Restaurant General Manager Jobs in Iowa
Restaurant General Manager jobs in Iowa are consistently active, with demand concentrated in full-service dining, fast-casual chains, and hotel food and beverage operations tied to the state's hospitality and agribusiness sectors, from entry-level general manager roles to multi-unit directors. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City lead hiring volume, with established employers such as Hy-Vee Food Stores, Casey's General Stores, and Marriott-affiliated properties maintaining a steady presence across the state. The most in-demand specialties include high-volume casual dining management, catering and banquet oversight, and quick-service multi-unit operations. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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General Manager
The desired candidate will have at least one year experience in Restaurants or Hospitality.
Daily the candidate will have to stand on their feet for 8-10 hours on busy days.
On a daily basis the general manager communicates via email, phone, and text messages to customers and employees.
Qualified candidates should have an intermediate understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Contracts, and Scheduling Software.
General Manager must be able to work a Tuesday through Saturday 1pm to 11pm schedule, work some Holidays and all or most home football games and University events.
Candidates should have knowledge of fine dining etiquette and service, steak cuts, wine varietals or the willingness to learn quickly.
Candidates should be of a neat appearance and able to dress business casual to formal depending on the events in the business.
Managers will be tasked with overseeing up to 35 staff on a daily basis, be open to constructive criticism, able to work in customer databases, and company SharePoint.
Candidates will need to lift up to 35 pounds, walk up and down stairs, carry ice buckets, drink trays, and food tray jacks.
Must have reliable transportation, able to communicate, read, and write in English with proper grammar and spelling.
The desired candidate will also enjoy meeting new people, remembering guests' names and details, our food menu and descriptions.
Position offers Health, Vision, Dental, and 2 weeks paid vacation.
Work weeks are usually around 40-45 hours; but can get up to 55 hours during peak season. Overtime is paid for all hours over 40.
WE are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates pay will commiserate on experience and ability.
Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Can you consistently work weekends?
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Required)
Work Location: In person
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Find JobsRestaurant General Manager Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Restaurant General Manager Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in restaurant general manager jobs across Iowa.
- Minimum three to five years of restaurant management experience in a comparable concept
- Demonstrated ability to manage full P&L, labor cost, and food cost targets
- Experience leading hourly and salaried teams of fifteen or more employees
- Food Safety Manager certification such as ServSafe recognized by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
- Proven success with recruiting, onboarding, and retaining front-of-house and kitchen staff
- Familiarity with point-of-sale systems and scheduling software used in multi-shift operations
Restaurant General Manager Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a restaurant general manager in Iowa?
Most Iowa restaurant general managers advance from assistant manager or kitchen supervisor roles within the same company, building experience in scheduling, cost control, and compliance before stepping into the top role. Iowa does not require a state-issued license to work as a restaurant general manager, but employers consistently expect a Food Safety Manager certification recognized by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, along with a strong record of managing full-service or high-volume operations.
Which companies hire restaurant general managers in Iowa?
Companies currently hiring restaurant general managers in Iowa include KFC FMI, Panera Bread, and Firehouse Subs, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Iowa's mix of regional grocery-anchored food service, interstate travel plazas, and urban full-service dining creates consistent openings across employer types throughout the year.
Which Iowa cities have the most restaurant general manager jobs?
Des Moines, Newton, and Iowa City have the most restaurant general manager openings in Iowa. Des Moines anchors demand as the state's largest metro, driven by its growing downtown dining scene and corporate headquarters, while Cedar Rapids and Iowa City generate steady openings through university food service, regional hospitality groups, and the concentration of mid-scale dining along their commercial corridors.
Are there remote restaurant general manager jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of restaurant general manager openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of overseeing daily floor operations, staff, and kitchen quality. The portions of the role most suited to remote work include corporate reporting, scheduling, vendor communication, and training program development for multi-unit or regional oversight positions.
How can I get hired as a restaurant general manager in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is starting as a shift leader or assistant manager at a high-volume Iowa operation and moving up internally. Large Iowa employers such as Hy-Vee Food Stores and Casey's General Stores regularly promote from within and offer structured management development programs for candidates who show operational consistency. Earning a ServSafe Food Safety Manager certification recognized by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals signals readiness to take on compliance responsibilities and gives candidates without a formal business degree a concrete credential that resonates with Iowa hiring managers.
Where can I find and apply to restaurant general manager jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to restaurant general manager jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, preferred location within Iowa, and concept type, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 22 Restaurant General Manager Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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