Food and Beverage Manager

Role summary

Food and Beverage Manager is a role at La Bahia Resort and Spa in Santa Cruz, California, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-08-11. Experience level: 2-5.

Job title

Food and Beverage Manager

Company

La Bahia Resort and Spa

Location

Santa Cruz, California, United States

Work arrangement

on-site

Category

Hospitality

Experience level

2-5

Date posted

2026-08-11

Job description

Description

ABOUT US:

Nestled along the Pacific Coast, La Bahia Hotel & Spa celebrates its dramatic setting, where the tip of Monterey Bay touches Sana Cruz's coveted Main Beach. Steeped in the romantic beauty of Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, locals and travelers alike will savor globally influenced cuisine, cocktails and wellness rituals infused with the region's agricultural bounty and coast-cultured Spirit.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Food & Beverage Manager is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and operational excellence of one or more F&B outlets, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, strong financial performance, and a well-trained, engaged team. This role partners closely with culinary, banquets, and hotel leadership to uphold La Bahia's service standards and brand identity. By maintaining exceptional cleanliness standards and fostering a culture of teamwork, the Food & Beverage Manager will uphold La Bahia Hotel & Spa’s service standards (inspired by Forbes) while elevating our beachfront resort.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversee daily operations of assigned F&B outlet(s), including restaurant, bar, room service, and/or banquet functions, ensuring consistent, high-quality guest experiences

Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise F&B staff; provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and development opportunities

Monitor labor and scheduling in compliance with California wage and hour regulations, including meal and rest period requirements

Manage outlet budgets, including labor costs, cost of goods, and revenue targets; analyze financial reports and implement corrective actions as needed

Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards, including California ServSafe and Responsible Beverage Service requirements

Maintain accurate tip pooling practices in accordance with California labor law

Collaborate with the Culinary team on menu execution, quality control, and guest feedback

Address guest concerns promptly and professionally, driving service recovery when needed

Support banquet and special event execution as needed, including weddings, conferences, and community events

Maintain inventory controls, vendor relationships, and ordering processes

Uphold La Bahia's Standards of Appearance and brand service culture across the team

Participate in daily briefings, departmental meetings, and property-wide leadership initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS:

3+ years of progressive Food & Beverage management experience, preferably in a luxury or upscale hotel/resort setting

Strong knowledge of California labor law as it pertains to F&B operations (meal/rest periods, tip pooling, overtime)

Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team

Experience with POS systems, scheduling/payroll platforms, and budget management

Excellent communication skills; bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred

California Food Handler and Responsible Beverage Service certifications (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)

Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs

Fast-paced hotel environment with varying temperatures and noise levels

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods

Ability to work in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment

La Bahia Hotel & Spa is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists in managing the Food & Beverage staff, including setting the schedules. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.