Department Manager (Burlington, IA)

Overview

Buffalo Wild Wings is hiring Department Managers. Responsibilities span Heart of House, Bar, and Hospitality departments with the goal of delivering an exceptional guest experience in a fast-paced environment. The organization emphasizes team development, standards of conduct, profitability, and professional growth within World Wide Wings, a growing franchisee of BWW operating over 60 restaurants in 7 states.

Location: 974 Lawrence Drive, Burlington, IA 52601

What’s In It For You

Competitive salary with monthly bonuses and a comprehensive benefits program including a guaranteed match to your 401(k) contribution. Travel and professional development opportunities are supported as part of our commitment to growing leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire Team Members to deliver top-tier service and unforgettable guest experiences across Heart of House, Bar, and Hospitality departments.
• Coach, train, and develop your team; build an all-star lineup every day.
• Own execution across operations, including guest engagement, quality, speed, and accuracy.
• Champion a clean, safe, and compliant environment across all areas; ensure adherence to health and safety standards.
• Bring energy to in-house promotions, local marketing, and fan engagement initiatives.
• Direct staffing, recruitment, interviewing, hiring, orientation, training, and ongoing development to maintain department staffing above guidelines.
• Coordinate with other Department Managers on hiring decisions to ensure growth opportunities for team members.
• Plan weekly department schedules within budgeted labor guidelines and manage department-level budgets.
• Develop and implement incentive programs and contests; motivate participation in company promotions.
• Provide regular performance feedback and conduct timely appraisals and development plans.
• Administer merit increase processes and assist General Manager with coaching managers on performance management.
• Oversee training weeks and ensure proper scheduling of department modules.
• Utilize support teams and subject matter experts when needed; provide coaching to ensure execution of service standards and guest experience.
• Communicate effectively with direct reports; conduct departmental meetings to review successes, procedures, and opportunities.
• Ensure department members have current state-required training and permits; manage guest feedback programs and respond to food quality concerns promptly.
• Use Guest Experience Management (GEM) to provide feedback and adjust practices to enhance guest satisfaction.

Quality Operations

• Facilitate adherence to new food product rollouts; ensure menu specs, recipes, wall charts, and department systems are followed.
• Monitor food quality, portioning, and vendor performance; maintain inventory accuracy and safe handling.
• Analyze performance measures (GEM, QSCs, audits, P&L) and implement corrective action plans; follow up on plan completion.
• Perform administrative functions (invoices, inventory, end-of-day procedures) and monitor department equipment for timely repairs.
• Maintain compliance with Board of Health and food safety practices; address BOH and Steritech issues promptly.
• Coordinate bar product rollouts and ensure bar systems (alcohol incident logs, bar line checks, prep lists) are used appropriately.
• Collaborate with bartenders, bar servers, and management to address opportunities and uphold standards.

Sales and Profits

• Heart of House: manage food cost, labor, inventory, and implement action plans to meet P&L targets.
• Bar Department: manage beer, liquor, beverage costs, inventory, waste, comps, voids, discounts; drive bar sales through incentive programs.
• Hospitality: assist with local restaurant marketing execution and sales-building incentives; perform other duties as assigned.
• Maintain overall profitability within department targets and ensure accurate inventory and procurement practices.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of restaurant operations, food safety, and responsible alcohol service.
• High school diploma (or equivalent) required; restaurant and/or leadership experience preferred.
• Team-first mindset with passion for developing people, building culture, and leading by example.
• High energy and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; motivated and enthusiastic on every shift.

Now Hiring

Our Department Managers oversee front-line operations across floors, bars, kitchens, and takeout. You will drive operational excellence, ensure customer satisfaction, and create a winning environment for your team.

Perks

• Competitive pay
• Same-day pay options
• Manager bonus potential
• Flexible scheduling
• Team member discounts
• Fun, team-oriented atmosphere
• Opportunities for growth and development