Company description
The Harbor House Inn rests on the edge of the rustic Mendocino coastline. Guests retreat to the Harbor House Inn to enjoy an intimate, rejuvenating stay surrounded by pristine nature. The 10-guest room property features a private cove with panoramic views, walkable gardens, and a 20-seat Michelin-starred restaurant that serves a coastal-cuisine focused tasting menu Thursday-Monday evenings. The Inn is located just 30-minutes south of the historical village of Mendocino.
Sustainability is all about preserving and protecting the places you love. For us, sustainability is a moral imperative, and one that we have ingrained into our ethos and team. We strive to be gentle and mindful in all of our business operations, treading lightly on the land, and protecting our oceans and nearby ecosystems. Given our remote and natural surroundings, we are hyper aware of our carbon footprint and take steps each day so we can all do our part to preserve the natural beauty of the Mendocino Coast.
The Harbor House Inn team seeks hard-working candidates who believe that hospitality is all in the details. This pertains to both our restaurant and inn. We enjoy taking the long route to get the best results, and rely primarily on our nearby surroundings for our ingredients and inspiration. It’s a small, but dedicated team, that often pushes each other to continually improve.
We are located on the remote Mendocino coastline, and appreciate inquiries with that in mind. Please reach out to jobs@theharborhouseinn.com with your resume, and cover letter.
Job description
Harbor House Inn is hiring a full-time Service Director in Elk, California.
Position Summary:
The Service Director plays a critical leadership role in the success of our restaurant’s front-of-house operations. Responsible for managing and inspiring a world-class service team, this individual will uphold Michelin-level standards, curate elevated guest experiences, and work in close collaboration with the culinary team to ensure consistency and excellence across all service touchpoints.
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Key Responsibilities:
• Guest Experience
• Oversee and elevate all aspects of front-of-house service to meet and exceed Michelin standards.
• Act as a visible presence in the dining room, ensuring guest satisfaction and building genuine guest relationships.
• Handle VIP and high-profile guest interactions with discretion and exceptional care.
• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, mentor, and train a high-performing service team including captains, servers, sommeliers, and hosts.
• Develop ongoing training programs focused on service refinement, product knowledge, and hospitality culture.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Operational Excellence
• Collaborate with the General Manager and Head Chef to ensure smooth service operations.
• Manage staffing schedules, oversee pre-shift briefings, and coordinate service logistics.
• Monitor and uphold health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Service Innovation & Standards
• Continuously refine service protocols and implement innovations to enhance the guest journey.
• Ensure all service points reflect the brand’s identity, attention to detail, and storytelling.
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Required Qualifications:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in fine dining, with at least 2 years in a leadership role at a Michelin-starred or equivalent level.
• Proven leadership and team-building skills in a high-pressure, luxury hospitality environment.
• Deep knowledge of food, wine, spirits, and service etiquette at the highest standards.
• Exceptional communication, emotional intelligence, and guest-relations skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Fluent in English (additional languages are a plus).
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What We Offer:
• Opportunity to work in one of the region’s most respected fine dining destinations.
• Dynamic, supportive, and passionate team culture.
• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off, Potential Bonuses, Relocation housing assistance
Required Skills
Visionary Leadership
Mentorship
Training Development
Accountability
Professionalism
Continuous Improvement
Collaboration
Attention to Detail
Compensation
this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000
Application instructions
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Deadline
no deadline