The Ellwood is a California-coastal, 350-seat restaurant entering its second year and preparing to expand into a significant outdoor event venue in 2026. The site will also have the capacity for weddings, music events, private parties, and large-format catering. We need a seasoned Hospitality Director who can guide a young, high-volume operation while also preparing the property for its next phase of growth. This role requires a leader who can operate a busy restaurant today while laying the groundwork for an event-driven future. Key Responsibilities Oversee restaurant operations for a high-capacity, oceanfront property and maintain consistent execution across service periods. Lead and mentor an 80-100-person team, building a stable culture with clear expectations and performance standards. Advance operational systems and training programs that support both daily service and large-scale property usage. Partner with ownership to develop the restaurant's future event-venue infrastructure, operational requirements, and service model. Work directly with the sales and events team, providing direction on lead management, event planning workflows, pricing structure, and execution standards. Ensure a smooth operational handoff between sales, culinary, and service teams for weddings, corporate events, catering, and outdoor programs. Manage financial oversight, focusing on revenue opportunities, cost control, forecasting, and event profitability. Maintain strong presence throughout the property, supporting staff and ensuring that guest experiences—dining or event—meet brand expectations. Collaborate with culinary leadership to align the kitchen with event menus, pacing requirements, and off-site or outdoor catering needs. Maintain full compliance with California labor laws, health and safety regulations, alcohol service requirements, and venue-specific permitting. Event & Venue-Specific Responsibilities Support development of the 2026 event venue program, including wedding packages, outdoor event layouts, equipment needs, and service protocols. Guide the sales team on best practices for selling weddings, private dinners, music events, and large outdoor gatherings. Participate in site visits, tasting events, and planning sessions with prospective clients as needed. Establish systems for event execution, including staffing plans, event-day communication flow, and coordination with vendors. Identify opportunities to increase venue revenue through seasonal programming, community events, and strategic partnerships. Qualifications Senior management experience in high-volume, full-service restaurants. Experience overseeing events, banquets, or large-format venue operations. Strong leadership abilities and proven success managing large teams. Operational depth in California hospitality, including compliance and labor requirements. Ability to bring structure to a young, expanding business while maintaining agility. Financial literacy with experience managing P&L performance, labor controls, and multi-stream revenue operations. Clear communication style and an ability to coordinate teams across service, culinary, events, and sales. Ideal Candidate Profile A strategic operator who understands both restaurant dynamics and the complexities of event-venue management. Someone who can stabilize a new operation, develop people, and help transform a premier oceanfront property into a leading destination for dining, weddings, and large-scale events. A leader who views growth not as a challenge but as an opportunity to build something exceptional.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Work Location:

In person