Senior Service Manager - Cathedrale New York

Tao Group Hospitality offers competitive benefits for all full-time team members such as:

- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- 401(k) Retirement Program with Employer Match
- Life and Disability Insurance Plans
- Ancillary Insurance Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Fertility & Family Forming Support and Resources
- Pet Insurance
- Employee Discounts
- TAO Savings Marketplace
- Time off and much more!

The Senior Service Manager is responsible for leading and elevating the service culture at Cathédrale New York, ensuring an exceptional and personalized guest experience that reflects the restaurant’s sophisticated atmosphere and inspired French cuisine. This role serves as the primary front-of-house service leader, driving service excellence through a highly visible floor presence, proactive guest engagement, continuous team coaching, and thoughtful service recovery. The Senior Service Manager establishes and maintains elevated service standards, cultivates a high-performing team, and ensures consistency throughout every stage of the guest journey. This role also oversees front-of-house operations, team development, and financial performance while maintaining Tao Group Hospitality’s brand standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

- Champion and continuously elevate a culture of exceptional service, gracious hospitality, and personalized guest experiences.
- Establish and uphold clear service standards across every stage of the guest journey, from arrival through departure.
- Maintain a highly visible, hands-on presence on the dining room floor, actively leading service and ensuring consistent execution of service standards.
- Anticipate and accommodate guest needs through proactive engagement, attention to detail, and personalized hospitality.
- Build meaningful relationships with guests, recognizing returning guests, understanding preferences, and creating memorable experiences that foster loyalty.
- Oversee guest recognition, VIP experiences, and service recovery, resolving concerns promptly and professionally.
- Continuously observe, coach, and provide real-time feedback to front-of-house management and team members during service.
- Ensure service execution reflects Cathédrale’s elevated French dining experience, including menu presentation, course pacing, table maintenance, and beverage service.
- Lead pre-service meetings, training sessions, and ongoing development initiatives to reinforce service expectations and consistency.
- Supervise, coach, and develop all front-of-house management and team members, fostering a service-driven culture of accountability and professionalism.
- Direct and oversee daily front-of-house operations to ensure seamless service execution, efficiency, and adherence to brand standards.
- Ensure all opening and closing procedures are executed in accordance with company standards.
- Regulate and oversee all POS functions requiring management approval.
- Ensure proper reconciliation of end-of-shift financials and cash handling procedures.
- Maintain oversight of inventory levels, operational supplies, cost controls, and equipment maintenance.
- Lead recruitment efforts for front-of-house management and key team members in partnership with Talent Acquisition.
- Conduct interviews, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management of team members.
- Develop succession planning strategies and growth opportunities for front-of-house leadership.
- Partner with senior leadership to drive guest satisfaction, revenue, and profitability goals without compromising service quality.
- Monitor labor costs through strategic scheduling and productivity management.
- Analyze guest feedback, sales trends, and operational metrics to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Support the execution of marketing initiatives, special events, and VIP experiences.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including Department of Health standards.
- Maintain adherence to Tao Group Hospitality policies, safety codes, and sanitation standards.
- Ensure practical knowledge of all front-of-house positions and be capable of performing job duties as needed.
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all food and beverage menus, including French cuisine, seasonal offerings, and beverage pairings.
- Partner closely with Heart-of-House and Beverage leadership to ensure seamless communication, proper service pacing, and consistent guest experiences.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Cathédrale, Tao Group Hospitality, its partners, and the surrounding hospitality environment.
- Portray a consistently positive, polished, and professional demeanor, serving as an ambassador of the brand.
- Nurture, foster, protect a Culture of Care for our Guests, Service Steps, and Brand Specifics
- Assist and/or complete additional tasks as assigned.

EDUCATION / WORKING KNOWLEDGE:

- Minimum 5+ years of hospitality management experience in a high-volume, upscale or luxury restaurant environment required.
- Demonstrated track record of building and leading a service-driven culture, elevating service standards, and delivering exceptional guest experiences in a high-volume, upscale or luxury restaurant environment required.
- Prior experience leading front-of-house management teams preferred.
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- Exceptional understanding of luxury hospitality, personalized guest service, guest recognition, and service recovery.
- Strong floor leadership, coaching, communication, and team-building skills.
- Proven ability to drive guest satisfaction and financial performance while maintaining elevated service standards.
- Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, POS systems, and restaurant technology platforms.
- Knowledge of French cuisine, wine, and elevated beverage service preferred.

SKILLS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT / SCHEDULE

The work environment characteristics and/or physical demands described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

- Ability to write, read, and verbally communicate
- Must have strong problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Must have good positive energy throughout the day
- Must be able to read the computer monitors and print legibly
- Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time
- Must be able to move quickly through work and set the pace in the office
- Must be able to push and lift up to 75 lbs. with or without assistance
- Small to Medium office environment
- Office, Casino, Nightclub, Bar, Lounge, and/or Restaurant working environment
- 5-25% Local Travel (United States)
- Work in an environment that is subject to varying levels of noise, crowds, and smoke, the severity of which depends upon the guest volume
- May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required
- Maintain a professional, neat, and well-groomed appearance adhering to Company standards
- Must be effective as part of a team; ability to interact with internal and external customers, managers, and co-workers in a professional, courteous manner
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
- Ability to handle a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment