Job Description

Jazz Forum Front-of-House Manager

OPPORTUNITY

The Jazz Forum is seeking a skilled front-of-house manager to host and manage operations of our weekend-only jazz club and restaurant. Candidates need to have extensive restaurant experience, value a positive experience for patrons in an intimate setting and an interest in live music. The Manager is the second in command to the General Manager (GM) and subs for the GM as needed. This position is viewed as a stepping stone to becoming the GM.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Uphold and ensure standards of service and culture support the mission and vision of Jazz Forum Arts. 
• Prepare seating charts in coordination with administrative and box office staff.
• Host and seat customers and clear the house between sets. Support front-of-house staff during service. 
• Provide direction and coordinate with box office staff to greet audience members and ensure a warm and welcoming club experience.
• Coordinate with Chef to conduct front-of-house staff training.
• Manage, coach and monitor performance of front-of-house and box office staff.
• Close register and manage nightly cash tips distribution.
• Coordinate with GM to recruit front-of-house staff.
• Monitor guest experience; address issues with professionalism and courtesy.
• Collaborate with Chef and floor staff to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate with Chef to maintain a safe, secure, sanitary and compliant environment.
• Work with Chef, GM and staff to manage beverage and dry good inventory.
• Announce performances from stage based on script, as needed.
• Greet and brief performing musicians on club policies and service to musicians.
• Host and sub for General Manager as needed.
• Serve as on-site host and manager of private events as needed.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

The position requires excellent communication skills, a professional demeanor, strong management skills, and the ability to provide great customer service and handle a range of high volume-high pressure venue operations with grace and confidence.

• Two to five years in restaurant management and at various levels in front-of-house operations, ideally in a bar/restaurant/venue with live music performances.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills with guests and staff.
• Experience with operations management, team management and staff training.
• Strong organizational skills to oversee box office and front-of-house and coordinate activities calmly and efficiently.
• Proficient money handling, inventory management and operations skills.
• Strong problem-solving and collaborative decision-making skills; ability to resolve issues collaboratively.
• Ability to take initiative, follow through and multi-task.
• Experience with reservation/ticketing systems and restaurant POS systems; familiarity with Lightspeed and Spektrix a plus.
• Knowledge of bar operations, Italian wines, beers and cocktails.
• Minimum of current Food Handler Certificate.
• Knowledge/appreciation/love of Jazz and other live music.
• Outgoing personality and good sense of humor.

HOURS & PAY

The position is a 20-25 hour per week position with shifts on Fri, Sat and Sun. In the future, weekday hours and responsibilities may be added to the role. Candidates must be available and willing to work weekends and holidays when the Club is open. The pay is hourly on payroll, commensurate with experience. Dinner provided before or at end of shift. Vacation time is pro-rated as a part-time position.

WHO WE ARE

The Jazz Forum in Tarrytown, NY has been in operation since 2017 and serves a clientele who enjoy a meaningful live music experience and consider the Club a relaxed “living room” space. The Club is the primary revenue-generating program for a 40-year-old Westchester-based non-profit organization run by the founders as a “mom & pop” operation. With a capacity of 90 patrons per set, there are two shows every Friday, Saturday and Sunday year-round and the club has a full food and bar menu and a lounge with a pool table. The menu is Italian-influenced with a full bar and Italian wine selection.

ATMOSPHERE & CULTURE

The philosophy of the club is to keep the music affordable, the food delicious and reasonably priced, and the environment a relaxing live music-centered experience. Our audiences appreciate the intimacy and welcoming atmosphere of the club and the reliably excellent quality of the artist bookings, including world-renowned musicians.The club is a “listening room”, ensuring that the audience is quiet during the performances and to reflect our respect for the performing musicians. The Jazz Forum was named by Downbeat Magazine (the premier jazz publication) as one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world in 2024 and 2025. Our customer reviews on social media are in the 4.6 to 4.8 range. We have a very diverse and dedicated audience, many of whom are regular customers with a strong inflow of new attendees. We have strong staff retention among the front-of-house and kitchen staff.

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