Matire'd/Event Operations Manager at Bar Issi Palm Springs LLC – Palm Springs, California

Position Overview

The Operations Manager at Bar Issi is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing daily restaurant operations while driving revenue through strategic event booking, seamless event execution, and strong management of the reservations platform and front door experience.

This role blends traditional restaurant management with a focused ownership of private dining, buyouts, large party coordination, and guest flow optimization. The ideal candidate is both operationally strong on the floor and highly organized behind the scenes, with a hospitality-first mindset and a sharp attention to detail.

Core Responsibilities
Event Sales, Booking & Coordination (Primary Focus)
Serve as the primary point of contact for all event inquiries (private dining, large parties, full/partial buyouts)
Respond to event leads in a timely and professional manner, converting inquiries into confirmed bookings
Build and maintain event proposals, menus, and BEOs in alignment with Bar Issi standards
Collaborate with culinary and beverage teams to curate event experiences
Manage all event logistics including timelines, floor plans, staffing needs, and special requests
Ensure seamless communication between FOH, BOH, and management teams leading up to events
Oversee on-site execution of events to ensure exceptional guest experience and operational flow
Identify opportunities to drive event revenue and repeat business

Reservations & Front Door Management
Oversee and manage the reservations platform (Resy), including:
Inventory optimization
Turn times and table management strategy
Event integration and large party blocking
Monitor and adjust the book to maximize covers and revenue while maintaining service standards
Train and manage host team on reservations, guest flow, and hospitality standards
Actively manage the door during service, ensuring:
Accurate wait times
Strategic seating decisions
VIP and concierge relationships are prioritized
Maintain strong relationships with local concierges and partners to drive bookings

Restaurant Operations & Service Leadership
Act as Manager on Duty (MOD) during service, leading the floor and supporting all FOH operations
Ensure consistent execution of Bar Issi’s service standards and guest experience
Support staffing, scheduling, and labor management in partnership with senior leadership
Assist with training, coaching, and development of FOH team members
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness of the restaurant
Address guest feedback in real time and resolve service issues with professionalism

Administrative & Operational Duties
Maintain accurate event records, deposits, and communication logs
Support financial goals through revenue generation (events) and cost awareness during operations
Assist with SOP development and implementation related to events, reservations, and service flow
Collaborate with marketing on event promotion and special programming
Participate in manager meetings, reporting, and ongoing operational planning

Qualifications
3+ years of restaurant management experience in a high-volume, full-service environment
Proven experience in event coordination, private dining, or group sales
Strong working knowledge of reservation platforms (Resy preferred)
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to multitask and manage both administrative and on-floor responsibilities
Strong communication and leadership skills
Professional, polished, and guest-focused demeanor
Flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays