Job Description

Situated in Downtown’s 2nd Street District, Austin Proper Hotel and Residences offers an artful immersion in lifestyle and wellbeing. With emphasis on collaboration, the passionate, compelling vision of designer Kelly Wearstler meets the culinary creativity of Austin tastemaker MML Hospitality. Essentials include 244 rooms and suites, 99 branded residences, four unique settings for dining and drink, and a focus on wellness with a dedicated spa and fitness center. Guests can also enjoy a variety of atmospheric spaces for events, including a 5th floor pool deck with an elevated Texas-inspired Mexican restaurant offering small-batch tequilas and Lady Bird Lake views.

Job Overview

Located on the 5th floor of Austin Proper, La Piscina is a convivial poolside restaurant and bar serving Texas-inspired Mexican cuisine. The vibrant, open space overlooks the downtown Austin bustle as groups convene over family-style platters, ceviches and table-top sizzling fajitas, with fresh seafood grilled over a wood fire and house-made tortillas from an open comal. The bar provides an accompanying selection of frozen margaritas, native Mexican spirits, small-batch tequila & mezcal as well as an assortment of outdoor-friendly snacks.

The Assistant General Manager is responsible for ensuring that service runs smoothly as well as managing La Piscina colleagues. This key role is a hands-on, floor-based position, so a confident and outgoing personality is essential. The ideal candidate will possess a strong sense of leadership, genuine hospitality and care for staff while understanding and implementing contemporary luxury/lifestyle standards in a luxury environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations Management

• Oversee daily restaurant operations ensuring seamless service delivery and operational efficiency
• Manage shift operations during peak service periods and special events
• Collaborate with kitchen leadership to ensure food quality and timely execution
• Monitor inventory levels, cost controls, and revenue optimization strategies
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop restaurant staff to consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences that exceed luxury hospitality standards
• Design and implement comprehensive ongoing training programs covering service excellence, wine knowledge, menu expertise, and guest interaction protocols
• Establish and maintain rigorous service standards with regular coaching sessions and performance feedback
• Conduct weekly training sessions on product knowledge, upselling techniques, and refined service delivery
• Create standardized service procedures and ensure consistent execution across all shifts
• Manage scheduling, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions as needed
• Foster a positive team culture focused on continuous learning and service excellence
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new team members with intensive service training protocols

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Uphold and exceed Calabra's reputation for outstanding dining experiences through meticulous attention to service details
• Implement and monitor strict service standards including timing, presentation, and guest interaction protocols
• Handle guest concerns and feedback with immediate attention, professionalism, and swift resolution
• Conduct regular floor supervision to ensure service standards are consistently met and exceeded
• Build relationships with VIP guests, local clientele, and hotel guests through personalized service approaches
• Oversee service training scenarios and role-playing exercises to maintain peak performance
• Ensure flawless execution of service standards during peak periods and special events
• Monitor guest satisfaction scores and implement improvement strategies based on feedback

Financial Performance & Analysis

• Monitor daily sales performance, labor costs, and profit margins
• Assist in budget preparation and monthly financial reporting
• Implement revenue enhancement strategies and upselling initiatives
• Analyze performance metrics and identify opportunities for improvement
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate cost-effective purchasing agreements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• Minimum 3-5 years of management experience in upscale dining establishments
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage operations, including wine service
• Proven track record in team leadership, staff development, and implementing high-service training programs
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining luxury service standards
• Excellence in creating and delivering ongoing training curricula for hospitality teams
• Excellent financial acumen with experience in P&L management
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in restaurant POS systems and property management software
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with luxury hotel or resort dining operations with focus on service excellence training
• Sommelier certification or advanced wine knowledge with ability to train colleagues
• Training certification or experience in hospitality education and development programs
• Bilingual capabilities (Spanish preferred)
• Knowledge of Los Angeles dining scene and local market trends
• Previous experience with Kelly Wearstler designed venues or similar high-end establishments
• Track record of improving service scores and guest satisfaction metrics through team development

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during service
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Professional appearance and demeanor required for guest-facing role
• Stamina to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment

Company Overview

Proper Hospitality is a diverse team of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: there is a right way to do things, and anything less just isn’t proper. We are seeking the best of the best—both within and outside the industry—to join us in building a new kind of lifestyle hospitality company, inspired by a centuries-old tradition. Our work is challenging and fast-paced, but above all, it is rewarding.

To achieve our vision—to inspire and transport people—we seek like-minded candidates who embody our ethos, The Pillars of Proper:

• Care Proper: We are natural and gracious hosts to all.
• Achieve Proper: We are committed to excellence.
• Imagine Proper: We are resourceful.
• Present Proper: We have an appreciation for style and culture.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.

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