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.

 At Pizza Ranch, we are driven by a powerful mission:

"To establish every Pizza Ranch® as a business ministry opportunity where our guests receive a legendary experience through quality food and service; where we take a positive leadership position in the communities we serve and equip our employees with tools to lead happy and productive lives."

 If you are a passionate leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, values community impact, and excels in delivering exceptional guest experiences, we want you to join our team!

 Position Summary
The Assistant General Manager (AGM) plays a vital role in the restaurant’s success, supporting the General Manager in daily operations, team leadership, and guest satisfaction. This role is perfect for someone who is passionate about hospitality, team development, and business operations.

As an AGM, you will:
Support & Lead: Assist in building and developing a high-performing team that consistently delivers legendary guest experiences.
Ensure Operational Excellence: Help oversee restaurant operations, ensuring high food quality, exceptional service, and a welcoming environment.
Enhance the Guest Experience: Utilize guest feedback and Qualtrics data to drive continuous improvement in service and satisfaction.
Drive Business Success: Work alongside the General Manager to control food and labor costs while maximizing sales and profitability.
Foster a Positive Team Culture: Support and motivate employees, promoting teamwork, accountability, and growth.
Be a Community Leader: Represent Pizza Ranch as a trusted community partner, fostering relationships and giving back locally.

 This is a full-time position that requires availability during evenings and weekends.

Key Responsibilities (but are not limited to)
While every day brings new challenges, the core responsibilities of the AGM include:

Guest Satisfaction

·         Ensure each guest receives a legendary dining experience.

·         Handle guest feedback with professionalism and a problem-solving approach.

·         Maintain high standards in food quality, cleanliness, and service.

·         Assist in community engagement efforts to strengthen Pizza Ranch’s presence locally.

Business & Financial Management

·         Support sales growth and profitability through effective operations management.

·         Help monitor and manage food, labor, and operational costs.

·         Assist in controlling costs related to food, labor, and operations.

Team Leadership & Development

·         Assist in recruiting, training, and developing team members.

·         Set clear expectations and provide regular coaching and feedback.

Lead by example, fostering a team-oriented, positive work environment.

Operational Excellence

·         Maintain compliance with health, safety, and brand standards.

·         Oversee daily operational procedures to maintain efficiency.

·         Ensure proper inventory management and cost control.

Qualifications, Skills, and/or Competencies:

• Passion for leading and developing people 

• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license 

• Proven record of management, communication, and organizational skills 

• The ability to prioritize multiple situations 

• Effective communicator and listener with good oral and written communication skills 

• Restaurant management experience, preferred 

• Proficient in basic computer skills 

• High School graduate or equivalent education 

• Possess business acumen

Why Join Pizza Ranch?

·         Competitive Pay & Bonus Potential

·         Leadership Growth

·         Positive & Family-Oriented Culture

·         Impact Your Community

If you’re ready to lead with purpose, make a difference, and take your career to the next level, apply today!