Front of house manager

Waters Edge Winery Midlothian•Midlothian, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Front of House Manager Waters Edge Winery & Bistro – Midlothian, VA Full-Time | Reports to: General Manager About Waters Edge Winery & Bistro Waters Edge Winery & Bistro is an exciting new urban winery concept dedicated to creating an amazing guest experience through premium wines supported by a casual but elevated menu. We’re seeking a passionate and experienced Kitchen Manager to lead our culinary team and help build a dynamic, guest-focused kitchen culture in our brand new venue. We hope to open the new venue around Halloween 2025 with some launch events at local outside venues prior to launch. Position Overview The Front of House (FOH) Manager is responsible for the leadership, team development, and operational success of the FOH team at Waters Edge Winery & Bistro. This role ensures that all guest-facing areas operate efficiently and uphold the standards of hospitality, quality, and brand identity that define the Waters Edge experience. Success in this role is defined by: - Delivering consistently exceptional guest service that drives repeat business and brand loyalty - Building and maintaining a high-performing, engaged FOH team - Executing seamless and memorable in-house dining and private events - Supporting operational leadership in service, training, and guest satisfaction

Requirements

Minimum 2 years of FOH restaurant or hospitality management experience required
Knowledge of wine varietals, regions, and wine service standards strongly preferred
Proficient in POS systems and basic Office tools; familiarity with Orderport is a plus
ServSafe Manager Certification preferred (training available)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods
Ability to lift and carry up to 60 lbs
Requires fine motor skills, reaching, grasping, bending, and repetitive movement
Visual and auditory acuity for interacting with staff, vendors, and guests

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted

Responsibilities

Hire, onboard, and retain a fully staffed FOH team with low turnover and high engagement
Oversee daily FOH operations, ensuring readiness before opening and during service peaks
Implement ongoing training programs in service standards, hospitality, and wine knowledge
Lead by example to create a team-oriented, accountable culture
Maintain documentation of staff performance concerns and conduct performance conversations as required
Create and manage FOH scheduling to meet labor and service demands efficiently
Support staff coordination for packaging and shipping wine club and e-commerce orders
Monitor and drive sales goals including event revenue and wine club membership acquisition
Ensure all FOH areas (dining room, bar, patio, private event spaces) are clean, welcoming, and guest-ready
Manage inventory of service supplies, smallwares, and perishables; execute timely reorders
Oversee proper setup and breakdown of all FOH service stations
Maintain service standards for personal appearance, uniforms, and cleanliness
Serve as a point of escalation for guest concerns, resolving issues diplomatically and professionally
Administer and troubleshoot POS systems (Orderport), including register open/close and reporting
Ensure legal compliance and best practices in alcohol service and consumption (ServSafe principles)
Adjust environmental factors (music, lighting, HVAC) to maintain a comfortable guest atmosphere
Maintain and update FOH operational procedures and policy documentation
Collaborate with Events Coordinator and Kitchen Manager to plan and execute private events and winery functions
Provide on-site leadership during events to ensure smooth service and guest satisfaction
Assist with event planning logistics as needed