Lead Server - Alila Napa Valley

About the Role

Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, Alila Napa Valley blends luxury, sustainability, and a genuine sense of care. The Lead Server is first and foremost an active member of the service team, performing all responsibilities of a Server and maintaining their own section and guest experience. In addition, the Lead Server is a trusted service leader who leads by example, helps Food & Beverage management maintain established service and operational standards, and serves as a resource for fellow colleagues. The Lead Server may also be entrusted with opening or closing the outlet without a Food & Beverage Manager physically present. This position is ideal for an experienced server who demonstrates strong leadership, accountability, and attention to detail and is interested in taking on additional responsibility while remaining actively engaged in service.

Responsibilities

• Perform all responsibilities associated with the Server position, including maintaining an assigned section and providing personalized, attentive, and knowledgeable food and beverage service
• Lead by example on the restaurant floor, consistently modeling professionalism, urgency, attention to detail, and genuine care for guests and colleagues
• Uphold and execute Forbes Five-Star service standards across all food and beverage outlets and supporting Michelin-level dining experiences in Violetto
• Maintain strong knowledge of menus, ingredients, preparation techniques, allergens, wine, spirits, and other beverage offerings
• Assist fellow colleagues during periods of high volume while continuing to maintain responsibility for their own guests and assigned section
• Recognize guest concerns and service-recovery opportunities, taking appropriate immediate action within established guidelines and involving Food & Beverage management when necessary
• Participate in ongoing food, wine, beverage, and service education
• Serve as a leader and role model for Servers, Server Assistants, Hosts, and other Food & Beverage colleagues
• Help Food & Beverage management maintain established service, cleanliness, presentation, and operational standards throughout the outlet
• Provide in-the-moment guidance to colleagues regarding established service standards and procedures
• Serve as a resource for the service team regarding menu knowledge, restaurant procedures, and service expectations
• Assist with the training of new Food & Beverage colleagues
• Support a positive, collaborative, and respectful work environment
• Maintain effective communication between the service team, culinary team, and Food & Beverage management
• Communicate guest feedback, operational challenges, maintenance needs, and opportunities for improvement to management
• When designated as the opening or closing Lead Server, open or close the Food & Beverage outlet in accordance with established Hyatt and Alila Napa Valley procedures and checklists
• Complete and verify all required opening and closing checklists
• Ensure assigned opening or closing side work has been completed accurately and established standards
• Verify that service colleagues have completed their assigned responsibilities before leaving at the conclusion of their shift
• Inspect the restaurant, service stations, and applicable guest areas for cleanliness, organization, and readiness
• Ensure equipment and supplies are properly cleaned, stocked, stored, and secured
• Coordinate the completion of remaining closing responsibilities when a Food & Beverage Manager is not physically present
• Complete required end-of-shift documentation and communicate relevant information to Food & Beverage management
• Document and communicate guest concerns, service issues, maintenance needs, safety concerns, or operational irregularities requiring management follow-up
• Conduct a final walkthrough of the outlet to confirm established operational, cleanliness, and safety standards have been met
• Follow all established closing and security procedures
• Properly secure and lock the outlet at the conclusion of operations when assigned and authorized to do so
• Support other Food & Beverage outlets and experiences throughout Alila Napa Valley as business needs require
• Maintain all applicable sanitation, safety, and responsible beverage service standards
• Complete assigned opening, closing, and side-work responsibilities
• Perform additional duties assigned by Food & Beverage management

Qualifications

• A true desire to satisfy the needs of others in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment
• Previous serving experience required; luxury hotel, fine dining, or upscale restaurant experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example and positively influence a service team
• Strong sense of accountability and ability to independently complete assigned opening and closing responsibilities
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining established service and operational standards
• Sound judgment and ability to recognize situations requiring management involvement
• Strong food, wine, spirits, and beverage knowledge; Napa Valley wine knowledge preferred
• Refined verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain composed, professional, and solutions-oriented during high-volume service
• Previous experience training or mentoring restaurant colleagues preferred
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Must possess the physical stamina required to stand and walk for extended periods and lift, push, or pull moderate amounts of weight
• Must meet all applicable California food handler and responsible beverage service requirements

Pay

The hourly range we reasonably expect to pay for this position is $23.00 - $26.00.

Benefits

• Paid time off from date of hire
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 12 free nights at Hyatt Hotels worldwide per year + colleague rates
• $1000 annual wellness/educational reimbursement