Service Manager

The Pulpo Group; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off (80 hrs/year)

Sick time (72 hrs/year)

Paid parental leave

Health, dental, vision benefits

Retirement plan with company match

Employee dining discounts

Growth opportunities

Collaborative culture

Job summary

The Pulpo Group in Ann Arbor is seeking a Service Manager to lead the dining room, coach the team in real time, and ensure an exceptional guest experience across all shifts. You will collaborate with leadership to uphold standards, manage service flow, and support opening/closing procedures in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates have 1–2+ years on the floor in a high-volume restaurant, strong communication, and the ability to manage priorities under pressure, with evenings/weekends

Qualifications

• 1-2+ years of experience in a service leadership role within a high-volume restaurant.
• Full-time role requiring evenings, weekends, and holidays in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership presence on the floor is essential for success.
• Strong communication, coaching, and accountability abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in real time.

Responsibilities

• Lead the dining room during service, managing flow, pacing, and guest experience from open to close.
• Coach and develop team members in real time, reinforcing service standards and accountability.
• Run pre-shift meetings communicating priorities, expectations, and shift goals.
• Monitor dining room areas and support service, resolving issues as they arise.
• Ensure consistency of service across all tables and coordinate with kitchen/bar teams.

Skills

Service leadership

Communication

Team coaching

Organizational skills

Leadership presence

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Description

The Pulpo Group is the visionary hospitality company redefining the style and standard of exceptional experiences in the communities we serve. As the parent company behind three of Ann Arbor’s most beloved restaurants: Sava's, Aventura, and The Dixboro Project, plus our brand new Orijin Bakery, we are proud to help shape the region’s unique dining culture through creativity, hospitality, and community connection

POSITION SUMMARY

We’re looking for Service Managers who lead from the floor, set the tone for hospitality, and thrive in fast-paced, high-volume environments. This role is responsible for executing service at a high level, developing the team in real time, and ensuring every guest experience is consistent, thoughtful, and memorable.

You’ll work closely with leadership to bring our standards to life each day - supporting the team, managing the flow of service, and holding the bar high across every shift.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead the dining room during service, managing flow, pacing, and overall guest experience from open to close.
• Coach and develop team members in real time, reinforcing service standards and holding accountability.
• Run pre-shift meetings that clearly communicate priorities, expectations, and goals for the shift.
• Monitor all areas of the dining room, stepping in to support service and resolve issues as they arise.
• Ensure consistency in the sequence of service and overall guest experience across every table.
• Support opening and closing procedures, cash handling, and end-of-day reporting.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment in line with health and safety standards.
• Anticipate service needs and proactively adjust staffing, pacing, and support to ensure smooth execution throughout the shift.
• Partner with kitchen and bar teams to maintain strong communication and alignment, ensuring a seamless experience across all areas of the restaurant.

WHY WORK WITH US

• $65,000 - $75,000 pay range.
• 80 hours of paid time off per benefit year.
• 72 hours of sick time per benefit year.
• Paid parental leave.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits with company contributions.
• Retirement plans with a company match.
• Employee dining discounts at any of our restaurants.
• Opportunities for growth and development within The Pulpo Group.
• A collaborative, team-driven culture rooted in hospitality and excellence.

Requirements

WHO YOU ARE

• 1-2+ years of experience in a service leadership role within a high-volume or upscale restaurant environment.
• Full-time role requiring evenings, weekends, and holidays in a high-volume, fast paced environment.
• Leadership presence on the floor is essential for success in this role.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to lead, coach, and hold team members accountable.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in real time.
• Maintains composure under pressure and operates with a consistent sense of urgency.
• Builds strong relationships with both guests and team members across all levels of the organization.
• Exercises sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced and constantly evolving environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Remains on feet for extended periods of time, actively moving throughout the dining room during service.
• Lifts and carries up to 40–50 pounds occasionally, including glassware, service equipment, and product.
• Navigates tight and high-traffic spaces safely and efficiently in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
• Performs repetitive motions such as using POS systems, handling plates and glassware, and completing administrative tasks.
• Works evenings, weekends, and holidays in a high-energy environment with varying noise levels and temperatures.