Hospitality Operations Manager in North East, Maryland at Sandy Cove Ministries

For 80 years, Sandy Cove Ministries has been a place where millions of people have connected with God and each other.

We offer year-around signature programs designed to uplift and strengthen individuals and families, including summer vacation packages and a day camp for kids. We also contract with ministries and organizations, helping them create their own impactful retreats and events on our property.

All of this happens at our breathtaking location on the headwaters of Chesapeake Bay in North East, Maryland. With 150 guest rooms in our lodge and 220 beautiful acres, we offer guests authentic hospitality and the rest and renewal they crave.

Position: Hospitality Operations Manager FLSA Status: Exempt

Grade: 17 Reports to: Director of Hospitality

Department: Food Service

Position Summary

The Dining Room Hospitality & Operations Manager provides servant leadership for the daily operation of Sandy Cove Ministries' dining services, ensuring every guest experiences exceptional hospitality while cultivating a Christ-centered culture among team members. This position combines operational excellence with relational leadership, overseeing the dining room experience, Uncle Wilf's Café, employee scheduling, training, and administrative functions that support Food Service.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized leader who enjoys developing people, creating systems that promote excellence, and intentionally investing in others both professionally and spiritually.

Essential Responsibilities

Guest Hospitality & Dining Experience

• Create and maintain a welcoming, clean, and inviting dining environment that reflects Sandy Cove's mission of helping people connect with God and each other.
• Lead the dining room team in providing exceptional guest service that exceeds expectations.
• Ensure dining room operations consistently demonstrate warmth, professionalism, and Christian hospitality.
• Respond promptly and professionally to guest questions, concerns, and service opportunities.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to ensure seamless guest dining experience.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide day-to-day leadership for dining room staff, Kitchen Rounds employees, and Uncle Wilf's Café team members.
• Recruit, interview, onboard, and train new team members according to Sandy Cove standards and departmental procedures.
• Coach employees through regular feedback, encouragement, and accountability.
• Foster teamwork, collaboration, and a culture of mutual respect.
• Conduct performance conversations and assist with employee evaluations.
• Identify future leaders and intentionally develop their leadership potential.

Spiritual Leadership

• Model a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and Christian character in daily interactions.
• Relationally invest in employees by encouraging their personal, professional, and spiritual growth.
• Create opportunities for prayer, encouragement, and meaningful conversations with team members.
• Support the spiritual formation initiatives of Sandy Cove Ministries and encourage participation in staff devotions, chapel, and community life.
• Demonstrate grace, humility, servant leadership, and biblical conflict resolution.

Administrative & Operational Leadership

• Oversee the administrative functions of the Food Service department.
• Prepare and manage employee schedules for:
• Kitchen Rounds Team Members
• Uncle Wilf's Café Team Members
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels based on occupancy, events, and business needs.
• Monitor labor utilization and scheduling efficiency.
• Maintain accurate employee records, training documentation, and scheduling information.
• Assist with payroll processes and ensure accurate timekeeping.
• Develop as needed and maintain standard operating procedures for assigned areas.
• Coordinate communication between dining room, café, kitchen, and other departments.

Uncle Wilf's Café Operations

• Provide leadership for the daily operation of Uncle Wilf's Café.
• Ensure excellent guest service and product quality.
• Monitor inventory and ordering needs in collaboration with Food Service leadership.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, merchandising, and operational standards.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with health department regulations and food safety standards.
• Maintain a safe working environment for employees and guests.
• Promote proper sanitation and cleanliness throughout assigned areas.
• Support organizational policies and risk management initiatives.
• Participate in emergency response procedures as required.

Qualifications

Required

• Personal commitment to Jesus Christ and agreement with the mission and Statement of Faith of Sandy Cove Ministries.
• Demonstrated servant leadership skills.
• Experience leading employees in hospitality, food service, restaurant, hotel, or similar environments.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Ability to coach, develop, and motivate employees.
• Proficiency with scheduling software and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Supervisory or management experience in hospitality or food service.
• Experience with employee scheduling and labor management.
• Experience onboarding and training employees.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Ministry or Christian camp/conference center experience.

Core Competencies

• Christ-centered servant leadership
• Hospitality excellence
• Relationship building
• Coaching and employee development
• Organization and attention to detail
• Administrative excellence
• Conflict resolution
• Initiative and problem-solving
• Collaboration
• Adaptability

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and seasonal schedules as ministry needs require.
• Ability to work in dining room, café, kitchen support, and office environments.

Success in This Role

Success in this position is demonstrated when:

• Guests consistently experience exceptional hospitality.
• Dining room operations run efficiently and smoothly.
• Uncle Wilf's Café operates with excellence and strong guest satisfaction.
• Employees feel valued, encouraged, and supported in both their work and spiritual lives.
• Staffing schedules are proactive, accurate, and cost-effective.
• New employees are successfully onboarded and trained into Sandy Cove's culture.
• Team members demonstrate increasing ownership, engagement, and commitment to Sandy Cove's mission.

Pay Grade: 17 Min: $48,984 Max: 66,269

Full-Time Benefits

Employee Benefits: Health Insurance (Individual/Family), Dental Insurance, Life, LTD, Paid vacation, Paid Sick, Paid Holidays, 401(k) with employer match, meal privileges, tuition reimbursement, discounts on Sandy Cove Programs, discount in the Nook.

Learn more about Sandy Cove by visiting www.sandycove.org