Job description:
Service Manager
Shay Ristorante – Toronto
Position Overview
An exceptional opportunity is available for an accomplished Service Manager to lead the FOH team of a new high-end Italian restaurant opening soon in one of Toronto’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. The restaurant is currently in its development phase, with the concept, design, and operational details being carefully refined to ensure a polished opening.
This project is supported by a team of seasoned hospitality experts with deep experience in high-end dining and operations providing a strong foundation for the restaurant’s long-term success and ensuring that the Service Manager will have the guidance, resources, and collaborative environment necessary to execute an elevated guest experience in all aspects of hospitality.
Selected candidates will be introduced to the full vision and project specifics as part of the interview process. Compensation and position details will be discussed privately with shortlisted candidates.
The Premise: A Modern Expression of Elevated Italian Dining
This project aims to create a destination where craftsmanship, precision, and warmth define the experience. The culinary direction focuses on seasonality, authenticity, and refined technique, bringing forward a modern interpretation of Italian cuisine designed for a sophisticated Toronto audience.
Guests can expect:
- A seasonal, ingredient-driven menu grounded in Italian traditions and executed with contemporary finesse
- A dining room that embraces understated luxury, thoughtful design, and a welcoming atmosphere
- A service philosophy built around professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail
- A kitchen designed for efficiency, precision, and high craftsmanship
- An experienced hospitality team dedicated to creating a memorable and enduring dining experience
Position Overview
The Service Manager is responsible for delivering a seamless, elevated, and hospitality-driven guest experience in a refined Italian dining and wine-focused environment. This role oversees daily FOH operations, ensuring flawless service execution, strong team performance, and an atmosphere consistent with an upscale Italian restaurant and curated wine program.
The ideal candidate combines leadership, technical service knowledge, wine fluency, poise under pressure, and a passion for warm, anticipatory hospitality.
Key Responsibilities
1. Service Leadership & Guest Experience
- Oversee all FOH service during assigned shifts, ensuring standards meet the expectations of a premium dining room and wine bar.
- Greet guests, resolve issues gracefully, and always maintain a visible presence on the floor.
- Ensure service flow is smooth, efficient, and aligned with the restaurant’s hospitality philosophy.
- Support staff with table touches, wine service, special requests, celebrations, and VIP care.
- Monitor pacing, table turns, and seating strategy while preserving guest comfort and experience.
2. Team Management & Training
- Lead pre-shift meetings with clear communication on service goals, menu/wine updates, and special events.
- Coach and develop servers, bartenders, hosts, and support staff with a focus on technique, product knowledge, and hospitality standards.
- Provide ongoing feedback, performance notes, and guidance on upselling, wine pairing, and guest engagement.
- Support onboarding and training of new FOH employees according to the restaurant’s structured training program.
- Promote accountability, professionalism, and teamwork in a high-performance culture.
3. Wine & Beverage Oversight
- Collaborate with the Sommelier or Beverage Director to ensure wine service standards are strictly followed.
- Ensure staff confidence in wine list basics, regions, grapes, and pairing philosophy.
- Maintain proper wine storage, glassware readiness, service temperatures, and cellar organization.
- Support wine-by-the-glass program, inventory processes, and special wine events or tastings.
4. Operational Execution
- Manage nightly floor operations including reservations flow, waitlist strategy, seating charts, and section balance.
- Ensure cleanliness, ambiance, lighting, music, and table settings always meet luxury service expectations.
- Oversee cash-outs, end-of-night procedures, closing checklists, and accurate reporting.
- Solve real time issues like guest concerns, pacing problems, POS issues, staffing gaps with calm, solution-focused leadership.
- Maintain compliance with Ontario health, safety, and AGCO alcohol service regulations.
5. Communication & Administration
- Serve as the communication bridge between FOH staff, kitchen, leadership, and ownership.
- Participate in management meetings and provide updates on service standards, team performance, and operational needs.
- Assist with scheduling, labor management, and ensuring adequate coverage while controlling costs.
- Support HR documentation: staff write-ups, performance notes, incident reports, and training records.
- Help plan and execute private events, wine dinners, and special promotions.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Minimum 2–3 years of management or lead-server experience in a high-end or fine-dining restaurant.
- Strong knowledge of Italian cuisine, ingredients, and dining culture.
- Solid wine knowledge.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and conflict resolution abilities.
- Impeccable personal presentation and polished guest-relations skills.
- Ability to multitask and maintain composure during high-pressure services.
Preferred
- Sommelier training, WSET, or equivalent wine education.
- Experience with upscale Italian restaurants or wine bars specifically.
- Familiarity with Toronto dining trends and service expectations.
- POS and reservation software proficiency
Key Attributes
- Warm, confident, and professional presence.
- Keen attention to detail and love for structure and consistency.
- Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
- A collaborative mindset that inspires and elevates the entire team.
- Integrity, reliability, and the ability to lead by example.
Work Environment
- Evening and weekend availability required.
- Fast-paced, guest-focused, detail-oriented environment.
- Close collaboration with the General Manager, Sommelier, and ownership team.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary culinary leader ready to build and lead a world-class kitchen, please submit your resume, and a brief introduction outlining your culinary philosophy.
Only candidates selected for the next stage will be contacted.
All applications will remain strictly confidential.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
All compensation and contractual details discussed privately during the interview process
Pay: $80,000.00-$88,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
