "Managed employees", share specific examples of how you inspired and guided others.

"Instead of reciting your management duties, like ‘Led a team…’ or ‘Managed employees…’ show what an inspirational leader you were, with terms like… Trained." – The Muse

For example, from March 2019 to the present, the Restaurant Manager at Botanica Bistro led and trained a team of over 20 staff members, reducing turnover by 15% through mentorship and tailored training programs. Similarly, while managing The Terrace in Boston from April 2015 to 2025, the Restaurant Manager implemented performance reviews and cross-training programs for a $5 million annual revenue operation, leading to a 40% improvement in staff retention.

Highlights Operational Efficiency

Effective training doesn’t just build skills – it also improves overall efficiency. For instance, starting in May 2016, the Restaurant Manager at Oceanview Resort introduced an upselling training program for a team serving 800+ weekly guests, boosting beverage revenue by 12%. At The Sunset Diner in Las Vegas, the Assistant Restaurant Manager established weekly training sessions beginning in May 2021, which improved service consistency and increased customer feedback scores by 23%.

Emphasizes Customer Service Expertise

Training plays a critical role in elevating the customer experience. Well-prepared staff can deliver exceptional service and handle guest concerns effectively. For example, implementing customer service training for new hires has been shown to raise satisfaction survey ratings by 14%. Pairing "Trained" with measurable outcomes like these demonstrates how your efforts directly impact guest satisfaction and overall success.

4. Boosted

The verb "Boosted" shifts the narrative from listing responsibilities to showcasing measurable achievements, making it a powerful choice for resumes and professional profiles.

Showcases Operational Improvements

"Boosted" is a great way to highlight improvements in areas like revenue, productivity, or service quality. For example, restaurant managers have increased seasonal revenue by 18% through targeted marketing campaigns. Similarly, implementing a wine knowledge training program led to a 40% jump in category sales, while managing banquet operations resulted in a 15% rise in annual profits.

Using "Boosted" can transform vague language into impactful statements. Instead of saying "Helped with customer service", you could say, "Boosted customer satisfaction by 25%". Pairing it with specific metrics – like percentages, dollar amounts, or timeframes – makes the accomplishment concrete and compelling. It’s also a great way to emphasize improvements in guest experiences or service quality.

Highlights Customer Service Success

Beyond operational metrics, "Boosted" is equally effective for emphasizing customer service achievements. For instance, introducing a diverse wine selection increased overall sales by 10%, while hospitality management improvements led to a 25% rise in positive customer reviews. Additionally, leveraging guest feedback systems resulted in a 50% boost in satisfaction ratings.

Resumes that use action verbs like "Boosted" are 40% more likely to receive interview requests compared to those with generic or passive language. Start bullet points with this dynamic verb, and always back it up with concrete data to clearly demonstrate your impact.

5. Streamlined

When it comes to dynamic action verbs, "Streamlined" stands out for showcasing improvements in both operations and leadership. It signals that you didn’t just maintain the status quo – you identified inefficiencies and made processes better.

Highlights Operational Efficiency

"Streamlined" emphasizes measurable improvements, making it a powerful word for your resume. For example, restaurant managers who streamlined procurement and inventory systems saw a 30% reduction in food waste and 30% lower beverage expenses. Redesigning workflows led to 25% faster delivery times, a 1-star boost in customer ratings, and an 80% reduction in reporting review time.

To make an impact, pair this verb with specific outcomes. Instead of saying, "Responsible for managing team schedules", say, "Streamlined staff scheduling using digital tools, cutting labor costs by 10% while maintaining service quality". Focus on areas where you made a difference, like inventory audits (reducing overstock by 23%), food prep processes (shortening customer wait times by 20%), or staff workflows (improving banquet efficiency by 25%).

Demonstrates Leadership

Using "Streamlined" also shows leadership, highlighting your ability to take initiative and improve processes. Kayte Grady, Senior Lead Copywriter at Teal, explains:

"Action verbs on your resume show how you got results by clearly highlighting your direct role in specific accomplishments and the impact".

This verb replaces passive phrases like "helped with" or "was responsible for", while also improving your chances with Applicant Tracking Systems by aligning with terms such as "Process Redesign and Improvement", "Productivity and Efficiency," and "Cost Reduction".

Always back up your claims with numbers – whether you reduced wait times, minimized waste, or cut expenses. Including "Streamlined" in your resume not only highlights your operational achievements but also positions you as a proactive leader – an invaluable quality in restaurant management.

6. Resolved

Demonstrates Leadership

The word "Resolved" highlights your ability to tackle workplace challenges head-on, starting with a strong resume header, whether it’s managing sudden rushes or addressing staff conflicts. Instead of using passive phrases like "responsible for handling complaints", focus on concrete achievements that showcase your problem-solving skills.

For instance, resolving internal disputes can lead to better staff retention and a healthier workplace environment. Take this example: from March 2019 to February 2026, a Restaurant Manager at Botanica Bistro "Resolved over 95% of customer complaints on the spot, leading to a 15% increase in customer satisfaction scores." This was achieved by introducing a new guest feedback system and raising service standards. Such actions not only improve team morale but also drive measurable business results.

Highlights Operational Efficiency

"Resolved" is also a powerful way to showcase your contributions to operational improvements. For example, addressing inventory discrepancies might cut food waste by 25%, saving up to $5,000 monthly. Similarly, resolving POS system issues could reduce order mistakes by 20%.

Rather than saying "fixed scheduling problems", you could phrase it as: "Resolved scheduling conflicts using 7shifts software, cutting overtime costs by 10%". Whether it’s eliminating kitchen bottlenecks to achieve 15% faster meal prep times, handling vendor disputes, or addressing health code violations, tying your actions to quantifiable results makes a stronger impact.

Emphasizes Customer Service Expertise

Using "Resolved" also underscores your ability to turn negative customer experiences into positive outcomes. By addressing root causes, you can significantly improve customer satisfaction – boosting scores by as much as 15%. This approach highlights your skill in not just "helping with" issues but in identifying and solving the underlying problems.

7. Elevated

Demonstrates Leadership

Using "Elevated" in your resume highlights your ability to lead and drive meaningful results. For instance, between January 2020 and 2025, Amelia Miller, a Restaurant Kitchen Manager at The Gourmet Kitchen in Charlotte, NC, elevated team efficiency by 30% through improved workflow processes.

"Your accomplishments should show you as the driving force of change, progress, and results, which means you need to structure your bullet points proactively. The best way to do this is to start each bullet point with a strong action verb."
– Kimberley Tyler-Smith, Senior Hiring Manager

This verb also works to showcase leadership in fostering team growth. For example, "Elevated team performance standards to achieve a 12% increase in employee retention". It goes beyond routine management, portraying you as someone who inspires progress and achieves measurable improvements.

Highlights Operational Efficiency

"Elevated" is equally effective in describing operational achievements. For example, from June 2017 to August 2019, Maurizio Milano, a Restaurant Manager at Angelo’s on Allerby Street in Los Angeles, CA, elevated annual revenue by 10% for three consecutive years by optimizing turnover rates and adjusting menu pricing. Similarly, Amelia Miller boosted the average ticket size by 15% at The Gourmet Kitchen by designing a seasonal menu.

Pairing "Elevated" with concrete metrics makes your contributions stand out. For example:

• "Elevated P&L accuracy by implementing real-time stock monitoring systems"
• "Elevated profit margins by 18% through vendor contract renegotiation"

These examples illustrate how small adjustments can lead to significant financial and operational gains.

Emphasizes Customer Service Expertise

"Elevated" is also a powerful term for showcasing advancements in customer service. Between February 2020 and November 2023, an Assistant Restaurant Manager at Fork & Plate in Tacoma, WA, elevated customer satisfaction by 20% within a year by implementing a guest feedback system and refining service standards.

This word resonates particularly well in high-end dining environments. For example, professional resumes for fine dining managers often highlight "Elevated" to describe actions that led to a 40% increase in reservations. Instead of saying "improved the dining experience", consider: "Elevated the dining experience by introducing a farm-to-table concept, increasing diner engagement by 25%". It’s a more dynamic way to reflect your contributions to customer satisfaction and brand growth.

8. Implemented

Building on earlier proactive efforts, "Implemented" focuses on putting strategic changes into action.

Demonstrates Leadership

Using "Implemented" showcases your ability to take charge and lead initiatives, rather than just following directions. This verb highlights your role in driving projects from start to finish. For example, in May 2016, a Restaurant Manager at Oceanview Resort in Orlando, FL, implemented an upsell training program for a team serving over 800 weekly guests. The result? A 12% increase in beverage revenue.

"Your accomplishments should show you as the driving force of change, progress, and results, which means you need to structure your bullet points proactively." – Resume Worded

This word is particularly effective when describing employee development efforts. For instance, implementing an employee referral program can cut hiring costs by 35%. Much like "Led" or "Trained", it highlights your ability to make meaningful changes happen.

Highlights Operational Efficiency

"Implemented" also emphasizes your knack for improving operations and solving challenges. Take this example: In April 2020, a Restaurant Manager at DriveUp Express in Charlotte, NC, implemented a mobile ordering system. This move reduced in-store wait times by 30% and lowered overtime labor costs by 15%. Similarly, in April 2021, a Store Manager at Burger Max in Phoenix, AZ, introduced daily quality checks and updated inventory processes, leading to a 19% reduction in product waste.

When paired with metrics, the impact becomes even clearer: "Implemented a real-time stock monitoring system, cutting food waste and inventory costs by 20%" or "Implemented POS upgrades and staff training, reducing order errors by 20%".

Emphasizes Customer Service Expertise

"Implemented" ties your management choices directly to improved guest satisfaction. For instance, starting in July 2019, a Restaurant Manager in Chicago introduced new service protocols, which resulted in a 25% increase in positive customer reviews. This verb signals a proactive approach to enhancing the dining experience rather than merely addressing problems as they arise.

Consider a similar example: implementing a guest feedback system can boost customer satisfaction scores by 25%. Instead of passive phrases like "responsible for customer service", opt for something more action-oriented, such as: "Implemented new service standards and staff coaching, increasing customer satisfaction scores by 15% within a year".

9. Managed

The word "Managed" is a strong action verb that shines when paired with measurable outcomes. With recruiters spending an average of just 6 seconds scanning a resume, this verb needs to quickly convey your responsibilities and the results you achieved.

Demonstrates Leadership

Using "Managed" effectively highlights your leadership and ability to deliver results. Instead of vague phrases like "responsible for staff", aim for something more impactful. For example, a Restaurant Manager at Botanica Bistro from March 2019 to the present "Managed inventory and vendor relationships to reduce food waste by 10% and secure a 12% cost reduction".

Numbers matter. Specify the size of the team you led, such as "Managed a team of 20+". This detail helps hiring managers understand your leadership capacity and your role in areas like training, mentorship, and employee retention.

Highlights Operational Efficiency

"Managed" becomes even more compelling when tied to financial or operational results. For instance, at The Urban Spoon, a Restaurant Manager "Managed daily operations" while achieving a 15% annual reduction in supply costs and improving customer satisfaction by 25%. Another example: A manager in a 150-seat restaurant "Managed daily operations, overseeing a 20-person team and improving service efficiency by 25%".

Including specific tools or systems you managed – like POS software, scheduling platforms, or inventory tracking – can also demonstrate your technical skills. For instance, optimizing staff scheduling could result in a 10% reduction in labor costs.

Emphasizes Customer Service Expertise

"Managed" is also a great way to connect your leadership skills to customer satisfaction. Use it to describe overseeing front-of-house teams, reservation systems, or guest feedback programs. For example, managing these operations in a high-volume environment could help maintain a 4.8 out of 5-star rating. Highlighting your ability to streamline reservations, resolve conflicts quickly, and oversee the guest experience shows you understand the link between operational success and happy customers.

Next, we’ll look at how the verb "Increased" can showcase the impact of your efforts on both operations and customer satisfaction metrics.

10. Increased

After discussing "Managed", let’s dive into another impactful verb: "Increased." This action word transforms routine tasks into measurable achievements. Including clear metrics when using "increased" can make your accomplishments stand out. In fact, resumes that feature at least 10 distinct action verbs like this one have a 12% higher chance of passing ATS systems.

Here’s how "Increased" can showcase leadership, operational efficiency, and customer service skills on your resume.

Demonstrates Leadership

"Increased" is a great way to highlight how your leadership contributed to tangible results. For instance:

• "Increased server sales by 16% over six months by expanding an employee training program".
  This example ties your mentoring efforts directly to business growth.
• "Increased annual revenue by 15% through improved operational efficiency and staff training".
  These examples show that your leadership isn’t just about managing – it’s about delivering measurable success.

Highlights Operational Efficiency

Pair "increased" with operational improvements to underline your ability to streamline processes. For example:

• "Increased average ticket size by 15% through developing and launching a new seasonal menu".
• "Increased order processing speed by 25% following staff training on POS systems like MICROS".
• "Increased takeaway sales by 80% during the COVID-19 period through new marketing strategies".

When using these examples, explain how you achieved these results – whether through better workflows, menu adjustments, or technology upgrades – to give a full picture of your efficiency.

Emphasizes Customer Service Expertise

"Increased" can also highlight your ability to improve customer satisfaction. Consider these examples:

• "Increased overall customer satisfaction by 25% by implementing a new guest feedback system and improving service standards".
• "Increased repeat customer visits by 18% through aligning front-of-house strategies to enhance the dining experience".

These metrics demonstrate how your efforts in customer service translate into business growth. As Zachary Fagenson from Restaurant365 points out:

"In addition to explaining what you’ve done, you want to share a measurable impact and how you did it. Avoid passive voice and passive phrases like ‘responsible for’".

Weak Phrases vs. Strong Action Verbs

Once you’ve nailed down the use of strong action verbs, the next step is to replace weak, passive phrases with dynamic, results-driven bullet points. Phrases like "responsible for" can make your resume feel like a dull list of tasks. Instead, focus on showcasing achievements. Nathan Soto, Career Expert & PR Specialist, puts it plainly:

"Start your bullet points with action verbs instead of phrases like ‘responsible for’ to show what you achieved, not just what you did."

And here’s why this matters: starting your resume sentences with action verbs can boost your chances of landing an interview by 140%. But here’s a word of caution from former Google Recruiter Keanna Carter:

"If you say managed five or ten times, I’m going to assume AI wrote your resume."

To help you get started, here’s a chart comparing weak phrases with action-packed alternatives for restaurant manager resumes:

The formula to follow is straightforward: Action Verb + Responsibility + Quantifiable Achievement. For example: Trained 20+ front-of-house staff on new POS software, reducing order errors by 15%. Shifting from passive descriptions to active accomplishments not only grabs the attention of hiring managers but also performs well with ATS systems.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we’ve highlighted how the right action verbs can make your restaurant manager resume stand out. The impact of your resume relies heavily on the strength of your word choices. By swapping out passive phrases for dynamic action verbs like Led, Optimized, Trained, and Boosted, you can turn a basic list of tasks into a compelling story of accomplishments. Considering hiring managers spend just 6 seconds scanning resumes during their initial review, every word on your resume must serve a purpose and grab attention.

To maximize your resume’s effectiveness, stick to a straightforward formula: Action Verb + Task + Quantifiable Result. This technique not only highlights your achievements but also ensures your resume is optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems, which prioritize specific keywords. Vary your verb choices to keep your resume engaging and genuine.

When you’re preparing to apply for restaurant management roles, incorporate these action verbs into your resume for platforms like RR Guy. Specializing in restaurant management positions across casual dining, fine dining, fast casual, and more, RR Guy offers free access for candidates to submit resumes and explore job listings. These strategies will help your resume stand out and clearly communicate your measurable successes.

Kick off each bullet point with a strong verb and quantifiable results to ensure your resume leaves an impression – your next restaurant management opportunity is just around the corner.

FAQs

How can I use action verbs and metrics to make my restaurant manager resume stand out?

To make your restaurant manager resume stand out, combine strong action verbs with specific metrics that showcase your achievements. For instance, instead of saying "managed staff", you could say, "led a team of 20 employees, boosting customer satisfaction scores by 15% within six months." This method pairs an impactful verb like led with measurable results, clearly illustrating the value you brought to the role.

Focus on metrics that matter in restaurant management, such as increased sales, reduced costs, or improved operations. For example, you could write, "streamlined inventory processes, cutting waste by 10% and saving $5,000 annually," or "trained staff to enhance service times by 20%." By blending action verbs with concrete results, you’ll make your contributions more memorable and easier for hiring managers to appreciate.

Why are action verbs essential for optimizing your resume for ATS scans?

Action verbs are crucial for making your resume stand out, especially when it comes to beating ATS (Applicant Tracking System) scans. These systems are programmed to pick up on specific keywords and phrases that align with the job description, and strong verbs can effectively showcase your skills, accomplishments, and expertise.

Using verbs like "managed," "streamlined," or "coordinated" not only highlights your qualifications but also boosts the likelihood that your resume will make it through the initial screening process and land in front of hiring managers. For restaurant management positions, it’s especially important to choose verbs that emphasize leadership, operational efficiency, and customer service expertise.

What are some stronger alternatives to common resume verbs like ‘Led’?

If you’re tired of relying on the same old verb, like "Led", to describe your accomplishments, try swapping it out for more impactful alternatives that showcase your leadership and management abilities. Here are some strong options to consider:

• Spearheaded
• Orchestrated
• Directed
• Mentored
• Initiated
• Supervised
• Pioneered

These action-packed verbs not only bring variety to your resume but also help highlight your role in driving success, making your achievements stand out to hiring managers.

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