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Senior Restaurant Manager

Merriweather Lakehouse
Full Timesenior
Columbia, Maryland, USPosted April 17, 2026

Job Description

Position Overview

As a Restaurant Manager at an Autograph Collection hotel, you will bring the property's unique story to life through exceptional, personalized dining experiences. This role goes beyond traditional restaurant management-you are a curator of moments, a leader of culture, and a driver of distinctive service that reflects the individuality of the hotel and its surroundings.

You will oversee all front-of-house operations while ensuring service is intuitive, engaging, and aligned with the brand's promise of being exactly like nothing else.

Key Responsibilities

LeadershipCulture

  • Inspire and lead a high-performing team with a focus on genuine, unscripted hospitality
  • Create an environment that reflects the hotel's personality, encouraging team members to deliver service with authenticity and confidence
  • Recruit, train, and develop talent with an emphasis on storytelling, guest engagement, and service excellence
  • Act as a role model on the floor, setting the tone for energy, professionalism, and attention to detail

Guest Experience

  • Drive a highly personalized guest journey, recognizing repeat guests and creating memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences
  • Maintain a strong presence in the restaurant, engaging with guests and anticipating needs
  • Handle VIP guests, special occasions, and service recovery with sophistication and care
  • Ensure the atmosphere-music, lighting, pacing-aligns with the restaurant's concept and elevates the overall experience

Operations Excellence

  • Oversee daily operations with a focus on seamless, polished execution
  • Collaborate closely with culinary leadership to ensure the menu, presentation, and service style reflect the restaurant's concept and seasonal offerings
  • Maintain elevated standards of cleanliness, organization, and visual presentation
  • Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and brand standards

FinancialBusiness Performance

  • Own the financial success of the restaurant, including revenue growth, cost control, and profitability
  • Manage labor strategically to balance service excellence with efficiency
  • Analyze trends and implement creative strategies to drive covers, check average, and guest retention
  • Oversee inventory, ordering, and cost management for all front-of-house operations

BrandExperience Innovation

  • Continuously look for ways to elevate and differentiate the dining experience
  • Partner with marketing and events teams to create unique activations, promotions, and experiences that reflect the hotel's identity
  • Stay current with industry trends in luxury dining, service styles, and guest expectations

Collaboration

  • Work cross-functionally with Events, Sales, and Banquets to execute group dining and special events seamlessly
  • Communicate effectively with all departments to ensure a cohesive guest experience throughout the property

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in upscale or luxury dining, preferably within a lifestyle or boutique hotel environment
  • Passion for delivering personalized, experience-driven service
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and develop teams
  • Solid financial acumen with experience managing budgets and P&L
  • Knowledge of wine, spirits, and elevated dining service standards
  • Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

What Sets You Apart

  • You lead with personality and authenticity-not scripts
  • You understand that luxury is defined by how a guest feels, not just what they receive
  • You have a sharp eye for detail and a natural ability to create moments guests remember

Benefits

  • 401k
  • Hotel Discounts
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Paid time off
  • Sick days

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