Our team members are the key to our company’s success, and their health and well-being, as well as that of their families, is very important to us. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that allows our team members stay healthy, plan for their future and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Benefits may vary with employment status. To see our fill list of Team Member Benefits please visit our career site: www.gotoworkhappy.com/benefits
Job Description:
Company: Hard Rock Ottawa Hotel & Casino
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Job Type: Full Time Permanent
Is this a current vacancy? Yes, this is an existing open position.
License Requirements: AGCO License, Smart Serve Certificate and Ontario Food Handlers License
OVERVIEW:
The General Manager (GM) of Council Oak Steakhouse is responsible for supporting the overall leadership, operations, and profitability of Hard Rock's signature fine dining restaurant. Reporting to the Vice President of Food & Beverage, the AGM assists in delivering exceptional guest experience while maintaining the highest standards of service, culinary excellence, team engagement, and financial performance. This role provides daily leadership to front-of-house operations, develops team members, ensures compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements, and fosters a culture aligned with the Hard Rock brand.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Champion an elevated dining experience by ensuring every guest receives exceptional, personalized service that embodies the prestige and reputation of Council Oak Steakhouse.
- Lead the daily operation of one of the property's premier dining destinations, maintaining impeccable standards of service, presentation, ambiance, and execution.
- Inspire, coach, and develop a high-performing team of service professionals, creating a culture rooted in hospitality excellence, accountability, and memorable guest experiences.
- Act as a visible leader on the restaurant floor, engaging with guests, addressing service opportunities in real time, and ensuring every touchpoint reflects a world-class dining experience.
- Partner closely with Culinary Leadership to deliver flawless execution of signature menus, wine pairings, chef features, and special dining events.
- Drive revenue growth through strategic upselling, premium wine and spirit offerings, private dining opportunities, and exceptional guest engagement.
- Cultivate relationships with VIPs, casino guests, high-value players, local influencers, and repeat clientele to enhance guest loyalty and increase visitation.
- Execute service standards that rival the finest steakhouses in North America, ensuring consistency in every course, interaction, and guest impression.
- Analyze operational and financial performance, leveraging key metrics including labor, revenue, guest satisfaction, food and beverage costs, and profitability to drive continuous improvement.
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, and succession planning initiatives to build and sustain a best-in-class hospitality team.
- Oversee dining room atmosphere, ensuring music, lighting, cleanliness, table presentation, and overall guest environment support the Council Oak brand experience.
- Maintain expert knowledge of the restaurant's menu offerings, premium cuts, seafood selections, wines, and spirits, empowering team members to elevate the guest journey through confident recommendations.
- Champion special events, wine dinners, VIP experiences, holiday programming, and promotional activations that reinforce Council Oak Steakhouse as a premier culinary destination.
- Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, liquor legislation, internal controls, and company policies while maintaining operational excellence.
- Serve as an ambassador for the Hard Rock brand, bringing passion, energy, and a hospitality-first mindset that creates unforgettable experiences for every guest.
- Demonstrate flexibility in work schedule and availability to support the evolving needs of the business, ensuring leadership presence during peak periods, special events, and key operational initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION AND /OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience within upscale, fine dining, luxury hospitality, or high-volume restaurant environments.
- Minimum 2 years of management experience leading front-of-house restaurant operations, including service, staffing, scheduling, and guest relations.
- Fine dining experience is required, with experience in a premium steakhouse environment strongly preferred.
- Proven success leading large service teams in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment while maintaining exceptional service standards.
- Experience managing restaurant financials, including labor costs, revenue targets, forecasting, budgeting, and inventory controls.
- Post-secondary education in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Culinary Management, or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Experience within an integrated resort, casino, luxury hotel, or destination dining venue is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated experience recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performing hospitality professionals.
- Previous experience executing VIP events, private dining functions, wine dinners, and special culinary experiences is an asset.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to stand and sit for extended periods of time.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move 25 pounds or more.
- The Casino environment is hectic, fast-paced and often crowded and noisy. May be exposed to casino related environmental factors including but not limited to excessive noise and constant exposure to public.
Working Conditions:
Duties and responsibilities are typically performed in a highly regulated and controlled environment, but there will be times when you will need to be on the Casino Floor to complete job functions as outlined or pass through this area. On the Casino Floor, you may be exposed to casino-related environmental factors including, but not limited to, excessive noise.
Closing:
Hard Rock International is an equal opportunity employer. We live our motto LOVE ALL – SERVE ALL, and strive to foster an inclusive workplace culture for every team member. We are committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Please contact Human Resources at hrnotify@hrcottawa.com if you require accommodation at any time throughout the hire process.
We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted
