Apply here or email us at:
hiring@personenyc.com
Assistant General Manager / Service Manager
Location: Jersey City, NJ
just less than 10 minute walk to the PATH of Jersey City stop
only one stop from Manhattan (Cristopher st or World Trade Center)
Nestled in the charming Paulus Hook neighborhood of Jersey City, we aew a new fine dining destination offering a memorable culinary journey. Opened in April 2024, the restaurant features a sophisticated ambiance, a menu inspired by elevated American fare with global influences, and a carefully curated selection of wines and signature cocktails. With its chic design, natural light, and warm, cosmopolitan vibe, setting a new standard for dining in the area. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual dinner, our guests are treated like family, with impeccable service and a focus on creating memorable dining experiences.
We are now seeking a dynamic Assistant General Manager (AGM) / Service Managerto join our team. This is an exceptional opportunity for someone with strong service management experience and a passion for fine dining to make a significant impact and contribute to the growth and success of this exciting new venue.
Position Overview:
As the Assistant General Manager / Service Manager, you will be an integral part of the leadership team, reporting directly to the General Manager. You will work alongside a talented team, the front-of-house staff, and the bar manager, to ensure a seamless and exceptional guest experience. Your role will involve overseeing day-to-day operations, managing staff, driving revenue, and maintaining the high standards of service that have already earned us a reputation for excellence.
We are looking for an individual with strong leadership skills, a keen understanding of restaurant operations, and a passion for wine and hospitality. This position offers the opportunity to work in an upscale environment with a great work-life balance, including a flexible schedule and a workweek from Wednesday to Sunday.
- What We Offer:Very Competitive salary: $85,000 - $100,000
- Health benefits: 2/3 healthcare coverage + $1,000 contribution toward out-of-pocket expenses
- 2 weeks PTO to ensure you have work-life balance
- A collaborative and supportive leadership team
- Opportunity for career growth in an exciting, new fine dining concept
- A flexible schedule with Wednesday to Sunday workweek (including dinners and weekend brunches) > 45 hours week average.
- Restaurant is only open for dinner on weekdays (last seating 9.30/10pm) and all day 11 am to 10 pm on weekends.
- Restaurant is closed on Mondays,
Key Responsibilities:
- Front of House Staffing and OperationsHiring & Onboarding:
- Post job openings and assess candidates via platforms like Indeed.
- Conduct interviews, manage onboarding processes, and ensure paperwork is submitted accurately and timely.
- Provide ongoing training for new hires to ensure high standards of service are met from day one.
- Employee Management:
- Lead by example, ensuring all staff follow the established Steps of Service and embody the brand's values.
- Discipline employees when necessary, including issuing verbal and written warnings in accordance with company policy.
- Manage employee concerns and complaints, taking appropriate action to resolve issues and maintain a positive work environment.
- Ensure employee schedules align with labor cost budgets, managing peak times, holidays, and special events.
- Scheduling & Staffing:
- Oversee the creation of employee schedules, ensuring proper coverage and adherence to labor cost goals.
- Coordinate with the GM to ensure sufficient staffing for all operational needs, including special events and busy periods.
- Enforce the restaurant’s scheduling and attendance policies, managing trades, call-outs, and shift changes effectively.
- Service Excellence and Daily OperationsRun Daily Pre-Shift Briefings:
- Lead pre-shift meetings with a focus on guest needs, special requests, and upselling opportunities.
- Share key information about VIPs, birthdays, anniversaries, and allergies with the team to ensure seamless service.
- Service Structure and Coordination:
- Work closely with the Executive Chef to ensure smooth execution of prefix and tasting menus, private events, and daily specials.
- Enforce service standards and training manuals to ensure all front-of-house staff uphold elevated service standards.
- Coordinate with the Bar Manager to ensure a consistent and high-quality beverage service.
- Reservation & Guest Management:
- Oversee OpenTable management, ensuring optimal seating arrangements and maximizing guest satisfaction.
- Train host staff on accurate reservation management and guest preferences, maintaining detailed records of regular customers and VIPs.
- Monitor guest feedback and take proactive steps to enhance the customer experience.
- Revenue Management and GrowthSeating & Revenue Optimization:
- Oversee the floor plan and seating chart daily to maximize covers, revenue, and customer satisfaction.
- Regularly audit OpenTable settings to ensure maximum efficiency and effective utilization of the dining space.
- Guest Engagement:
- Interact with guests to gather feedback, address concerns, and enhance their dining experience.
- Lead staff in engaging with both new and repeat customers, creating memorable experiences that drive brand loyalty.
- Conduct training sessions to improve the team’s knowledge of the menu, wine pairings, and service skills to drive sales.
- Restaurant Programming:
- Develop and implement special events, promotions, and unique experiences that align with our brand and target audience.
- Leverage data and guest feedback to improve programming and drive customer traffic during off-peak times.
- Administrative and Operational ExcellenceStaff Communication & Reporting:
- Regularly communicate with staff to share updates, recap key learning points from shifts, and provide feedback.
- Complete daily shift reports, detailing operational challenges, guest feedback, and staff performance, and share with the executive team.
- Work closely with the back-of-house team to ensure smooth service and address any issues that arise during service.
- Operational Maintenance:
- Keep up-to-date with menu changes, pricing updates, and promotions in the Toast POS system.
- Track inventory levels for FOH supplies and liquor, conducting regular checks to ensure stock is maintained.
- Ensure compliance with all licensing, inspections, and health regulations.
- Training & Development:
- Regularly update and maintain training materials and employee handbooks.
- Provide ongoing coaching and support to staff, helping them grow and improve their performance.
- Offer feedback and development plans for key staff members to help them advance in their careers.
- Knowledge and ExpertiseWine & Beverage Expertise:
- Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of our wine list and cocktail offerings.
- Be able to make personalized recommendations based on guest preferences and pairings with menu items.
- Assist staff in learning about wine and spirits, including hosting tasting sessions to deepen product knowledge.
- Food & Beverage Knowledge:
- Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the culinary offerings, with an emphasis on seasonally inspired dishes and locally sourced ingredients.
- Stay informed on the latest trends in fine dining, food safety, and hospitality industry best practices.
Requirements:
- 3-5 years of experience in fine dining or upscale restaurant management, preferably in an AGM or Service Manager role.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
- Excellent knowledge of wine, spirits, and food pairing.
- Proven track record of managing and training front-of-house teams.
- Ability to analyze operational data (Toast, OpenTable, etc.) and make data-driven decisions.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety training.
- Availability to work weekends, holidays, and special events.
If you are passionate about providing exceptional service, have strong leadership capabilities, and want to be part of an exciting, fast-growing restaurant, we encourage you to apply today and join us!
Apply here or email us at:
hiring@personenyc.com
