Food and Beverage Manager

Join Ithaka Hospitality Partners on an Exciting Journey!

Are you a passionate hospitality leader ready to create exceptional dining experiences? Ithaka Hospitality Partners is seeking a dynamic and service-driven Food & Beverage Manager to join our team at Elevation Convening Center & Hotel, a purpose-driven, sophisticated destination offering stunning views of downtown Montgomery, Alabama.

This leadership role offers the opportunity to oversee the daily operations of AYA Soulful Dining and Elevation Café while helping shape memorable guest experiences through thoughtful service, operational excellence, and strong team leadership. The Food & Beverage Manager plays a vital role in driving service standards, developing team members, and ensuring each outlet operates efficiently and seamlessly.

If you thrive in a fast-paced hospitality environment, have a passion for food and beverage operations, and enjoy leading teams to deliver elevated guest experiences, we invite you to join our growing team at Elevation Convening Center & Hotel.

Job Summary

The Food & Beverage Manager oversees and organizes the day-to-day operations of AYA Soulful Dining and Elevation Café to ensure exceptional service execution, high-quality food and beverage offerings, and strong financial performance.

This role is responsible for leading front-of-house operations, developing team members, and delivering a consistent, thoughtful guest experience aligned with Ithaka Hospitality standards. The Food & Beverage Manager owns the execution of each shift, ensuring service standards, team accountability, and operational readiness are consistently met.

This position will also support other food and beverage outlets within the Elevation Convening Center & Hotel as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Train and develop all team members on service standards, menu knowledge, and execution expectations
• Ensure all Responsible Vendor training is completed prior to team members serving guests
• Maintain consistent communication with the Director of Restaurants, culinary leadership, and all direct reports
• Ensure the team maintains a positive, professional attitude and adheres to grooming and appearance standards daily
• Lead daily pre-shift huddles, reinforcing priorities, service focus, and accountability
• Hold team members accountable to performance expectations, providing real-time coaching and follow-up

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of AYA Soulful Dining and Elevation Café across all service periods
• Own the execution of each shift from set-up through close, ensuring all service standards are met
• Actively manage the floor to ensure service flow, pacing, and guest engagement
• Ensure consistent execution of service standards from warm welcome to fond farewell
• Ensure proper staffing levels and that schedules are posted in accordance with Elevation Convening Center & Hotel standards
• Ensure all front-of-house areas are clean, organized, and fully set prior to service and maintained throughout the shift
• Communicate effectively with guests and team members, resolving concerns promptly and professionally
• Lead service recovery efforts and identify trends in guest feedback to share with leadership
• Partner with culinary leadership during service to ensure alignment on timing, quality, and communication
• Support menu rollouts through team education and daily reinforcement
• Execute daily operational disciplines including pre-shift huddles, shift transitions, and closing procedures
• Ensure all opening and closing procedures are executed consistently, including securing all assets, cash handling, and daily financial responsibilities
• Monitor daily sales activity, labor performance, and operational trends; communicate key insights and opportunities to the Director of Restaurants
• Ensure accuracy in POS usage, check management, and financial controls
• Partner with Talent, Learning & Culture on recruiting, onboarding, training, and development of the FOH team
• Build relationships with guests to drive satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat business
• Support private dining and group dining execution as needed to meet guest expectations
• Teach and uphold all Ithaka Hospitality policies and service standards
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Skills & Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong knowledge of restaurant operations and service execution
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a guest-first mindset
• Knowledge of food safety, alcohol service, and operational compliance standards
• Ability to navigate and troubleshoot POS and operational systems
• Understanding of basic financial principles including labor and cost controls
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality or related field preferred
• Previous restaurant experience required; management experience preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, stand, and bend continuously throughout a shift
• Ability to move up to 100 lbs. with wheeled assistance
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., including lifting overhead as needed
• Ability to transport and handle food and beverage products safely

Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. All employment decisions are based on job-related factors.