Hospitality Manager

Hospitality ManagerEl Segundo, California, United StatesAbout VardaLow Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.About This RoleThe Varda Hospitality Team serves all employees, customers, government partners, potential clients and/or visitors with everything from snacks to daily meals to full-service events. The Hospitality Manager will oversee the organization's food and beverage offerings as well as customer service operations. This role includes developing and implementing effective customer service strategies and training programs across a multi-outlet environment. Key responsibilities of the Hospitality Manager include coordinating service operations for catering services, site safety and sanitation. Additionally, the Hospitality Manager will monitor and motivate staff, ensure excellent customer service, engage with customers, and facilitate cross-site communication. This position involves hiring and developing talent, ensuring that the team is up to date with all mandatory company training, managing scheduling and payroll, and overseeing the interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of new staff. The Hospitality Manager supports Varda's mission by managing hospitality functions and ensuring delivery of quality food/beverage options across all operations. This creates exemplary, professional and welcoming service environments that enhance productivity and morale.Responsibilities:Establish and drive standards for hospitality operations and guest interactionsLead the development and execution of new services, offerings, and training programsDirect and optimize day-to-day operations of food and beverage outlets/catering locationsBuild and lead a high-performing team by managing direct reports, including strategic hiring, performance management, talent development, succession planning, and fostering a culture of accountability and growthCollaborate with organizing and coordinating events, including large onsite/offsite gatherings and catering requestsChampion and enforce rigorous food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards, ensuring full regulatory compliance and cultivating a proactive safety culture across all locations.Support development and implementation of systems and processes that optimize team productivity, time management, and resource allocation across the department.Support comprehensive training programs focused on customer service, menu knowledge, allergens, and nutritional awareness; create scalable training materials and measure their impact on performance.Own product quality, consistency, and inventory management across all outlets by establishing robust quality control systems, monitoring key metrics, reducing waste, and driving continuous improvement in service and menu execution.Basic Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalency certificate5+ years of food service industry experience and 3+ years of leadership experiencePreferred Skills and Experience:5+ years of leadership experience within the food service industryExperience opening new operations and/or creating operations procedures from the ground upComplete understanding of managing a team in casual and quick service restaurantsAdvanced interpersonal, oral and written communication skillsAdvanced time management skillsAdvanced understanding of food safety and sanitation practicesAdvanced knowledge of food service systems, ordering and inventoryProficient computer skills including Microsoft OfficeProficient knowledge with allergen identification and dietary restrictionsProficient knowledge of beverage service including coffee, beer, wine and spiritsShowcases high level of professionalismExperience in a corporate environmentProficient knowledge of HR best practicesAdditional Requirements:Ability to carry large, heavy items unassisted (up to 25lbs)Must have the ability to stand for long periods – up to 8-12 hours a dayAble to perform frequent bending, stooping, and lifting of objects through entire shiftMust be able to work all shifts and available for overtime, weekends and holiday(s) as neededMust participate in internal leadership and development trainingAdaptability, problem-solving skills, and extreme attention to detailTeam player with the ability to collaborate effectively, including but not limited to training of incoming team membersAbility to work gracefully under pressureMust have or obtain Servesafe Food Manager Certification (training provided internally as needed)Pay RangeSalary range: 100k - 135kThis role is on-site in El Segundo, CALeveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance. You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awardsBenefitsConsider your benefits covered for launch. At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns.Regular Full-Time Positions:Health & Wellness:Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA optionsVoluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven ClinicSponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependentsFinancial & Retirement:Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)$20/pay period cell phone reimbursementRelocation support for new hires, if neededWorkplace Experience & Perks:Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weeklyCompany and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrationsComplimentary EV chargingBenefits for Internship Positions:Health & Wellness:Paid observed holidays.100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses.Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents.Financial:$20/pay period cell phone reimbursement.Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligibleUp to $85