Senior 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:

La Bahia Hotel & Spa is seeking a dynamic Senior Food & Beverage Manager with deep expertise in F&B operations and current industry trends in mixology and beverage service. This role oversees the day-to-day operations of all F&B outlets in a senior supervisory capacity, while also owning the hotel's beverage program end-to-end — from crafting innovative cocktail, wine, and spirits offerings to mentoring bar teams. The Senior F&B Manager will embrace La Bahia's luxury service standards (inspired by Forbes) and ensure every guest experience, from dining to drinks, reflects our commitment to creativity and refinement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish and monitor standards for all F&B outlets, including personnel administration, performance management, and service to guests.
• Maintain visibility and accessibility to guests, staff, and vendors; maintain effective communication with all staff to ensure F&B outlets perform at established standards.
• Organize and monitor staff schedules across F&B outlets.
• Ensure guests' needs are fulfilled and their dining experience is as pleasurable as possible; respond to guest feedback, including complaints/problems.
• Establish par levels for supplies and equipment; monitor and maintain proper inventory levels; authorize purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
• Arrange maintenance, repairs, or replacement of equipment and services.
• Implement cost controls across the food & beverage department.
• Maintain high standards of food & beverage quality, service, and marketing to maximize profits through outstanding customer service.
• Control the sales and profitability of all beverage programs throughout the hotel.
• Establish and monitor standards for a beverage program featuring an extensive wine selection, spirits collection, and refined pairings tailored to the menu.
• Establish standard operating procedures for beverage service, wine storage, and inventory management.
• Oversee day-to-day execution of the beverage program, ensuring seamless and sophisticated service.
• Manage bar staff performance in accordance with established service standards and procedures.
• Train front-of-house staff in wine knowledge, tableside beverage presentation, and pairing recommendations to create a polished and intuitive guest experience.
• Possess and maintain thorough knowledge of all beverage selections available, including characteristics and descriptions of every wine/champagne on the list and by the glass, as well as all menu items, preparation methods/times, ingredients, sauces, portion sizes, presentation, and prices.
• Prepare accurate and timely reports as required.
• Assist staff with job functions as needed to ensure optimum service to all guests.
• Support safe work habits and a safe working environment at all times.
• Perform all other duties that may be assigned as needed by your manager.
• 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, including direct beverage/bar program oversight
• Luxury hotel experience preferred
• 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
• Knowledge of the Santa Cruz restaurant industry a plus
• Knowledge of spirits/beer selection and wine pairings required
• Experience with POS systems, scheduling/payroll platforms, and budget management
• Excellent communication skills; bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred
• 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.