Lead Server

About Enso Village

Enso Village is a Zen-inspired community with a focus on mindful aging, the joys of nature, sustainability, and contemplative life and care for adults 60+. Enso Village is a collaborative endeavor between the Kendal Corporation—an esteemed, nationally recognized leader in senior living guided by the Quaker values of its founders—and the San Francisco Zen Center, one of the first Zen Buddhist organizations in the US, founded by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.

Enso Village is informed by a set of nine Guiding Principles based on the awareness that we are all connected. We share a commitment to compassion and strive to pay careful attention to the details of everyday life. As America’s first and only Zen-inspired senior living community, Enso Village is a workplace like no other. Here, our staff and residents engage fully and form close and meaningful relationships. We seek to uphold our professionalism and our humanity in equal measure. We listen with open minds and hearts. We learn something meaningful from every person and every experience. Sustaining others is what sustains us.

About the Role

The Front of House (FOH) Lead Server plays a dual role in supporting exceptional dining experiences for our residents and guests. As the Lead Server, you will assist the Dining Room Manager in coordinating dining room operations, managing bar services, and completing administrative tasks. You will also lead by example, motivate team members, and ensure seamless execution of daily operations. In your server capacity, you will create a welcoming and memorable experience while delivering exceptional food and beverage service.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Coordination
  • Coordinate and participate in providing courteous service to ensure a pleasant dining experience consistent with Enso Village policies and "Steps of Service."
  • Act as a role model and motivator for the team, guiding the vision and ensuring smooth execution of plans.
  • Provide training and mentoring to new hires and develop a comprehensive understanding of all Front of House roles.
  • Attend pre-shift meetings, inform staff of specials, and ensure menu updates and assignments are communicated effectively.
  • Ensure banquet event orders (BEOs) are executed accurately and communicate with the Back of House (BOH) team as needed.
  • Update the Server Information Board with current offerings and assignments.
  • Monitor phone answering protocols, ensuring calls are answered promptly (within three rings).
• Dining Room Operations
  • Greet and seat residents and guests promptly and courteously.
  • Oversee table and station setup before meal periods, ensuring proper setup and sanitized chairs.
  • Inspect tables and ensure all silverware, glassware, and other items are clean and polished.
  • Address spills or hazards immediately to maintain a safe and clean environment.
  • Assist with opening and closing duties, including setting up and breaking down the dining area and completing side work.
• Service Excellence
  • Maintain full knowledge of the menu and preparation methods to answer guest questions.
  • Guide residents and guests through their dining experience, ensuring satisfaction from start to finish.
  • Deliver food and beverages promptly and accurately.
  • Clear and clean tables as needed, ensuring a tidy dining area throughout service.
  • Collaborate with management and team members to address guest needs and resolve issues promptly.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Continually strive to improve team performance and enhance customer service.
  • Assist in maintaining a high level of satisfaction for residents and their guests.
  • Perform other duties as required by management.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum of two years in "Front of the House" operations; prior food service experience preferred.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with POS systems; Food Handler certification required.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in English, both written and verbal.
• Leadership: Experience in training, mentoring, and leading a team is highly desirable.
• Availability: Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand and walk for up to 90% of the workday.
  • Frequent bending, stooping, and stretching, especially in tight spaces.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and hold up to 50 pounds.

As a responsible organization, Enso Village maintains a secure, drug-free work environment. All candidates must undergo a background check and drug testing as part of the hiring process to ensure the well-being of our team and guests.

Pay

The hourly pay for this position ranges from $27.00 - $30.00 per hour, non-tipped. Compensation is based on experience, education, skills, and business considerations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available starting on your first day of employment.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with a generous employer match to help you plan for the future.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Paid annual vacation, sick days, personal days, and holidays.
• Healthy Meals: Subsidized organic, nutritious meals available daily.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing career growth and development within the organization.