Bower Surf Club - AGM

Location: Santa Monica, CA

Restaurant: Bower Surf Club

Company: New School Hospitality

Bower Santa Monica is a new restaurant opening this August at the Colorado Center, a premier 15-acre office campus in Santa Monica. Bower, spanning 6,500 square feet, brings together California Coastal cuisine with influences from Australian cafe culture as well as Mediterranean and Southeast Asian flavors. From daytime espresso, grain bowls, and smoothies to evening shareable plates, whole-grilled fish, and cocktails. Founded by restaurateur Dave Harper (Bondi Harvest, Amigo Roasters, Likeminded Wellness Club) in partnership with BXP and New School Hospitality, Bower is rooted in a love of surfing, coastal living, and genuine community. With warm, earthy interiors, open-air accordion doors, and an outdoor patio, we're creating a laid-back yet vibrant gathering space for the people who work, live, and play on the Westside.

Position Overview

As the Assistant General Manager of Bower, you will be a key leader in our management team. Working closely with the General Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the front of house operations. In addition to staff management, we are seeking someone with bar experience. The AGM will oversee the cocktail program with support from the corporate Beverage Director and Ownership.

Key Responsibilities (but are not limited to):

Leadership and Team Management

• Support the General Manager in leading and developing the restaurant team, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Help ensure smooth day-to-day operations including opening and closing procedures, inventory management, cash handling, and adherence to health and safety regulations.
• Lead by example in delivering exceptional guest service; respond promptly to feedback and continuously seek ways to improve the overall guest experience.
• Assist in monitoring financial performance, including labor costs and sales trends, and help implement cost-control measures without compromising quality.
• Support staff training and development, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Engage in community outreach and help manage the restaurant’s social media presence, including content creation and follower engagement.
• Assist with payroll.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Write and manage the schedule for FOH.

Beverage Program Management

• Maintain and update the by-the-glass (BTG) wine selections and manage beverage inventory.
• Track all 86’d wine and liquor inventory.
• Send weekly updates to staff highlighting beverage changes, additions, and program changes.
• Order all beverage-related items and manage vendor relationships through regular tastings with sales representatives.
• Oversee the coffee program and barista station, ensuring quality, cleanliness, and consistency.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a similar role in a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate a diverse team.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Italian cuisine and wine preferred.
• Passion for hospitality and a commitment to outstanding food and service.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Compensation and Benefits

• 80-90k
• PTO
• Competitive compensation package and professional development support
• Dining discounts available at managed locations

Teaching and teamwork are the core of what we do on all levels. We look forward to meeting you.

Bower Beach Club provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.