Food and Beverage Manager in Santa Cruz, California at La Bahia Resort and Spa

ABOUT US:

Nestled along the Pacific Coast, La Bahia Hotel & Spa celebrates its dramatic setting, where the tip of Monterey Bay touches Sana Cruz's coveted Main Beach. Steeped in the romantic beauty of Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, locals and travelers alike will savor globally influenced cuisine, cocktails and wellness rituals infused with the region's agricultural bounty and coast-cultured Spirit.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Food & Beverage Manager is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and operational excellence of one or more F&B outlets, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, strong financial performance, and a well-trained, engaged team. This role partners closely with culinary, banquets, and hotel leadership to uphold La Bahia's service standards and brand identity. By maintaining exceptional cleanliness standards and fostering a culture of teamwork, the Food & Beverage Manager will uphold La Bahia Hotel & Spa’s service standards (inspired by Forbes) while elevating our beachfront resort.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee daily operations of assigned F&B outlet(s), including restaurant, bar, room service, and/or banquet functions, ensuring consistent, high-quality guest experiences
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise F&B staff; provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and development opportunities
• Monitor labor and scheduling in compliance with California wage and hour regulations, including meal and rest period requirements
• Manage outlet budgets, including labor costs, cost of goods, and revenue targets; analyze financial reports and implement corrective actions as needed
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards, including California ServSafe and Responsible Beverage Service requirements
• Maintain accurate tip pooling practices in accordance with California labor law
• Collaborate with the Culinary team on menu execution, quality control, and guest feedback
• Address guest concerns promptly and professionally, driving service recovery when needed
• Support banquet and special event execution as needed, including weddings, conferences, and community events
• Maintain inventory controls, vendor relationships, and ordering processes
• Uphold La Bahia's Standards of Appearance and brand service culture across the team
• Participate in daily briefings, departmental meetings, and property-wide leadership initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3+ years of progressive Food & Beverage management experience, preferably in a luxury or upscale hotel/resort setting
• Strong knowledge of California labor law as it pertains to F&B operations (meal/rest periods, tip pooling, overtime)
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team
• Experience with POS systems, scheduling/payroll platforms, and budget management
• Excellent communication skills; bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred
• California Food Handler and Responsible Beverage Service certifications (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs
• Fast-paced hotel environment with varying temperatures and noise levels
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment

La Bahia Hotel & Spa is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists in managing the Food & Beverage staff, including setting the schedules. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.