Restaurant Manager

Job Description: Restaurant Manager

About Hilltown

Hilltown (formerly known as Hilltown Hot Pies) is a celebration of naturally leavened, wood-fired pizza, and southern Italian cuisine that conveys a deep connection to the local Berkshires and New England landscape. Founded by pizzaiolo and chef Rafi Bildner, Hilltown uses pizza as a canvas to showcase the region's agricultural products and create community and connection. With roots in pop-ups and nomadic collaborations across the Hudson Valley and Berkshires, Hilltown is now embarking on its next chapter: a brick-and-mortar home tucked away in the Southern Berkshire Hills, on a historic farmhouse property. We're in the process of completing a monumental renovation to transform an aging 1790s farmhouse into its new iteration as Hilltown. This space will be more than a pizzeria: it will be an immersive culinary destination, featuring a bustling open-kitchen pizza line, a seasonal outdoor pizza garden, and connections to the land through on-site gardens, workshops, special events and experiential opportunities. A place for nourishment, warmth, and joy, Hilltown will be a rural destination, a gathering spot for those who love great food and are inspired by the relentless pursuit of craft. A hub for those who find inspiration in a sense of place, and are excited to witness and experience the ever-evolving journey of wild-yeasted pizza.

Who We're Looking For

Hilltown seeks an experienced Restaurant Manager to lead front-of-house operations and be at the helm of our guest experiences at our new Egremont, MA brick & mortar restaurant opening to the public in July 2025. The ideal candidate will bring warm, inviting, generous and joyful hospitality to guests while mentoring our service team and upholding excellent standards. We're looking for a passionate, committed, hands-on leader who will guide the team from open to close, deeply invested in daily operations and the overall guest experience. The right person will master our service style, demonstrate hustle, lead by example, and maintain a positive attitude, even in stressful situations. That person should excel at problem-solving, attention to detail, and creating a supportive team culture through kind mentorship and constant teaching. As the opening Restaurant Manager, this individual will have the unique and critical role of helping shape Hilltown's operational systems and infrastructure: this person must be willing to jump in and constantly identify areas of operational growth, and constantly look for ways to make Hilltown an efficient, professional and positive restaurant environment, for our team and guests alike.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all front-of-house operations, including hiring, training, scheduling, and managing FOH team through daily service.
• Lead service excellence by setting and maintaining high standards, actively engaging with guests during service, and collaborating with kitchen leadership to ensure optimal dining experience.
• Build and maintain team culture through training sessions, service education, performance reviews, and implementation of appropriate disciplinary measures while ensuring HR compliance.
• Manage HR documentation, weekly payroll processing in collaboration with bookkeeper, and track performance against key metrics established with ownership.
• In collaboration with chef/owner and wine+beverage consultant, oversee bar and beverage operations, track inventory, performance and key financial metrics.
• Liaise with BOH leadership (owner and sous chef) to ensure operational flow and efficiencies, help establish and maintain service systems that lead to the most positive guest experience possible.
• Provide detailed daily management reports and respond to financial performance data by adjusting staffing, reservations, systems, and other cost factors.
• Lead planning and execution of on-site events and build strong community relationships.
• Oversee facility maintenance needs and coordinate with service providers and ownership.
• Manage POS systems and FOH inventory control to maintain efficient restaurant operations.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by owner.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in an equivalent service or restaurant management role.
• Prior experience with at least one restaurant and/or bar opening is preferred.
• Outstanding leadership, mentorship, communication, facilitation and training abilities.
• Passion and unwavering standards in delivering product, service, and a positive guest experience.
• High-energy, enthusiastic, hands-on, organized, detail-oriented personality
• Passion for providing destination-grade food and beverage experiences.
• Ability to be a calm problem-solver in a fast-paced environment, and be gracious, warm, and adaptable under stress.
• Proficient with set-up, use, management, and troubleshooting of POS systems and inventory management.
• Consistent and accurate cash and credit card transaction management skills, including daily batching, drawer reconciliation, and bank deposits.
• Experience in oversight of administrative responsibilities, HR implementation, payroll filing, and general maintenance supervision.
• Must be flexible in working on holidays and weekends, during both daytime and nighttime business hours.
• Must hold valid food handlers and all health & safety certificate(s) that meet local requirements, including ServSafe Manager's Certificate + Massachusetts Allergen Awareness Training Certificate.
• Must be able to stand and work for shifts of 8+ hours, and able to move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50 pounds without assistance, and move over sloping, uneven, or slippery surfaces. Must be able to reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping, and stand, sit, or walk for extended periods of time.

Compensation

The salary for this position will be in the range of $75,000 annual salary, depending on prior experience.

Benefits & Perks

Hilltown provides accrued paid vacation time for management, complimentary staff meals prepared daily and dining discounts.

Application Process

Candidates should send an email with "Restaurant Manager" in the subject line to: . Qualified candidates will be contacted directly. Please include a cover letter and resume in your submission.

Hilltown is committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace in which everyone is welcomed, valued, and supported. Hilltown recruits, employs, compensates, and promotes without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic or family medical history, marital, parental, veteran or military status, unfavorable military discharge, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.