Front of House Manager - Jazz Forum Arts : Job Details

OPPORTUNITY

The Jazz Forum is seeking a skilled Front-of-House Manager to host and manage operations of our weekend-only jazz club and restaurant. Candidates need to have a passion for live music, esp. jazz, extensive restaurant experience and value a positive experience for patrons in an intimate setting. The Manager is the second in command to the General Manager (GM) and subs for the GM as needed. This position is viewed as a stepping stone to becoming the GM.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Host and seat customers and clear the house between sets. Support staff during service.
• Monitor guest experience; address issues with professionalism and courtesy.
• Manage, coach and monitor performance of front-of-house staff.
• Close register and manage nightly cash tips distribution.
• Collaborate with Chef and floor staff to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate with Chef to maintain a safe, secure, sanitary and compliant environment.
• Provide direction and coordinate with Box Office staff to greet audience members andensure a warm and welcoming club experience.
• Coordinate with Chef to conduct front-of-house staff training.
• Coordinate with GM to recruit front-of-house staff.
• Greet and brief performing musicians on club policies and service to musicians.
• Handle special events.
• Work with Chef, GM and staff to manage beverage and dry good inventory.
• Announce performances from stage based on script, as needed.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

The position requires excellent communication skills, a professional demeanor, strong management skills, and the ability to provide great customer service and handle a range of high volume-high pressure venue operations with grace and confidence.

• Three to five years in restaurant management and at various levels in front-of-house operations, ideally in a bar/restaurant/venue with live music performances.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills with guests and staff.
• Associate's Degree or higher.
• Experience with operations management, team management and staff training.
• Strong organizational skills to oversee box office and front-of-house and coordinate activities calmly and efficiently.
• Proficient money handling, inventory management and operations skills.
• Strong problem-solving and collaborative decision-making skills; ability to resolve issues collaboratively.
• Ability to take initiative, follow through and multi-task.
• Comfort learning new tech/computer programs a must.
• Facility with reservation/ticketing systems and restaurant POS systems; familiarity with Lightspeed and Spektrix a plus.
• Knowledge of bar operations, Italian wines, beers and cocktails.
• Minimum of current Food Handler Certificate.
• Knowledge/appreciation/love of Jazz and other live music.
• Sense of humor.

HOURS & PAY

The position is a 20-25 hour per week position with shifts on Fri, Sat and Sun. In the future, weekday hours and responsibilities may be added. Candidates MUST be available and willing to work weekends and holidays when the club is open. The pay is hourly on payroll, commensurate with experience and shifts include dinner. Vacation time is pro-rated as a part-time position.

WHO WE ARE

The Jazz Forum in Tarrytown, NY has been in operation since 2017 and serves a clientele who enjoy a meaningful live music experience and consider the club a relaxed “living room” space. It is a program of a Westchester-based non-profit organization, that provides free concerts and educational programs in addition to the club. The menu is Italian-influenced with full bar and Italian wine selection.

The club is the primary revenue generating program for a 40-year-old non-profit organization run by the founders as a “mom & pop” operation. With a capacity of 90 patrons, there are two shows every Friday, Saturday and Sunday year-round and the club has a full food and bar menu and a lounge with a pool table.

ATMOSPHERE & CULTURE

The philosophy of the club is to keep the music affordable, the food delicious and reasonably priced, and the environment a relaxing live music-centered experience. Our audiences love the club and appreciate the intimacy and quality of the artist bookings, including world-renowned musicians.The club is called a “Listening Room” to reflect our respect for the performing musicians. The Jazz Forum was recently named by Downbeat Magazine (the premier jazz publication) as one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world. Our customer reviews on social media are in the 4.5 to 5.0 range. We have a very diverse and dedicated audience, many of whom are regular customers with a strong inflow of new attendees.

Our staff are trained in the culture of the club. The front-of-house staff are paid pooled tips and function well as a team. They have been at the club for several years and their front-of-house hospitality is a reflection of our commitment to the Jazz Forum's community. Our Chef has been with the club since before the pandemic and is committed to the success of the club.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 20 – 25 per week