A group of diverse employees inside a Pizza Ranch restaurant, all wearing black uniforms and caps, smiling and engaging with each other in a lively atmosphere.

General Manager in Waiting (Traveling Leadership Role)

Management
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Who We Are

Pizza Ranch began as a single restaurant in Hull, Iowa in 1981 and has grown into a leading fast-casual franchise with more than 200 locations across multiple states. At Gravy Train Restaurant Management, we proudly operate several Pizza Ranch restaurants throughout Iowa and Illinois.

We operate with a people-first mindset — focused on operational excellence, strong leadership, and building restaurants where team members are developed, supported, and set up to succeed. Our goal is simple: deliver a legendary guest experience while building strong leaders across every market we serve. The Opportunity

We are seeking a General Manager in Waiting — a high-impact, traveling leadership role designed for a future General Manager who is ready to grow into a long-term store leadership position.

Who We Are

Pizza Ranch began as a single restaurant in Hull, Iowa in 1981 and has grown into a leading fast-casual franchise with more than 200 locations across multiple states. At Gravy Train Restaurant Management, we proudly operate several Pizza Ranch restaurants throughout Iowa and Illinois.

We operate with a people-first mindset — focused on operational excellence, strong leadership, and building restaurants where team members are developed, supported, and set up to succeed. Our goal is simple: deliver a legendary guest experience while building strong leaders across every market we serve.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a General Manager in Waiting — a high-impact, traveling leadership role designed for a future General Manager who is ready to grow into a long-term store leadership position.

This role supports multiple Gravy Train Pizza Ranch locations across Iowa and Illinois. You will step in where needed — supporting leadership transitions, training and developing teams, strengthening operations, and ensuring each restaurant upholds our legendary standards.

If you thrive in dynamic environments, enjoy variety in your work, and are passionate about developing people and driving results, this role was built for you.

This position requires approximately 50 hours per week and regular travel.

What You'll Do

Lead Where You're Needed Most

  • Travel to various Gravy Train Pizza Ranch locations to provide temporary GM-level leadership and operational support.

  • Step in during leadership transitions, growth phases, or performance improvement periods.

  • Quickly assess team dynamics and operational opportunities.

Drive Operational Excellence

  • Oversee daily operations including food quality, labor management, cleanliness, and guest service standards.

  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food safety regulations.

  • Support stores in meeting sales, profitability, and performance goals.

Develop Leaders & Teams

  • Train and coach General Managers, Assistant Managers, and shift leaders.

  • Support onboarding and leadership development initiatives.

  • Model accountability, professionalism, and the Pizza Ranch way of leadership.

Elevate the Guest Experience

  • Reinforce legendary hospitality standards across all locations.

  • Support local teams in community engagement and positive brand presence.

  • Ensure consistent execution of service standards and guest recovery processes.

Strengthen Financial Performance

  • Analyze store performance and identify improvement opportunities.

  • Assist with managing food cost, labor cost, and inventory control.

  • Provide actionable recommendations to District Managers and leadership.

What You Bring to the Table

  • Passion for Leadership & Development – You love coaching others and building strong teams.

  • 3–5 Years of Restaurant Management Experience – Multi-unit or traveling leadership experience preferred.

  • Adaptability & Problem-Solving Skills – You can walk into a new environment and quickly identify what needs attention.

  • Strong Business Acumen – Experience managing P&L, labor, and cost controls.

  • Excellent Communication Skills – Able to connect with team members at every level.

  • Valid Driver's License & Willingness to Travel – Regular travel across Iowa and Illinois is required.

  • High school diploma required; college degree preferred.

Compensation & Travel Package

  • Competitive salary

  • Performance-based incentive opportunities

  • Benefits package

  • Company vehicle OR vehicle stipend package

  • Travel support as applicable

Why Join Gravy Train?

  • Clear Path to Permanent GM Placement – This role is designed to prepare you for a long-term General Manager position.

  • High Visibility Leadership Role – Work directly with District Managers and executive leadership.

  • Growth-Focused Organization – We invest in developing strong leaders across our restaurants.

  • Supportive, People-First Culture – We believe in doing things the right way and developing leaders who make a lasting impact.

Ready to Lead Across Markets and Prepare for Your Next-Level GM Role?

Apply today to become a General Manager in Waiting and help strengthen and grow Gravy Train Restaurant Management locations across Iowa and Illinois.

A man in a Pizza Ranch uniform, including a cap and polo shirt, smiling and gesturing with his hands while talking to a colleague in a restaurant setting.

General Manager in Waiting (Traveling Leadership Role)

880 Lincoln Road
Bettendorf, Iowa, 52722 Get Directions »
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I started as a part time employee and have seen lots of changes over the years. My ownership group cares about us, is a phone call away and is always willing to listen and come in and help in the restaurant when they can. What I like best about working here is getting to build relationships with the guests that come in, even if they only come in once a year.  They come in and still remember you and are excited to still see you here. 

Lori - Fairmont Assistant General Manager

I came to Minnesota from Mexico three years ago with only basic English, and Pizza Ranch gave me my very first job here. I began as a back of house team member, grew into an assistant manager role, and later transitioned to a part-time manager position while pursuing a career on Education. During this time, I’ve improved my English, built connections, and developed valuable leadership skills. Pizza Ranch has been an incredible place for growth and support on my life, and I’m grateful to still be part of this team.

Margoth - Owatonna Assistant Manager
A man and a woman wearing Pizza Ranch uniforms and hats are smiling at each other while reviewing a menu or flyer inside a restaurant with an orange wall and a digital screen behind them.

Lead Our Culture

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Management plays a vital role in shaping and nurturing our workplace culture. Leaders set the tone for how teams work together, how guests are treated, and how our values come to life every day. By modeling respect, gratitude, and service-minded leadership, managers create an environment where team members feel valued and inspired to give their best. From celebrating wins to guiding through challenges, great management fosters connection and purpose—helping every employee see how their work contributes to something bigger than themselves.

A strong workplace culture doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through consistent actions that align with who we are and what we believe. When managers live out The Pizza Ranch Way, reinforce our Key Business Drivers, and uphold our Mission and Vision, they help ensure that every guest and team member experiences the heart behind our brand.

Our Culture

The Management Experience

Managers play a critical role in driving the performance and profitability of their restaurants. They are responsible for turning strategy into results—analyzing sales trends, managing food and labor costs, and making data-driven decisions that support long-term growth. By closely monitoring daily operations and key performance metrics, managers ensure the restaurant runs efficiently while maintaining the high standards guests expect. From forecasting inventory to optimizing menu mix and pricing strategies, they balance cost control with delivering exceptional value and quality.

Strong financial performance is a cornerstone of successful leadership at Pizza Ranch. Managers take ownership of their restaurant’s bottom line, using tools and insights to identify opportunities for improvement and to celebrate achievements along the way. It’s a role that challenges leaders to think like entrepreneurs—aligning operational excellence with business results, all within the framework of the Pizza Ranch mission and values.

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