Location: Montgomery County, MD

Position Overview

Client is seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial General Manager to lead operations for a highly seasonal, outdoor-focused beer garden and historic event destination set against the scenic backdrop of Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve.

This role goes beyond traditional restaurant leadership—this is a community-facing, experience-driven position requiring a strong background in marketing, programming, and event activation. The General Manager will act as the face of the venue, building local relationships, driving guest engagement, and curating a vibrant calendar of events that positions the property as a premier gathering place for both locals and destination guests.

The ideal candidate brings a blend of operational excellence, creative marketing mindset, and deep community involvement, with a passion for creating memorable, high-energy hospitality experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee all day-to-day operations of the beer garden and event spaces, ensuring a seamless, high-quality guest experience
• Lead, coach, and develop a seasonal team, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management
• Maintain service, cleanliness, and safety standards, ensuring compliance with all health and regulatory requirements
• Manage inventory, vendor relationships, and cost controls to achieve financial targets
• Monitor financial performance, including P&L, labor, and revenue optimization

Events & Programming (Core Focus)

• Develop and execute a robust, revenue-driving events calendar including live music, themed activations, private events, and community gatherings
• Oversee all aspects of event execution—from concept to post-event analysis—to ensure memorable guest experiences
• Collaborate with vendors, entertainers, and partners to deliver high-quality programming and operational excellence 
• Manage bookings, event logistics, and on-site coordination for both public and private events 

Marketing & Brand Activation (Core Focus)

• Lead local marketing strategy across digital, social, and grassroots channels to drive traffic, awareness, and repeat business
• Develop and execute creative campaigns tied to seasonal programming, food & beverage offerings, and special events
• Partner with ownership and creative teams on brand positioning, storytelling, and promotional initiatives
• Analyze marketing performance and adjust strategies to increase guest engagement and revenue

Community Engagement (Core Focus)

• Serve as an ambassador for Client, actively building relationships with local businesses, farms, ??????ans, and community groups
• Identify and cultivate partnerships that drive community involvement, cross-promotion, and new business opportunities
• Represent the venue at local events and networking opportunities to deepen brand presence and visibility
• Develop initiatives that position the property as a true community hub, fostering strong repeat and referral business 

Guest Experience & Culture

• Create a welcoming, energetic, and inclusive environment that reflects the unique character of the venue
• Actively engage with guests on-site to gather feedback, resolve issues, and build loyalty
• Foster a culture of hospitality, accountability, and teamwork across all staff

Qualifications

• 5+ years of General Manager or senior leadership experience in hospitality, beer garden, restaurant, or event-driven venue
• Proven success in event programming, marketing strategy, and community engagement
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and driving profitability
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, seasonal environment
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Experience with outdoor, high-volume, or seasonal concepts strongly preferred

What Success Looks Like

• A consistently full and energized beer garden with strong community participation
• A creative, well-executed events calendar driving both traffic and revenue
• Strong local partnerships and brand presence in the surrounding community
• High-performing team delivering exceptional guest experiences
• Sustainable profitability across a seasonal operating model

Why This Role

This is a unique opportunity to lead a one-of-a-kind hospitality concept that blends historic charm, scenic outdoor experiences, and high-impact programming. The General Manager will have the autonomy to shape the guest experience, drive innovation, and build a destination that becomes a cornerstone of the local community.

Artisanal Concept | Northern Virginia Winery

We are launching a distinctive culinary concept within a well-known Northern Virginia winery, centered around artisanal, handcrafted pizza and elevated, ingredient-driven fare. This concept is designed to enhance the guest experience through strong execution, operational discipline, and a consistent, high-quality food program.

We are seeking a Kitchen Manager to serve as the back-of-house operator with full responsibility for the kitchen’s financial and operational performance. This individual will own the P&L, lead all BOH systems and team development, and ensure consistent execution across the menu—including a signature artisanal pizza program.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a hands-on operator who thrives in building systems, leading teams, and driving profitability—while remaining engaged in daily kitchen execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Full P&L Ownership: Take complete accountability for the financial performance of the kitchen, including food cost, labor management, inventory control, and overall profitability.
• BOH Operations Leadership: Oversee all back-of-house operations, ensuring systems, processes, and standards are in place to support consistency and efficiency.
• Cost Controls & Performance Management: Monitor and manage key financial drivers, including purchasing, waste, portioning, and scheduling, to meet or exceed budget targets.
• Staffing & Team Development: Recruit, train, schedule, and develop the kitchen team; establish clear expectations and accountability at all levels.
• Systems & Process Implementation: Build and maintain disciplined systems for ordering, prep, inventory, and workflow to support operational consistency.
• Quality & Execution: Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and speed of service across all offerings.
• Pizza Program Oversight: Lead and execute the artisanal pizza program, ensuring consistency in technique, product quality, and throughput (wood-fired experience preferred).
• Menu Partnership: Collaborate on menu updates, seasonal features, and product development that align with the winery’s brand and guest experience.
• Service Leadership: Remain actively involved in service—supporting the line, managing flow, and reinforcing standards during peak periods.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure full adherence to health, safety, and sanitation standards, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Kitchen Manager or BOH leader with full P&L responsibility.
• Strong financial acumen, with a clear understanding of food cost, labor management, and inventory controls.
• Demonstrated success in improving kitchen performance through systems, structure, and accountability.
• Experience leading, developing, and retaining BOH teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Hands-on culinary background, with experience in artisanal pizza or similar programs preferred.
• Highly organized, process-driven, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining consistency and standards.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Employee discounts on food, wine, and merchandise
• Growth opportunities within a respected and expanding hospitality group
• The opportunity to lead and build a kitchen operation with full ownership from day one