District Manager

District Manager - Restaurant & Retail Cafe Concepts

Location: New York City & Northern New Jersey
Markets Served: NYC Metro, Northern NJ, Connecticut
Compensation: $85,000 - $110,000 + Bonus + Benefits
Travel: Regional travel required (60-70%)About Our Clients

FTK Hospitality represents several thriving restaurant and cafe brands experiencing significant growth across the tri-state area. Our clients include innovative hybrid cafe concepts, upscale dessert cafes, and high-volume to-go focused establishments that are redefining the fast-casual and cafe dining experience. These are exciting, evolving brands looking for proven leaders to drive operational excellence.

Position Overview

We're seeking an experienced District Manager currently operating in the Greater NYC-Northern NJ, Philly, DC, Boston , markets who has a track record of success managing multiple cafe, quick-service, or hybrid restaurant locations. This role requires someone who understands the unique challenges of high-volume retail food operations, off-premise dining, and building strong unit-level leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee 6-10+ locations across NYC New Jersey, DC markets
• Drive sales growth, profitability, and operational performance across all units
• Recruit, train, develop, and retain General Managers and Assistant Managers
• Ensure brand standards and guest experience excellence at every location
• Analyze P&L statements and implement cost control strategies
• Lead new store openings and market expansion initiatives
• Manage high-volume to-go and catering operations
• Develop and execute local marketing and community engagement strategies
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance
• Build relationships with landlords, vendors, and local stakeholders
• Conduct regular store visits and operational audits
• Implement technology solutions for digital ordering and delivery platforms

Required Qualifications

Must-Have:

• Currently serving as a District Manager, Area Manager, or Multi-Unit Manager in the Greater NYC-Northern NJ or DC markets
• 5+ years progressive multi-unit restaurant or cafe management experience
• Proven success managing 5+ locations simultaneously
• Experience with cafe, bakery-cafe, fast-casual, or QSR concepts
• Strong P&L management and financial acumen
• Track record of developing high-performing management teams
• Experience with high-volume to-go, catering, and delivery operations
• Proficiency with restaurant management systems and analytics tools
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for market travel
• Flexibility to work varied schedules including weekends when needed

Preferred:

• Experience with dessert cafes, specialty coffee, or hybrid restaurant concepts
• Background in retail food operations and merchandising
• Successful multi-unit new store opening experience
• Franchise or corporate multi-unit operations experience
• Catering and event management expertise
• Third-party delivery platform management (UberEats, DoorDash, etc.)
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or related field

What You'll Bring

• Local Market Expertise: Deep knowledge of NYC and Northern NJ , DC neighborhoods, real estate, labor markets, and competitive landscape
• Operational Excellence: Ability to drive consistency while adapting to unique location needs
• Leadership Presence: Strong coaching and development skills with proven ability to reduce manager turnover
• Data-Driven Mindset: Comfort with KPIs, analytics, and using data to drive decisions
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Self-starter mentality with ability to identify and solve problems proactively
• Guest-Centric Focus: Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary ($85K-$110K based on experience)
• Performance-based quarterly bonuses
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Be part of exciting, growing brands with strong unit economics
• Supportive corporate culture that values work-life balance

Why This Opportunity?

Our clients are at pivotal growth stages, expanding into new markets and refining successful concepts. As District Manager, you'll have the autonomy to make real impact while being supported by experienced leadership teams. These brands offer strong unit-level economics, innovative menus, and differentiated concepts that resonate with today's consumers.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume along with a brief summary of your current district/multi-unit role, number of locations managed, and your connection to the NYC-Northern NJ market.

FTK Hospitality LLC | Executive Search & Consulting
Specializing in Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Talent