Front of House Operations Lead The Independent Somerville, MA Job Details Full-time $15 - $40 an hour 17 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance Qualifications Customer communication Full Job Description Position Summary The Independent is looking for a hospitality-driven FOH Operations Lead to join our team in a hybrid leadership and bartending role. This position combines weekly MOD shifts with bartending shifts and is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced service, enjoys working closely with a team, and is interested in helping improve the systems and processes that keep the restaurant running smoothly. We're a long-standing independent restaurant that values great hospitality, teamwork, consistency, andthoughtful evolution in how we operate. We're looking for someone who is organized, collaborative,adaptable, and excited to contribute both on the floor and behind the scenes. This role supports service leadership, operational coordination, and systems improvement, but is not responsible for formal employee performance management or disciplinary oversight. Service & Shift Leadership

• Lead and support dinner service during MOD shifts
• Help maintain smooth communication and service flow between FOH and BOH
• Support servers, bartenders, hosts, and support staff during busy services
• Assist with guest experience and service recovery when needed
• Help maintain strong hospitality and service standards throughout the restaurant
• Maintain organization and follow-through on opening and closing responsibilities Bartending
• Work weekly bartending shifts as part of the bar team
• Maintain strong bar service standards and organization
• Collaborate closely with bar leadership and FOH staff
• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented service environment Operations & Systems
• Help improve workflows, communication, and service efficiency
• Develop, implement, and audit FOH sidework schedules, ensuring compliance with all labor regulations, fairness in work distribution, and active management of workload to support guest experience in a full-house tip pool model.
• Utilize hands-on operational experience to provide actionable feedback on Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, tools, tech solutions and front-of-house structure to optimize service workflows and support smoother day-to-day operations.
• Support dry goods and paper goods ordering
• Support other ordering and inventory systems, as needed
• Assist with documenting and organizing operational procedures as needed Communication & Teamwork
• Work collaboratively with FOH and BOH leadership to support smooth operations
• Communicate clearly and professionally during service
• Support a positive and respectful workplace culture What Success Looks Like
• Services run smoothly, calmly, and efficiently during leadership shifts
• Guests receive warm, attentive, and consistent hospitality
• Bartenders, servers, hosts, and support staff feel supported during service
• Communication between FOH, BOH, and management remains clear and productive
• Operational issues are identified early and addressed proactively
• Ordering, supplies, and organizational systems remain consistent and well maintained
• New tools, systems, and workflow improvements are implemented thoughtfully and practically Qualifications
• 3+ years of experience in hospitality, bartending, or front-of-house operations
• Bartending experience required
• Strong hospitality instincts and guest service skills
• Comfortable leading service and supporting team operations
• Organized, dependable, and solutions-oriented
• Interested in restaurant operations, systems, and workflow improvement
• Comfortable learning and adapting to evolving restaurant technology and tools
• Collaborative and team-focused approach to leadership
• TIPS and ServSafe certifications preferred (or willingness to obtain within required timeframe)

Pay:

$15.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person