General Manager

Celeste   is a modern, American cocktail lounge and supper club. Our multiple levels are reminiscent of a glamorous, turn-of-the-century Chicago -- a time of the World's Fair, spirited architectural innovation, and a sense of new cultural pinnacles Position Overview The General Manager (GM) of Celeste is responsible for the day-to-day operations, guest experience, financial performance, and leadership of the venue. As a multi-level cocktail bar, supper club, and discothí¨que, Celeste requires a seasoned hospitality professional who can seamlessly manage high-energy service, upscale dining, and dynamic nightlife operations. The GM leads a team of managers, front-of-house, and back-of-house staff to ensure that Celeste delivers exceptional service, high operational efficiency, and a premium guest experience while maintaining brand standards, profitability, and a strong workplace culture. This role demands a proactive, hands-on leader with a deep understanding of cocktail-driven venues, supper clubs, and nightlife environments, balancing refined hospitality with a fast-paced, high-volume atmosphere. Key Responsibilities 1. Leadership and Team Management Lead and inspire management, service staff, and bar team to uphold Celeste's brand, service standards, and culture. Provide structured coaching, mentorship, and development opportunities for the management team. Conduct pre-shift meetings, staff training, and performance evaluations to drive consistency and guest satisfaction. Build and maintain a high-energy, motivated, and professional team, fostering collaboration and accountability. Oversee hiring, training, and onboarding of new staff, ensuring alignment with Celeste's hospitality-driven service model. 2. Guest Experience and Hospitality Standards Ensure an exceptional guest experience, maintaining flawless service and attention to detail across all levels of the venue. Maintain a strong presence on the floor during peak hours, engaging with VIPs, regulars, and first-time guests. Oversee VIP and bottle service operations, ensuring a seamless and elevated experience for high-end clientele. Address and resolve guest concerns and complaints with professionalism and urgency. Ensure that all cocktail programs, food service, and nightlife experiences reflect Celeste's brand identity and quality standards. 3. Operational Oversight and Efficiency Oversee all floor operations, ensuring efficiency, service excellence, and smooth venue transitions between dinner and nightlife service. Manage daily service flow, reservations, table allocations, and guest entry to maximize seating and sales. Implement operational SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to maintain consistency across all departments. Work closely with the bar and kitchen teams to ensure execution of menu items, cocktail programs, and nightly activations. Partner with the security team to ensure a safe and controlled environment, especially during high-volume nightlife service. 4. Financial Performance and Cost Control Oversee and analyze venue PandL (Profit and Loss) statements, making data-driven adjustments to drive profitability. Monitor and control labor costs, food and beverage costs, and operational expenses to maintain financial health. Work closely with the Director of Operations and Accounting to ensure accurate reporting, clean financials, and cost efficiency. Establish and maintain weekly and monthly sales goals, using key performance metrics to track growth. Optimize bottle service sales, upselling strategies, and special event revenue streams to drive profitability. 5. Marketing and Event Coordination Collaborate with the Marketing and VIP Services Manager to execute venue-level promotions, influencer activations, and social media strategies. Work closely with ownership and marketing teams to curate programming, special events, and DJ bookings. Ensure all marketing materials, promotions, and branding align with Celeste's luxury, nightlife, and hospitality identity. Partner with PR teams, nightlife promoters, and key industry players to drive exposure and attract high-end clientele. 6. Compliance, Safety and Venue Management Ensure compliance with city regulations, liquor laws, and health and safety standards. Oversee alcohol service policies, ensuring responsible beverage service and staff certification. Conduct regular safety and security meetings, ensuring staff awareness of emergency procedures. Manage maintenance and venue upkeep, ensuring all areas of the venue remain clean, functional, and visually impressive. Qualifications 5+ years of experience as a General Manager or senior leadership role in a high-volume, upscale hospitality environment (cocktail bar, supper club, nightclub, or luxury lounge). Strong knowledge of cocktail culture, fine dining service, and nightlife operations. Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a fast-paced, guest-driven environment. Experience with financial management, including PandL oversight, budgeting, and cost control strategies. Exceptional guest relations and VIP client management skills. Strong operational knowledge of reservation systems, POS platforms, and nightlife entry protocols. Strong problem-solving and leadership skills, with the ability to adapt to changing dynamics and peak-hour challenges. Deep understanding of Chicago's hospitality, nightlife, and luxury dining market.  

Created: 2025-02-17