General Manager

Thunderbolt is a neighborhood cocktail bar with delicious, Southern-inspired food, located at the intersections of Historic Filipinotown, Echo Park, and DTLA. We are inspired by the American South, and you’ll notice it from the smiles that greet you, to the countless bottles of Madeira on the backbar and we are looking to hire a General Manager! The General Manager of a high-concept, renowned cocktail bar is responsible for the overall success and growth for the day-to-day operations of the venue.

This role requires a strategic thinker who excels in hospitality, cocktail development, team leadership, and operational management. Ideal candidate serves as a clear representation of the brand’s identity, standards, and approach to innovation within the hospitality and beverage industry. The General Manager oversees all aspects of the business, from guest satisfaction and staff performance to financial health and brand consistency.

This position demands strong communication skills, a deep understanding of the cocktail industry, and the ability to navigate the challenges of managing a high-performing concept. The General Manager is accountable for maintaining a clear organizational structure and ensuring all team members operate within defined roles and reporting lines. This role requires consistent execution, follow-through, and the ability to translate ownership-level direction into day-to-day operations.

Success is measured by guest experience, operational consistency, financial performance, and team accountability. Key Areas of Responsibility Department: All Reports To: Director of Operations, Owner(s) Leadership & Vision Lead the team in delivering a high level of hospitality that reflects the bar’s standards and identity. Act as a representative of the business, building strong relationships with guests, staff, community, and industry peers.

Maintain a clear chain of command so communication flows through the proper channels. Set expectations around professionalism, accountability, and solution-based thinking across the leadership team. Stay present on the floor while maintaining control over standards, systems, and performance.

Operational Oversight Ensure all aspects of service, including cocktail execution, food integration, and overall flow of service, operate efficiently. Anticipate issues and address them early. Own the execution of systems.

Procedures should be followed, understood, and improved over time. Identify breakdowns in service, communication, or prep and correct them with clear follow-through. Maintain visibility across all departments without getting pulled too far into task-based work.

Guest Experience Maintain a strong standard of hospitality by actively monitoring guest feedback and resolving issues when they arise. Guest experience should be driven through systems and consistency, not individual effort. Look for patterns in feedback and make adjustments where needed.

Continue to refine service systems to improve efficiency and elevate the overall experience. Cocktail Program Work with the bar team to maintain a high standard of quality and consistency across the cocktail program. Ensure the program is executable at volume and consistent across all shifts.

Oversee cocktail development through the Thunderbolt lens, making sure offerings reflect the identity of the bar while remaining practical, consistent, and cost-aware. Stay current with beverage development while keeping the program grounded in operations. Team Development & Management Build, develop, and maintain a strong team across all departments.

Provide clear expectations and direct feedback. Hold managers accountable for performance across scheduling, labor, communication, and execution. Address issues in real time.

Keep communication direct and professional to avoid side conversations or misalignment. Focus on building a team environment that supports retention, accountability, and morale. Maintain a productive and positive workplace rooted in professionalism and respect.

Financial Management Oversee budgets, revenue, and expenses with a clear focus on profitability. Monitor performance across liquor, food, and labor. Actively manage labor on a weekly basis to match business demand.

Review P&Ls regularly and respond quickly to negative trends. Make decisions with a strong business mindset, balancing cost control, revenue growth, and long-term sustainability. Support additional revenue through events, pop-ups, and partnerships.

Inventory & Vendor Relations Maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure consistency in product and supply. Oversee inventory systems, ordering, and cost control. Ensure accuracy and hold the team accountable for proper handling, storage, and waste reduction.

Events & Partnerships Oversee planning and execution of events, pop-ups, and collaborations to ensure they meet operational and financial expectations. Collaborate monthly with industry peers on events and partnerships that drive both revenue and visibility. Manage all large party inquiries, ensuring clear communication, proper planning, and strong execution.

Events should support the business, not disrupt it. Marketing & Brand Presence Work with marketing to ensure promotions and campaigns translate into the in-house experience. Track performance of events, activations, and campaigns to understand what is working and what is not.

Operations & Quality Control Address operational issues directly, identifying breakdowns and implementing solutions with clear follow-through. Ensure changes are practical, consistent, and adopted by the team. Conduct regular quality control checks across the beverage program, kitchen prep, and service execution to ensure standards are consistently met.

Systems & Daily Operations Oversee opening, closing, and all operational systems to ensure consistency between shifts. Systems should be clear enough that the business runs smoothly regardless of who is working. Leadership Expectations Take ownership of the business and be accountable for results.

Communicate clearly and directly with both team members and ownership. Maintain professional boundaries while building a strong team environment. Prioritize business needs over personal preferences.

Stay present during key operating hours and manage time effectively. Follow through on commitments and hold others to the same standard. Compliance & Standards Ensure all health, safety, and alcohol service regulations are followed.

Maintain a high level of organization and cleanliness throughout the space. Standards should be consistent across all shifts and not dependent on specific individuals. Essential Functions/Position Qualifications Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 30 lbs Ability to raise a tray weighing up to 25 lbs to shoulder height Able to bend, stoop, reach, wipe, lift, and grab Must have sufficient mobility to move and operate in work area Must be able to stand and walk throughout a 4 to 8 hour shift Must be able to stand and walk during a 10 to 12 hour shift; occasional shifts in excess of 10 hours may be required due to the demands of the business Ability to work 45-55 hours per week Demonstrated experience of 3–5 years as a Bar General Manager role, or equivalent leadership experience within bar or hospitality operations.

Must be able to hear well in a loud environment to respond to employee and guest needs Must meet any state, county or municipal regulation pertaining to health risk concerns about food handling Must be able to observe and differentiate between monetary denominations Must be able to serve all menu products Must be able to operate point of sale system Must be able to work around potentially hazardous chemicals Minimum Age requirements of 21. Must have Able to work in a team environment. Meets uniform and grooming standards and maintains them throughout the shift.

Must be able to pass all required tests and training requirements. Must meet any state, country or municipal regulation pertaining to health risk concerns about food handling and legal requirements for serving alcohol. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including holidays, nights and weekends.

Possesses excellent guest service skills. Able to learn basic tasks and follow instructions. Places a value on diversity and shows respect for others.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or tasks which may be required to be performed in this position. Employer may amend, change, or modify the responsibilities and duties of this position to meet business needs as necessary.

This job description does not constitute a contract for employment and may be changed at the discretion of the employer with or without notice. Denco Family, Inc is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law More detail about Thunderbolt part of Night On Earth, Semiprecious & Thunderbolt, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/313783-Thunderbolt-