FOH Manager — Chicago, IL
The Whitaker Group
About the role
The Whitaker Group is seeking an experienced Front of House Manager to lead daily operations at our full-service restaurant in Chicago, IL. This is a hands-on leadership role for a hospitality professional who thrives in an elevated, guest-first environment and is equally comfortable managing financials as developing a high-performing team.
Responsibilities
• Oversee all FOH operations across dining room, bar, and event spaces
• Partner closely with BOH leadership to ensure seamless, consistent service
• Own P&L reporting, labor management, and cost controls
• Lead inventory processes and vendor coordination
• Hire, train, schedule, and develop FOH team members
• Drive guest satisfaction and resolve escalated issues with professionalism
• Execute private events and programmed experiences (buyouts, tastings, special programming)
• Uphold brand standards and company policies across all touchpoints
• Maintain food safety compliance and ensure team adherence to health standards
Qualifications — required
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive FOH experience in full-service restaurants
• Demonstrated experience in a management or supervisory role
• Working knowledge of P&L management and inventory systems
• Proven ability to collaborate with kitchen and BOH leadership
• Current ServSafe Manager Certification (ANSI-accredited)
• Valid food handler / food manager permit required for Chicago, IL
Certification note
Chicago requires a City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate in addition to ServSafe. Candidate must hold both a current ServSafe Manager Certification and a valid Chicago Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate.
Qualifications — preferred
• Experience planning and executing private events or programmed experiences
• Background in upscale or fine-casual dining environments
• Multi-unit or new opening experience
• TIPS or equivalent alcohol service certification
Compensation
Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Benefits package, quarterly bonus eligibility, and growth opportunities within The Whitaker Group's expanding F&B portfolio.
The Whitaker Group is an equal opportunity employer.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or a related field
- 5+ years of progressive front-of-house experience in full-service restaurants
- Experience in a management or supervisory role
- Working knowledge of P&L management and inventory systems
- Ability to collaborate with kitchen and back-of-house leadership
- Current ServSafe Manager Certification, ANSI-accredited
- Valid Chicago Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate
- Valid Chicago food handler or food manager permit
- Experience planning and executing private events or programmed experiences
- Background in upscale or fine-casual dining environments
- Multi-unit or new opening experience
- TIPS or equivalent alcohol service certification
What We Do
TWG is a premier transaction advisory, investment facilitation and project development firm specializing in Africa. The partner of choice for Fortune 500 companies, we have facilitated several billion dollars in investments across the continent and have recently started making our own direct investments in African companies. Founded in 2003 by Rosa Whitaker, the first ever Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa under the Administrations of Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, TWG operates at the nexus of US-Africa economic policy, trade and business development. With offices in Washington, DC, and Accra, Ghana, and strategic partners across Africa, we provide unsurpassed access to opportunities and leaders across the continent. Rosa Whitaker and the TWG team are at the forefront of the Africa business and investment landscape – not as spectators, but as participants helping to shape the continent’s rise on the global stage. BUSINESS CONSULTING Strategic Counsel Investment Facilitation Regulatory Navigation Government Affairs and Corporate Communications Opportunity Identification And Vetting Introductions To Key Interlocutors People And Institution Mapping Identification/Mobilization Of Project Financing Crisis Management And Negotiations Development Of Sustainability Initiatives WE BUILD, YOU GROW.™ TWG’s infrastructure development initiative mobilizes global financing, operators and developers to expand Africa’s infrastructure, from airports, maritime facilities and rail lines, to power, and ICT networks. TWG executes this initiative through a consortium of global developers. We currently have USD $3 billion in projects under development. We continue to broaden our base of partners to address the region’s need for $100 billion in annual infrastructure investments. INVESTMENT IN INNOVATION Directing Technology-Driven Innovation. Recognizing the massive opportunity for the continent through enabling and disruptive technologies, TWG is investing in innovative local companies that are making a difference for businesses and consumers. We are also introducing global technology firms to Africa and helping them navigate and expand their footprint.Partnerships with Investment Firms. As Africa continues its rapid growth, the continent is becoming increasingly attractive for private equity investment. TWG is actively developing a partnership with a private equity firm that shares its passion for transforming of the African continent’s economy
