Hybrid Senior Operations Manager Lounges & Nightlife bei Nova Hospitality

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Operations Manager to oversee the daily operations of two interconnected lounge concepts. This pivotal role demands a strategic, hands-on leader with an entrepreneurial mindset, capable of creative thinking, decisive action, and real-time adaptation.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of hospitality, cocktail culture, and business operations. They should be passionate about crafting exceptional guest experiences, skilled in building and guiding high-performing teams, and equipped with the operational acumen to manage costs, drive performance, and optimize service.

This position requires flexibility in scheduling, with a consistent on-site presence during peak hours, primarily from afternoon through late night. 

Local candidates are preferred, or candidates who are planning to relocate to Austin.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Oversee the daily operations of both venues, ensuring exceptional service, atmosphere, and guest satisfaction.
• Team Management & Development: Recruit, train, and mentor all front-of-house and back-of-house staff. Work collaboratively with venue leadership, including executive chefs and managers, to promote internal growth, enhance interdepartmental communication, and cultivate a culture of accountability, professionalism, and operational excellence.
• Beverage Program Oversight: Contribute to the development of beverage menus, uphold cocktail quality standards, and provide training to bar staff on execution and product knowledge.
• Financial Performance: Manage P&Ls, labor costs, inventory, and budgets. Implement strategies to optimize margins, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and identify opportunities for growth.
• Staffing & Scheduling: Optimize staffing levels and coverage across both venues, adjusting based on seasonal traffic and event programming.
• Compliance & Safety: Uphold all health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Entrepreneurial Ownership: Demonstrate initiative by identifying inefficiencies, proposing improvements, and ensuring successful execution.
• On-site Presence: Maintain a consistent on-site presence during key operating hours (typically late afternoon through late evenings/nights) to lead by example and support team and guest needs

Leadership & Team Development

• Embrace a leadership style rooted in gratitude, demonstrating care, active listening, clear direction, and daily collaboration.
• Expertly engage, mentor, and energize a diverse team, utilizing situational leadership to adapt your approach as needed.
• Proactively manage the team lifecycle, including recruitment, selection, orientation, training, coaching, counseling, and performance management.
• Partner with Back-of-House management to ensure alignment and delivery of operational and service expectations.
• Conduct impactful daily pre-shift meetings for all Front-of-House team members.
• Maintain high team morale, addressing any issues with care and efficiency.

Operational Excellence

• Be passionate about hospitality, food, and beverage.
• Champion and adhere to all Company standards and policies.

Desired Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of hospitality management experience, preferably in high-volume, cocktail-focused establishments.
• Demonstrated success in both beverage program leadership and overall venue operations, including P&L management, inventory control, and scheduling.
• Strong preference for candidates with experience managing nightlife or late-night venues.
• Exceptional leadership and people development skills, with a natural ability to build cohesive teams.
• Creative and well-versed in current cocktail trends, spirits, and hospitality-driven beverage programs.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to follow through on tasks.
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, holidays, and late shifts (until 2 AM+).
• Entrepreneurial mindset, capable of operating both independently and collaboratively.