Restaurant Manager Jobs in Iowa
Restaurant Manager jobs in Iowa are concentrated in the food service, hospitality, and quick-service sectors, with demand at every level from shift supervisor to multi-unit general manager. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City are the most active hiring markets, where employers like Darden Restaurants, Cracker Barrel, and Hy-Vee Food Stores maintain consistent management openings. The most in-demand specialties across Iowa are full-service dining management, fast-casual operations, and catering or banquet oversight. 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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Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Restaurant 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 manager jobs across Iowa.
- Minimum two years of restaurant or food service management experience required
- Food safety certification such as ServSafe Manager recognized by Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
- Demonstrated ability to manage scheduling, inventory, and labor cost controls
- Experience hiring, training, and developing front-of-house and kitchen staff
- Proficiency with point-of-sale systems and basic restaurant reporting software
- High school diploma required, with an associate or bachelor's degree in hospitality preferred
Restaurant Manager Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a restaurant manager in Iowa?
Most Iowa restaurant managers start in hourly food service roles and advance through demonstrated performance. Iowa does not require a state-issued management license, but employers expect a valid food safety certification, with ServSafe Manager being the most widely recognized option acknowledged by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Many candidates strengthen their candidacy with an associate or bachelor's degree in hospitality management from schools like Iowa State University or Des Moines Area Community College.
Which companies hire restaurant managers in Iowa?
Iowa restaurant manager roles are posted by KFC FMI, Perkins Restaurants & Bakery, and Firehouse Subs and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Iowa's strong quick-service and full-service dining presence, anchored by regional chains and independent operators throughout Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, means hiring is consistent year-round.
Which Iowa cities have the most restaurant manager jobs?
Des Moines, Newton, and Iowa City have the most restaurant manager openings in Iowa right now. Des Moines drives volume as the state capital with a dense concentration of corporate dining, hotel food service, and growing fast-casual development, while Cedar Rapids and Iowa City add strong demand through their university populations, regional hospital campuses, and established independent dining scenes.
Are there remote restaurant manager jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they are rare. Restaurant management is fundamentally an on-site role requiring direct oversight of staff, guests, and daily operations. About 0% of restaurant manager openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those tend to be multi-unit district or regional roles where administrative oversight and vendor coordination can be handled off-site part of the week.
How can I get hired as a restaurant manager in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is applying for a shift lead or assistant manager role at a high-volume Iowa employer such as a Hy-Vee deli operation, a Darden casual-dining location, or a university dining contract at Iowa State or the University of Iowa. These employers regularly promote from within and run structured onboarding for new managers. Earning a ServSafe Manager certification before applying gives candidates a concrete credential that Iowa hiring managers treat as a baseline qualifier.
Where can I find and apply to restaurant manager jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to restaurant manager jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated regularly. Search for roles that match your experience level, location preference, and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 34 Restaurant Manager Jobs in Iowa
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