Job Description

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards - Best Places to Work, This is R/A !

Job Summary

Restaurant Associates is seeking a dynamic and visionary Resident General Manager to lead and oversee all food and beverage operations at the prestigious Kennedy Center. This multi-unit leadership role is responsible for ensuring seamless execution, elevated guest experiences, and alignment with our client's cultural and culinary standards. This role requires a strategic leader with operational excellence, financial acumen, and a passion for hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of all front- and back-of-house food & beverage operations across the Kennedy Center campus, including fine dining, cafés, concessions, lounges, and special events.
• Lead, mentor, and encourage a large and diverse team of managers, chefs, and hourly associates—ensuring high performance, strong engagement, and continuous development.
• Serve as the primary client liaison, building and maintaining positive relationships with Kennedy Center stakeholders and aligning our operations with their vision and standards.
• Drive financial performance: be responsible for budgeting, forecasting, P&L management, labor strategy, and cost controls to achieve or exceed targets.
• Ensure operational excellence by implementing service standards, training protocols, safety practices, and brand execution across all venues.
• Collaborate with culinary and service leaders to elevate menu offerings, streamline workflows, and improve the guest experience.
• Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and compliance standards in accordance with federal, state, and company regulations.
• Lead campus-wide audits and operational reviews, identifying areas of improvement and deploying action plans.
• Manage seasonal planning, event execution, and large-scale performances or galas with high-profile clientele.
• Embrace and model our core values of hospitality, teamwork, innovation, and integrity.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in foodservice, hospitality, or venue management, preferably in cultural institutions or multi-unit operations.
• Proven success managing a large team in a sophisticated, high-volume environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with clients, staff, and senior leadership.
• Strong financial and operational acumen, with experience managing budgets and driving profitability.
• High standards for service, presentation, and guest engagement.
• Flexible schedule, with availability for evenings, weekends based on business needs.

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here for paid time off benefits information.

Req ID: 1418780

Restaurant Associates

Michael Abbey

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