General Manager

Playa Bowls • Full-time • Somerville, New Jersey, United States • $55k - $60k / year • 19h ago

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JOIN THE PLAYA BOWLS TEAM

GENERAL MANAGER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department	Shop Operations	Reports To	Area Manager
Location	Somerville, NJ	Work Arrangement	On-Site
Employment Status	Full-Time	Work Schedule	40–45 hours per week, including some weekends and holidays as business needs dictate
Exempt/Non-Exempt	Exempt	Employer of Record	Playa Bowls, LLC

Unique Benefits of Working at Playa Bowls

While many QSR brands run on 50–60-hour workweeks, Playa Bowls is built differently. Here's what sets a career with us apart:

Real work–life balance: Our General Managers typically work 40–45 hours a week, not the 50–60+ hour weeks common at many other QSR concepts, so you have more time for life outside of work.
A cleaner, more refreshing shift: Playa Bowls shops run on blenders, refrigerators, and freezers instead of fryers and grills, so you're not leaving every shift smelling like a kitchen.
A different kind of environment: Bright, casual shops paired with a relaxed dress code make Playa feel more like an oasis than a traditional fast-food kitchen.
Stronger flexibility: Scheduling and support built around sustainable hours, so you can lead your shop without sacrificing your schedule.
Playa perks: Shift and off-the-clock discounts, plus a fun, high-energy culture, without the burnout common at other QSR brands.

Role Purpose

The General Manager owns the day-to-day success of a Playa Bowls shop — delivering an exceptional guest experience, driving financial performance, and building a team that reflects the brand's energy and standards. This role leads all aspects of shop operations, from food quality and guest satisfaction to staffing, scheduling, and compliance, while coaching a team of Assistant Managers, Shift Leaders, and Team Members. The General Manager balances hands-on, in-shop leadership with the business discipline needed to hit financial goals, and embodies and promotes the Playa Bowls mission, purpose, and core values in every shift.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Shop Operations

Ensure product consistency, quality, and flavor by regularly checking food items and monitoring preparation standards.
Address and resolve guest complaints regarding food quality, service, and accommodations in a professional and timely manner.
Supervise food preparation processes, portion sizes, and presentation to maintain company standards.
Review and refine operational processes to improve efficiency, service, and safety.
Step in as needed to assist with food preparation or service tasks, such as restocking, clearing tables, or serving food and beverages.
Adhere to company opening and closing procedures, ensuring all records and operational tasks are accurately maintained.

Financial & Business Performance

Monitor financial performance, including payroll, budgets, and expenditures, using appropriate systems and software to ensure financial goals are met.
Manage point-of-sale (POS) operations, including cash handling, money counting, and bank deposits.
Meet business goals set out by the company across key metrics.

Team Leadership & People Management

Manage and mentor a full team of Assistant Managers, Shift Leaders, and Team Members, fostering a supportive, high-energy work environment.
Utilize scheduling systems to manage Team Members' hours, optimizing labor and ensuring timely food preparation.
Organize and direct employee training programs, resolve personnel matters, and manage recruitment and performance evaluations.
Assess staffing requirements and recruit new talent through company platforms, job fairs, or other recruitment methods.
Establish and evaluate performance standards for both personnel and customer service to maintain high operational standards.
Collaborate with Human Resources to support the onboarding process for new hires in ADP Workforce Now, including initiating and assigning tasks, sending reminder communications, and addressing any issues or troubleshooting needs.

Safety, Compliance & Facility Management

Ensure compliance with health, safety, and fire regulations in food preparation, serving, and overall facility maintenance.
Maintain required sanitation records and ensure compliance with government regulations and food safety standards.
Coordinate maintenance and repair services, including waste removal and pest control, to keep the shop running smoothly.

Inventory, Supplies & Administration

Manage food and beverage deliveries, ensuring accuracy in order quantities and quality of received products.
Oversee food and equipment inventories, conducting weekly inventory checks and ensuring adequate stock levels.
Order and manage supplies, equipment, and resources to ensure operational needs are met.
Complete business and government forms, maintaining records, reports, and safety documentation.

Key Relationships

Internal Partners
Assistant Managers
Shift Leaders
Team Members
District Manager
Human Resources
Operations Team

External Partners
Guests
Local Vendors & Suppliers
Delivery & Distribution Partners
Health & Safety Officials
Maintenance & Repair Vendors

Measures of Success

Guest experience: Product quality is consistent and guest concerns are resolved professionally and promptly.
Financial performance: The shop meets payroll, budget, and business goal targets set by the company.
Team & culture: The shop is fully staffed and trained, performing to company standards, with strong retention.
Compliance & safety: The shop passes health, safety, and sanitation requirements with no significant findings.
Operational execution: Opening, closing, inventory, and vendor management run smoothly with minimal disruption.

Experience & Qualifications

Required

Proven experience in restaurant, retail, or hospitality management, ideally in a multi-unit or fast-casual environment.
Strong understanding of customer service principles, with the ability to assess guest needs and maintain high service standards.
Proficiency in business and people management, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
Experience recruiting, training, and retaining talent, including performance evaluation and coaching.
Solid grasp of supply chain fundamentals, including ordering, inventory, quality control, and cost management.
Strong financial acumen, including payroll, budgeting, and day-to-day P&L management.
Excellent verbal communication and active listening skills.
Must pass the required Playa Bowls Food Safety certification within 3 months of employment.
Must be able to work a minimum of 40–45 hours per week, including some weekends and holidays as business needs dictate.

Preferred

Experience managing a team in a fast-casual or quick-service restaurant (QSR) environment.
Familiarity with POS systems, labor scheduling software, and HRIS platforms such as ADP Workforce Now.
Passion for superfoods, healthy living, and the Playa Bowls brand.

Role-Specific Expertise

Multi-unit or fast-casual restaurant operations
Guest experience and service recovery
Team recruiting, training, and performance management
Scheduling, labor optimization, and payroll management
Inventory, ordering, and vendor coordination
Health, safety, and sanitation compliance
POS operations and cash handling

Position Requirements

Must be able to work a minimum of 40–45 hours per week, including some weekends and holidays as business needs dictate.
Must pass the required Playa Bowls Food Safety certification within 3 months of employment.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time.
Must be able to lift or otherwise move 25–40 pounds occasionally.
Must be able to retrieve items from high and low shelving, the fridge/freezer, and under counters.

About Playa Bowls

Playa Bowls is New Jersey’s Original Acai Shop, founded in 2014. Our mission is to bring superfruit bowls to the masses using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients while providing a fantastic in-store brand experience. What began with a pair of blenders, a patio table, and a fridge has flourished into a 350+ unit operator and franchisor of a leading fast-casual restaurant concept. Playa Bowls added 85 locations in 2025 and is on target to add 90+ new locations in 2026. Our continued rapid growth has created an opportunity for a leader who will help us continue to grow our brand.

OUR MISSION

Inspire and support our communities one bowl at a time.

OUR VALUES

Real Deal • Playa Passion • Powerhouse • Big Wave Chaser • Dawn Patrol

What We Offer

Competitive compensation: A competitive base salary, with eligibility to participate in our performance-based Monthly Bonus Program and annual performance review process, a direct reward for driving success and growth.
Professional development: Our comprehensive Playa Bowls training program builds the leadership and operational skills to grow with us. See “Real room to grow” above for what that growth looks like.
Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 401(k) with company match, and more.
Playa discounts: Enjoy 50% off and one free bowl while on shift. When you're off the clock, receive 30% off. It's a win-win!
Vibrant work culture: We keep energy high with a fun, upbeat environment where dancing, smiling, and having a good time are part of the job.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Playa Bowls is an equal opportunity employer, and all aspects of employment—including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge—will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Must work a minimum of 40 hours a week, including weekends and holidays but expected to work as the business dictates. Ideal schedule is 1 opening, 1 closing and 3 mid shifts each week.