Assistant Manager

Join the Opening Team at Casa Oaxaca

Casa Oaxaca, a new modern Mexican restaurant from Merchants Hospitality, is seeking an energetic, hospitality-driven Assistant Manager to join our opening leadership team in Battery Park City.

With a culinary program led by Oaxacan-born Chef Antelmo Ambrosio, Casa Oaxaca brings together modern Mexican cuisine, an expansive cocktail and agave program, distinct dining rooms, private dining spaces, and outdoor seating.

This opportunity is ideal for a service-focused leader who thrives in a busy restaurant environment and wants to help shape a new venue from the start. The Assistant Manager will support daily operations, develop team members, establish consistent service standards, and ensure every guest feels welcomed and well cared for.

Position Summary

The Assistant Manager supports the General Manager across restaurant operations, including guest experience, team development, labor management, financial performance, and service execution. This role requires an active presence on the floor, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead by example.

ResponsibilitiesGuest Experience and Service Excellence

• Lead service periods while maintaining an active presence throughout the dining room, bar, and outdoor spaces.
• Deliver warm, attentive hospitality and consistent service.
• Address guest concerns professionally and resolve issues promptly.
• Build relationships with neighborhood guests, regulars, and VIP clientele.
• Develop team knowledge of the menu, cocktails, tequila, and mezcal to support thoughtful recommendations.
• Establish and uphold Casa Oaxaca’s service standards and culture of hospitality.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, coach, and motivate front-of-house team members.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training the opening team.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings and ongoing food, beverage, and service training.
• Hold team members accountable to service, performance, and appearance standards.
• Promote a positive, professional, and respectful workplace culture.

Operations Management

• Assist with opening and closing procedures.
• Monitor daily operations to ensure efficiency, consistency, and readiness for service.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety requirements, and health department regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the restaurant.
• Coordinate with kitchen and bar leadership to ensure smooth service.
• Support the opening process by helping establish procedures, identify operational needs, and refine workflows.

Labor and Financial Performance

• Assist with managing labor costs through effective scheduling and staff deployment.
• Monitor sales performance and support initiatives that grow revenue and repeat business.
• Help control operating expenses and minimize waste.
• Review payroll accuracy, employee attendance, and scheduling compliance.
• Support inventory management and cost-control procedures.

Administrative Duties and Private Events

• Complete daily management reports and operational checklists.
• Ensure proper cash handling and POS procedures.
• Support private dining, corporate events, celebrations, and promotional initiatives.
• Coordinate with the events team to deliver contracted details and a seamless guest experience.
• Communicate effectively with the General Manager, culinary team, and corporate leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of restaurant management experience in an upscale, high-volume environment.
• Strong understanding of hospitality, food, beverage, and service standards.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop teams.
• Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize during busy service periods.
• Experience with scheduling, labor management, and restaurant financials preferred.
• Knowledge of Mexican cuisine, tequila, mezcal, and craft cocktails is a plus.
• Restaurant opening and private event experience preferred.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as business demands require.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary of $75,000–$90,000.
• Performance bonus opportunities.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k).
• Paid time off.
• Employee dining discounts.
• Career advancement opportunities within Merchants Hospitality.
• Professional development and leadership training.

Why Casa Oaxaca

Join Casa Oaxaca at the beginning and help build a restaurant that becomes a neighborhood favorite and a destination for dining, cocktails, and private events. We are looking for a hands-on leader who cares about people, takes pride in the details, and brings energy and accountability to every service.

If you are passionate about hospitality and ready to help shape a new restaurant alongside an experienced team, we would love to hear from you.