Bar Director, Loa

The most admired bars in the world, like the most admired people, have one thing in common. They stand for something.

At Loa, we honor New Orleans with a “sacred taste of place” bar program. From Sicily to Senegal, Venice to Vietnam, Haiti to Havana, it pays tribute to the coastal people and places that created and still flavor this city in every way. And we do it with one-hundred percent quality, real service, unique design, style – the product values that deliver the human values which never change: love, pride, joy, the family, self-esteem.

We’re looking for a leader who brings uncommon excellence to craft. But we also seek cheerful people with a great gift for conversation. Set to flickering candlelight, it’s conversation that brings vividly to life the experience customers seek – a local watering-hole where after a few sips and conversations with regulars and like-minded hotel guests, a visitor stops feeling like a tourist and begins to navigate the city’s ways - to the delight of the locals, who in that same conversation renew our wonder at this place we love and call home

Loa’s Creative Director will be responsible for creating, coordinating, supervising and directing food and beverage and execute rituals and night life events while maintaining a profitable department and superb service levels.  Design events to entice locals and hotel guests to experience our hand crafted cocktails. You will be expected to market ideas to promote business, drive revenue, and control labor and budget expenses while maintaining a high level of service.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead beverage program and design menus
• Develop and grow the Loa database
• “Casting” of vendors for rituals or loa events
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors, entertainers, and key industry players
• Responsible for maintaining and implementing cutting edge events and marketing strategies
• Expert in trends in nightlife, beverage, and events
• Involved activities within the local community to enhance competitive advantage and increase hotel profitability through local networking
• Establish, monitor and manage budgeted revenue and net operating income.
• Develop and implement action items and provide support and guidance in each outlet to achieve or exceed budgeted revenue and net operating income goals
• Institute and monitor service and/or product upgrades
• Promote guest satisfaction throughout the operation
• Implement repeat guest recognition programs to build loyalty to the operation
• Act as a liaison between the community and the Food and Beverage operation
• Respond to guest complaints in a timely manner
• Prepare and submit required reports in a timely manner
• Organize and conduct department meetings on a regular basis
• Ensure compliance with all local liquor laws, and health and sanitation regulations and all other food and beverage related life/safety and other legal compliance in accordance with federal and local laws
• Select, train and develop Ambassadors. Able to exercise hire, discipline, personal performance evaluations, and termination of employment discretion
• Be visible throughout the hotel/loa on a daily basis, meeting with guests and clients as necessary.
• Conduct evaluations of the team monthly in a timely manner
• Live the Vibe Card daily and inspire team to do the same
• Ensure staff follows bank procedures and resolve discrepancies
• Knowledgeable of hotel in house groups and advise team of vips daily
• Prepare specialty juices, create bitters and cook syrups
• Represent loa in competitions, print media, radio and television segments
• Toast (POS) system administrator

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an Ambassador in this position may be asked to perform from time to time. This job description reflects the job content at the time of writing and will be subject to periodic change in light of changing operational and environmental requirements.  Such changes will be discussed with the Ambassador and the job description amended accordingly.  This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the Ambassador occupying this position.  Ambassadors will be required to perform any other job related duties assigned by their Team Leader or General Manager.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Due to the nature of the hospitality industry, Ambassadors may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the hotel which may include overtime, weekends and holidays.  The Ambassador will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of this job as requested by the Team Leader or General Manager.

The Ambassador will actively follow International House policies and will maintain an awareness and observation of Fire, Health and Safety Regulations. 

Qualifications

Physical Abilities

         Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50           pounds without assistance.

Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.

           Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time or for an entire work shift.

Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping.

           Requires manual ability to use, carry, and operate all necessary equipment

           Ability to spend extended lengths of time viewing a computer screen.

           Ability to spend extended lengths of time standing and walking.

Skills

Detail Oriented

Possess a positive, gracious and friendly demeanor

Strong verbal and written communication skills in English

Ability to multitask, work in a fast paced environment and have a high level attention to detail

Ability to work independently and partner with others to promote an environment of teamwork

Enter and locate work related information using computers and/or property management system

Guest service orientation and leading a team culture

Excellent problem resolution skills along with outstanding communication and active listening skills

Behaviors

Inspires Ambassadors to follow them and lead by example

Poses enthusiasm and authentic interest in the performance of team, bar, and hotel

Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Motivations

Inspired to perform well and praise of others

Flexibility to think outside the box to achieve duties and goals

Maintain positive and productive working relationships with other Ambassadors and departments

Education / Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent requested. 

Vocational training, certification and/or apprenticeship required. 

Vendor Responsible License Card

Must have knowledge of food and beverage preparation techniques, health            department rules and regulations, liquor laws and regulations

Several years experience in overall food and beverage operation as well as management experience

Ability to obtain and/or maintain any government required licenses, certificates or permits

Strong email and computer skills- including MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook 

Knowledge of Property Management System or Bar System

The ability to maintain a "sense of urgency" for the completion of responsibilities/tasks

Experience

3-5 Years – Previous experience as Bar Director in a hotel preferred