Food and Beverage Manager

La Bahia Resort and Spa; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

La Bahia Hotel & Spa is seeking a Food & Beverage Manager to lead daily operations of multiple F&B outlets, ensuring outstanding guest experiences and solid financial performance. The role partners with culinary, banquets, and hotel leadership to uphold our service standards and brand identity.

The candidate will manage staffing, training, scheduling, budgeting, and compliance with health/safety regulations, while fostering teamwork and service excellence across the beachfront resort.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive Food & Beverage management experience in luxury hotel/resort settings.
• Strong knowledge of California labor law as it pertains to F&B operations.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• California Food Handler and Responsible Beverage Service certifications or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of assigned F&B outlets (restaurant, bar, room service, banquet).
• Recruit, train, schedule and supervise F&B staff; provide coaching and development.
• Monitor labor and scheduling in compliance with CA wage and hour regulations.
• Manage outlet budgets, labor costs, cost of goods, and revenue targets; analyze financial reports and take corrective actions.
• Ensure health, safety, and sanitation standards including ServSafe and RBS.

Skills

Leadership & team management

Communication

People development

Tools

POS systems

Scheduling/payroll platforms

Budget management

Job description

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.