Matire'd/Event Operations Manager

Position Overview

The Operations Manager at Bar Issi is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing daily restaurant operations while driving revenue through strategic event booking, seamless event execution, and strong management of the reservations platform and front door experience. This role blends traditional restaurant management with a focused ownership of private dining, buyouts, large party coordination, and guest flow optimization.

The ideal candidate is both operationally strong on the floor and highly organized behind the scenes, with a hospitality-first mindset and a sharp attention to detail. Core Responsibilities Event Sales, Booking & Coordination (Primary Focus) Serve as the primary point of contact for all event inquiries (private dining, large parties, full/partial buyouts) Respond to event leads in a timely and professional manner, converting inquiries into confirmed bookings Build and maintain event proposals, menus, and BEOs in alignment with Bar Issi standards Collaborate with culinary and beverage teams to curate event experiences Manage all event logistics including timelines, floor plans, staffing needs, and special requests Ensure seamless communication between FOH, BOH, and management teams leading up to events Oversee on-site execution of events to ensure exceptional guest experience and operational flow Identify opportunities to drive event revenue and repeat business Reservations & Front Door Management Oversee and manage the reservations platform (Resy), including: Inventory optimization Turn times and table management strategy Event integration and large party blocking Monitor and adjust the book to maximize covers and revenue while maintaining service standards Train and manage host team on reservations, guest flow, and hospitality standards Actively manage the door during service, ensuring: Accurate wait times Strategic seating decisions VIP and concierge relationships are prioritized Maintain strong relationships with local concierges and partners to drive bookings Restaurant Operations & Service Leadership Act as Manager on Duty (MOD) during service, leading the floor and supporting all FOH operations Ensure consistent execution of Bar Issi’s service standards and guest experience Support staffing, scheduling, and labor management in partnership with senior leadership Assist with training, coaching, and development of FOH team members Maintain cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness of the restaurant Address guest feedback in real time and resolve service issues with professionalism Administrative & Operational Duties Maintain accurate event records, deposits, and communication logs Support financial goals through revenue generation (events) and cost awareness during operations Assist with SOP development and implementation related to events, reservations, and service flow Collaborate with marketing on event promotion and special programming Participate in manager meetings, reporting, and ongoing operational planning Qualifications 3+ years of restaurant management experience in a high-volume, full-service environment Proven experience in event coordination, private dining, or group sales Strong working knowledge of reservation platforms (Resy preferred) Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail Ability to multitask and manage both administrative and on-floor responsibilities Strong communication and leadership skills Professional, polished, and guest-focused demeanor Flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays