General Manager

Accountability

Reporting to the Area Director, the General Manager will be responsible for overall restaurant operations execution and management of staff, controllable profit plan achievement, guest count growth, and sales building activities. Additional responsibilities include focus on employee selection, retention, continuous operational improvement, and a strong commitment to hospitality and guest satisfaction. General Managers must have a strong commitment to and exhibit Denny’s Guiding Principles when interacting with others.

Job Responsibilities

These are areas of performance in which the General Manager must be successful to meet their

accountability:

• Guests: Makes sure that all Restaurant Managers and employees put “Guests First” to ensure a respectful and enjoyable environment, satisfied guests, and repeat business.
• Customer service focus from 9 am – 1 pm
• People: Attracts, hires, develops, coaches, and retains Restaurant Managers and hourly employees to ensure an engaged, high-performing team. Does so by:
• Working to create and maintain a respectful and enjoyable environment for our employees.
• Recruiting and selecting effectively.
• Using corporate training programs, individual development plans, and work assignments to develop employees’ knowledge and skills for kitchen and FOH staff.
• Providing timely, constructive coaching and feedback.
• Restaurant Operations: Directs restaurant operations to ensure that Denny’s/Coco’s Brand Standards for food and facilities are consistently achieved. Does this by:
• Making sure food preparation, handling, and storage guidelines are consistently followed.
• Enforcing sanitary practices for the general cleanliness and maintenance of the restaurant.
• Growth: Drives sales, guest count, and profit for the restaurant by:
• Developing and executing a local store marketing plan.
• Building strategic relationships in the community with civic, business, school, and professional organizations.
• Ensuring timely and quality implementation of all Divisional and National marketing promotions and co-op marketing initiatives.
• Financials: Interprets financial and operational reports and schedules; analyzes data and identifies gaps in operating performance; and develops solutions to ensure that operating goals are achieved by:
• Scheduling properly using company systems and tools
• Effective food cost management
• Proper food and supply ordering

1. Security: Monitors to ensure that proper security procedures are in place to protect guests, employees, and company assets.
2. Asset Management: Monitors to ensure that proper cash handling and inventory management procedures are in place to protect and conserve company assets.
3. Compliance: Maintains compliance with all Denny’s employment policies, as well as state, local, and federal regulations.
4. Problem Resolution: Proactively ensures that problems are addressed and resolved (such as customer complaints, employee relations issues, facilities or security issues, etc.). Involves support resources, such as the ADO or Human Resources Director, as appropriate.
5. Teamwork: Performs other duties as needed or assigned; willingly assists others without being asked.

Competencies

1. Focusing on Guests: Has a "Guests First" mindset. Understands who his/her guests are and is dedicated to exceeding their expectations. Puts guests firsts while balancing the needs and priorities of the business to create win/win solutions. Focuses on the floor during 9 am – 1 pm peak business period.
2. Driving for Results: Is "Hungry To Win" for self, team, and Brand. Pushes self and others for results that move the business forward. Can be counted on to meet or exceed goals successfully.
3. Working Collaboratively: Values and lives the "Power of We" through words and actions. Works well with all people – guests, franchisees, support employees, supervisors, subordinates, peers, vendors, etc. Is able to build and effectively manage productive relationships. Recognizes individual's contributions and works with and through others to achieve common goals.
4. Personal Accountability and Decision Making: Earns the respect and trust of others by taking initiative and honoring commitments. Makes timely, informed decisions and owns outcomes for those decisions. Is open to new and differing perspectives when making a decision. Understands the impact of his/her words and actions and strives to be a positive influence on others.
5. Managing Talent: Understands the Denny’s family is our most important asset and sees each member of the team as a valuable part of the whole. Surrounds self with the best team and makes tough, yet timely and appropriate, people decisions