Operating Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bring the Taste of Sicily to California

Olive Branch Eatery, a subsidiary of Pacific Health Group, is an established culinary concept rooted in the authentic flavors of Sicily. With our flagship location successfully operating in San Marcos, CA for over a year, we are entering a growth phase with plans to expand up to 30 locations across California over the next three to five years.

We are seeking an Operating Manager to lead daily restaurant operations, ensuring culinary excellence, operational efficiency, and an exceptional guest experience. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with strong restaurant and kitchen execution experience who is excited to help scale a proven and growing brand.

Why This Role Matters

The Operating Manager is a foundational leadership role at Olive Branch Eatery. You will oversee daily operations, support culinary execution, lead staff, and help prepare the organization for multi-location expansion. Your leadership will directly impact performance, culture, and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

Restaurant Operations

• Oversee daily kitchen and front-of-house operations to ensure smooth service and consistency
• Maintain operational standards aligned with brand expectations
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness at all times

Culinary Oversight

• Serve as the culinary lead, owning menu execution and food quality standards while setting the tone and leading by example in the kitchen.
• Ensure consistency in food preparation, presentation, and portion control
• Monitor kitchen workflows to maintain efficiency and quality

Team Leadership & Training

• Lead, coach, and motivate kitchen and front-of-house teams
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new employees
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented team culture

Financial & Inventory Management

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and profit & loss oversight
• Monitor food costs, labor, and operational expenses
• Oversee inventory levels, ordering, and vendor coordination

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulations
• Maintain a safe, compliant, and organized workplace

Customer Experience

• Address guest concerns promptly and professionally
• Promote a customer-first environment that drives loyalty and repeat business

Marketing & Sales

• Act as a brand ambassador, representing Olive Branch Eatery through food quality, service standards, and guest engagement
• Partner with leadership to support local marketing initiatives, promotions, and community outreach
• Driving In-Store Sales
• Drive in-store revenue through strong menu knowledge, suggestive selling, and intentional guest engagement
• Train and coach front-of-house teams on upselling techniques, add-ons, and featured items
• Ensure menu presentation, food execution, and service flow support increased check averages
• Use guest feedback and sales trends to refine menu features, daily specials, and in-store promotions
• Create a welcoming, high-energy dining environment that encourages repeat visits and word-of-mouth referrals
• Driving Sales Through Online Ordering
• Optimize menu offerings and descriptions for online ordering platforms to increase conversion and average order value
• Train staff to promote online ordering, takeout, and catering options to in-store guests
• Monitor online order performance, guest feedback, and order accuracy to drive repeat business
• Collaborate with leadership on promotions, limited-time offerings, and featured items designed for digital channels
• Driving Sales Through Business Partnerships & Catering
• Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, offices, and community organizations to generate recurring orders
• Support catering sales through menu execution, pricing awareness, and operational readiness
• Identify partnership opportunities aligned with brand values and Pacific Health Group initiatives
• Ensure consistent food quality and service standards for all large orders, events, and off-site engagements
• Support catering programs, special events, and partnerships to increase revenue and brand visibility
• Leverage guest feedback and sales trends to inform menu features, promotions, and operational improvements
  • Build relationships with local businesses and community partners to grow repeat and referral business

Expansion & Partnership Support

• Support the opening of future locations and standardization of processes
• Assist with catering initiatives and partnerships aligned with Pacific Health Group

Salary range: $72,500-78,250 annually

Bonus Opportunities: Performance-based and quarterly bonuses

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years of experience in restaurant operations or hospitality leadership (required)
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations and food service workflows
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health compliance standards
• Proven leadership and people-management skills
• Financial awareness, including cost control and operational efficiency
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
• Multi-unit or expansion experience is a plus, but not required

Schedule & Location

• Day, Evening, and Morning Shifts
• Location: San Marcos, CA 92078 (On-site, required)
• Relocation: Must relocate prior to start date

• Valid California Driver's License and active auto insurance meeting CA requirements
• Reliable personal vehicle for daily work use
• Successful completion of background check (including MVR)|
• Must be able to travel up to 60-70% within the county to conduct in person visits
• Must successfully complete a Testlify skills assessment
• Must have a reliable working laptop for the first 21 days of employment (personal equipment stipend) until company
  issues laptop is received
• Must have effective Time Management skills
• Must have internet speed of - 300+ mbps download and 25+mbps upload
• Must be proficient in technology, including documentation systems, case management platforms, and communication tools
• Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Benefits

Benefits include:

• 401(k)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off