General Manager - Hilltop Restaurant | Carneros Resort & Spa

Job Description

Job Description

Reports to: Assistant Food & Beverage Director
Seasonal Collaboration with: Director of Banquets

Position Overview

The General Manager of Hilltop Restaurant at Carneros Resort and Spa is responsible for overseeing all front-of-house operations at Hilltop—our guest-exclusive restaurant known for delivering elevated, seasonal cuisine in a luxurious setting. This position leads daily service, guest experience, financial performance, and team development with a focus on maintaining Forbes-level standards. Given Hilltop’s seasonal fluctuations in volume—particularly during wedding and event season—this role also supports the Banquets Department by assisting with event setup, breakdown, execution, and cross-training of team members. The ideal candidate is a versatile, hands-on leader who thrives in dynamic environments, adapts quickly to shifting business needs, and exemplifies the resort’s luxury hospitality culture.

Key Responsibilities:
Hilltop Restaurant Leadership

• Oversee all front-of-house operations at Hilltop, ensuring smooth, professional, and efficient service aligned with luxury standards.
• Lead and mentor the Hilltop service team, including hosts, servers, and bartenders, fostering a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and accountability.
• Ensure the restaurant’s ambiance, cleanliness, and service presentation meet Carneros Resort and Spa’s brand standards.
• Monitor guest feedback and dining trends to enhance the Hilltop experience and increase guest satisfaction.
• Manage schedules, labor costs, and staffing levels based on business needs and seasonal trends.

Service Excellence & Financial Oversight

• Maintain Forbes Five-Star service expectations across all dining periods.
• Collaborate with the culinary and beverage teams to support seasonal menu rollouts, service enhancements, and wine/cocktail program integration.
• Oversee daily revenue reconciliation, cost controls, and reporting, working toward departmental financial goals.
• Conduct pre-shift briefings and service trainings to promote consistency and product knowledge.

Seasonal Banquets Support

• During peak seasons (weddings and events), assist the Banquets Director and team with setup, breakdown, and execution of events.
• Cross-train Hilltop staff to support banquet events, ensuring seamless transitions between outlets.
• Maintain open communication and collaboration with the Banquets Department to align staffing and service needs.
• Ensure Hilltop staff supporting banquets understand and maintain luxury standards during offsite or event service.

Team Development & Cross-Training

• Identify, recruit, and train service professionals who embody the resort’s hospitality ethos.
• Provide regular coaching, performance evaluations, and development opportunities.
• Cross-train Hilltop staff for flexibility in supporting other outlets, including banquets and in-room dining, as needed.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of management experience in upscale dining or luxury hospitality settings.
• Proven ability to lead teams in dynamic, high-volume, and seasonal environments.
• Strong understanding of guest service, restaurant operations, and event logistics.
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets, labor, inventory, and POS systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on team leadership and guest engagement.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak seasons.
• Familiarity with Napa/Sonoma wine country dining culture and Forbes service standards is preferred.