What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dining Room Manager position at The Spinster Sisters?
Dining Room Manager at The Spinster Sisters
Are you passionate about hospitality, farm-to-table dining, and creating memorable guest experiences? The Spinster Sisters, a beloved neighborhood restaurant in downtown Santa Rosa, is looking for a Dining Room Manager to join our team. Nestled in the heart of wine country, we’re dedicated to seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and genuine hospitality. If you’re a natural leader who thrives under pressure and is ready to enhance our already exceptional service, we’d love to meet you!
About the Role
As the Dining Room Manager, you’ll be the guest-facing leader of each shift, ensuring seamless operations and an outstanding dining experience. Working closely with the General Manager, kitchen leadership, and front-of-house team, you’ll oversee every detail of service — from table flow to guest satisfaction. This hands-on role requires stepping into any position as needed, whether it’s running food, bussing tables, or resolving guest concerns. You’ll also take on key administrative responsibilities, including inventory management, vendor communication, and maintaining our social media presence.
This position is ideal for someone who leads by example, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is eager to contribute to a restaurant that values community, sustainability, and hospitality.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead front-of-house operations during assigned shifts, including opening and closing procedures.
- Supervise, support, and coach servers, bartenders, and hosts in real time on the floor.
- Step in as needed to keep service running smoothly — from expediting to bussing.
- Resolve guest concerns promptly and graciously, escalating to management when necessary.
- Monitor table flow, pacing, and reservations to balance guest experience and kitchen capacity.
- Maintain service, cleanliness, and safety standards throughout the shift.
- Train new front-of-house staff and reinforce standards with the existing team.
- Communicate nightly specials, menu changes, and 86’d items clearly to the team.
- Oversee point-of-sale systems, handle comps/voids, and manage end-of-shift reporting.
- Collaborate with management on scheduling and shift coverage.
- Uphold and share the restaurant’s farm-to-table values in guest interactions.
- Build marketing materials and maintain an active social media presence.
- Manage beverage and supply inventory and coordinate with vendors.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience: At least 3 years in a restaurant leadership or lead-server role (e.g., shift lead, floor supervisor).
- Leadership: A calm, clear-headed presence during busy services with strong decision-making skills.
- Hospitality: Genuine instincts for creating connections with both guests and staff.
- Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and comfort giving real-time feedback.
- Technical Skills: Familiarity with POS systems, reservation platforms, and basic service standards.
- Flexibility: Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Passion: A genuine interest in seasonal, local food and where it comes from.
- Certifications: California Food Handler and RBS (Responsible Beverage Service) certification, or willingness to obtain.
- Wine Knowledge: Experience in wine service or a willingness to learn quickly.
- Tech Savvy: Knowledge of Canva, Instagram, Facebook, and Google Suite is highly preferred.
What We Offer
- A supportive and collaborative work environment in a community-focused restaurant.
- Staff meals to keep you fueled during shifts.
- Medical benefits with 50% coverage.
- The opportunity to grow with a restaurant rooted in its farms and its neighborhood.
What We Value
At The Spinster Sisters, we hire for fit as much as experience. We’re looking for someone who takes ownership of their shifts, cares deeply about hospitality, and is excited to grow with us. Evolution, not reinvention, is our motto — we want someone who will build on what already works and enhance the hospitality of our restaurant.
Ready to Join Us?
If you’re ready to lead, inspire, and make a difference in a restaurant that values its community and its food, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and take the next step in your hospitality career with The Spinster Sisters.