Service Manager

Service Manager Opportunity at Aventura

Modern tapas, world-renowned Valencian paella, and overflowing hospitality in the heart of Downtown Ann Arbor.

Aventura is a Spanish-inspired restaurant and bar located in the heart of Downtown Ann Arbor. Our approach to hospitality is energetic, intentional, and guest-focused, bringing people together over shared plates, craft cocktails, and memorable experiences.

We're looking for an experienced Service Manager to lead our dining room and help deliver exceptional service every day. Our Service Manager is a highly engaged, floor-driven leader who sets the tone and tempo of each shift, develops our team through real-time coaching, and ensures every guest receives the warm, seamless experience that defines Aventura.

What You'll Do

• Lead the dining room from open to close, actively managing service flow, pacing, staffing, and the overall guest experience.
• Maintain a highly engaged presence on the floor, connecting with guests, reading the dining room, and ensuring Aventura's sequence of service is consistently executed.
• Coach and develop team members in real time, setting clear expectations and holding the team accountable to our service and hospitality standards.
• Resolve guest and operational challenges with professionalism, urgency, and a hospitality-first approach.
• Oversee shift operations including opening and closing procedures, floor plans, POS transactions, cash handling, end-of-day reporting, cleanliness, safety, and restaurant readiness.

What We're Looking For

• A confident, hands-on leader who genuinely enjoys being present on the floor and engaged in service.
• A hospitality-driven mindset with strong instincts for reading guests, anticipating needs, and creating memorable experiences.
• The ability to lead with composure, positivity, and a consistent sense of urgency in a high-volume environment.
• A strong coach who can provide clear feedback, reinforce expectations, and develop others in the moment.
• Someone who takes ownership, follows through, and understands how great hospitality and strong restaurant operations work together.

Why Work With Us

• Competitive pay.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with company contributions.
• Company-sponsored short-term disability insurance.
• Paid Time Off and Paid Sick Time.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within The Pulpo Group.

Requirements

• 1–2+ years of experience minimum in a service leadership role within a high-volume, full-service restaurant environment.
• Strong knowledge of restaurant service standards, dining room operations, and guest recovery.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to lead, coach, and manage multiple priorities in real time.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule based on restaurant needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Remain on your feet for extended periods, frequently standing and walking throughout the restaurant for the majority of the shift.
• Lift, carry, push, and move items weighing up to 40–50 pounds occasionally.
• Frequently bend, reach, twist, and safely navigate tight or crowded restaurant spaces.
• Perform repetitive motions including using POS systems, handling plates and glassware, and completing computer-based administrative tasks.
• Work in a fast-paced, high-energy restaurant environment with varying temperatures, noise levels, and extended evening, weekend, and holiday shifts.