Service Director

For more than 131 years and four generations, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. has handcrafted premium cigars in Tampa's historic Ybor City. In late 2026, we will open three new hospitality experiences across the El Reloj District: Elaine's Restaurant, Stanford's Cigar Club, and The Inn at El Reloj, alongside a growing private events program.

We are seeking a Service Director to build and lead the front-of-house program across the property. This hands-on leadership role oversees service standards, training, guest experience, and daily operations for the restaurant, cigar club, inn guest services, and events program.

Compensation & Benefits

• $65,000–$75,000 annually, based on experience
• Performance bonus opportunity beginning in year two
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
• Company-sponsored long-term disability
• Paid time off
  
  

Position Summary

The Service Director is responsible for creating and maintaining exceptional guest experiences across the El Reloj District. This role leads the front-of-house team, develops service standards and training programs, oversees daily operations, supports private events, and partners closely with executive leadership to build a best-in-class hospitality program.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain service standards across the restaurant, cigar club, inn guest services, and events program
• Recruit, train, coach, and lead a high-performing front-of-house team
• Create and deliver ongoing training focused on hospitality, service techniques, product knowledge, and guest engagement
• Maintain a strong floor presence and lead service by example
• Oversee daily front-of-house operations, including scheduling, labor management, pre-shift meetings, and service execution
• Partner with the events team to ensure seamless execution of private events
• Manage front-of-house operational inventories and supplies
• Utilize and oversee systems including reservations, scheduling, event management, and operational software
• Monitor labor costs, staffing levels, and team productivity
• Collaborate with the General Manager, Executive Chef, Beverage Director, and executive leadership to ensure operational alignment
• Manage employee performance, coaching, documentation, and corrective action when necessary
• Ensure compliance with company policies and all applicable health, sanitation, alcohol, and safety regulations
  
  

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of progressive restaurant or hospitality leadership experience
• Proven success building, developing, or elevating a service program
• Strong training, coaching, and team development experience
• Experience managing private dining, catering, or events
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills
• Ability to manage staffing, labor controls, and operational performance
• Basic understanding of sales, labor, and cost management
• Experience with hospitality technology platforms preferred
• English proficiency required; Spanish preferred
• Comfortable working in and around a premium cigar environment
  
  

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a fast-paced hospitality environment
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Exposure to premium cigar smoke in designated areas
• Full-time position requiring evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional extended schedules based on business needs
  
  

Ready to Join Us?

If you are a hospitality leader with the experience, vision, and dedication to teaching that this role demands, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Please submit your resume and a brief note about your service background and your approach to staff training to hr@jcnewman.com or apply online at www.jcnewman.com/careers.

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment drug screening.