Service Director

Location: Elk, CA
Reports To: General Manager / Owner
Type: Full-Time
Salary: Salary can be negotiated based on experience + Benefits + Performance Bonus

About Us:

At  The Harbor House Inn, we are committed to delivering an unparalleled singular dining experience. As a 2 Michelin-starred establishment, our standard is excellence — in every plate served and every interaction made. We seek a visionary Service Director to lead our front-of-house team, uphold our service standards, and ensure every guest experience is memorable, seamless, and reflective of our values.

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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.