Director of Restaurants + Bars

Populus Seattle

$110K — $120K *
Hospitality & Recreation
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of food and beverage management experience in luxury or boutique hotels
  • Strong leadership skills with a diverse team
  • Operational knowledge in restaurants, bars, and banquet services
  • Proficient in financial analysis and P&L management
  • Excellent communication and organizational abilities

Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily operations of food and beverage outlets
  • Engage with guests and associates to enhance experience
  • Ensure service quality and brand standards are maintained
  • Support banquet and event execution for seamless coordination
  • Manage inventory control and cost analysis
  • Administer F+B systems and reporting processes
  • Foster a culture of teamwork and respect among staff

Benefits

  • Paid Vacation, Sick Time and Holidays
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Pet Insurance
  • Employer Paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match
  • Paid volunteer time for community causes
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Full Job Description
DIRECTOR OF RESTAURANTS + BARS

Reports to: Hotel Manager, the position is exempt

THE ROLE

The Director of Restaurants + Bars reports directly to the Hotel Manager and plays a key role in the leadership and daily operations of the hotel's food and beverage outlets. This role requires a balance of strategy and execution - you'll be expected to lead from the floor, not the office. At Aparium, we don't believe in leaders who simply observe from a distance. We value those who dig in, identify opportunities, and personally drive improvement. If you're someone who enjoys being in the action, mentoring your team, and creating unforgettable guest experiences, this role is for you.

You'll work closely with the F+B Leadership team to oversee restaurants, bars, and event operations - ensuring consistency in quality, service, and presentation. You'll build strong relationships with your team, provide hands-on guidance during service, and uphold Aparium's high standards of hospitality and integrity.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Oversee the daily operations of all food + beverage outlets, including restaurants, bars, and events
  • Be a visible leader on the floor - engaging with associates and guests to ensure an exceptional experience
  • Maintain consistency in service, quality, and brand standards
  • Support banquet and event execution to ensure flawless coordination between culinary and service teams.
  • Assist with inventory management, labor control, and cost analysis
  • Own and administer F+B systems including Toast (POS) and Craftable (inventory / cost management); oversee reporting, covers reconciliation, and system integrity across all outlets
  • Works with Executive Chef, Sous Chefs and other team members to design concepts, menus, beverage lists.
  • Lead and support F+B Leadership to achieve departmental goals and drive profitability
  • Contribute ideas for menu development, promotions, and service enhancements that attract both new and repeat guests
  • Monitor guest feedback and use insights to drive continuous improvement
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations
  • Maintain operational excellence through consistent training, audits, and follow-up
  • Maintain and apply expert knowledge of all food and beverage items offered, including ingredients, methods of preparation and proper service. Oversee reservation and cover strategy across outlets; partner with outlet managers to maximize covers and turns while maintaining service quality
  • Support sustainability initiatives and locally inspired programs where applicable
  • Coach, train, and motivate associates to deliver genuine hospitality and exceptional service
  • Support the recruitment, onboarding, and development of team members
  • Foster a culture of respect, accountability, and teamwork - leading by example in every interaction


WHAT YOU WILL BRING
  • A passion for hospitality and genuine care for both guests and associates
  • 5+ years of progressive food and beverage management experience, including senior management or multi-outlet leadership in a luxury, lifestyle, or boutique hotel environment; fine-dining background strongly preferred
  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team
  • Strong operational knowledge across restaurants, bars, coffee shop, and banquet service
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
  • Strong P+L ownership and analytics fluency; demonstrated ability to read, drive, and present financial results across multiple outlets
  • Flexibility to work varying schedules, including nights, weekends and holidays
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Alcohol Servers Permit (MAST) and WA Food handler Permit within 14 days of hire


HOW YOU LEAD
  • Engage others in general conversation tactics to build rapport quickly; leading and adapting communication and presentation tactics to engage your audience; displaying adaptable interpersonal skills for a wide range of audiences and stakeholders
  • Approach fact-finding and discovery missions in a collaborative effort; valuing input and experiences of others that creates additional insight to uncover deeper issues that may need to be addressed or removed as a barrier to implementation
  • Value the importance of making decisions with integrity, maintaining confidentiality across internal workgroups and knowing how to use discretion when appropriate; knows how to keep a secret by understanding the difference between transparency and confidentiality
  • Be highly analytical in thought and recommendations; although never acting like the smartest person in the room; and continually seeking out the facts; able to express a point of view without it being driven by your ego
  • Demonstrates business acumen and practices sound financial decisions by ensuring the actions and plans put into place support the achievement of operational goals and budgets


WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
  • $110,000 - $120,000 annual salary, based on experience
  • Paid Vacation, Sick Time and Holidays
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Pet Insurance
  • Employer Paid Basic Life and AD&D
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match
  • Paid time off to volunteer for the causes you care about in your community
  • Strong sense of belonging through diversity, equity, and inclusion


Pay Range: $110,000 - $120,000 per year

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