This role is being recruited for by a third-party agency, V&V Consulting Services.
MeloMelo Kava Bar 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.
Job Title: Assistant General Manager/Assistant Bar Manager
Location: Santa Cruz, CA.
About Us:
MeloMelo Kava Bar Santa Cruz is part of a small but growing chain that offers an alcohol-free environment for community connection. Our mission is to introduce Western audiences to the many benefits of kava, provide education on its culture, history, botany, and chemistry, and in doing so, build community around this plant. With a small and dedicated team, we offer significant opportunities for growth. We are service oriented, with a start-up mindset, and are looking for a manager who can pivot and adapt quickly without being micro-managed.
We have a limited menu, focused on one thing: kava. We do not serve food, and we don’t carry a lot of other inventory.
The Role:
The Assistant General Manager/Bar Manager supports the General Manager with administrative and operational duties. This includes inventory management, employee training, and day-to-day oversight. Additionally, the role requires a strong presence behind the bar, stepping in as needed to cover breaks or scheduling gaps.
What You Bring:
You excel at multitasking and know when to delegate. You’re eager to take ownership of various responsibilities, from scheduling to inventory and event coordination, and understand the value of cross-training to strengthen team members' investment in MeloMelo. Most importantly, you can connect and engage with our community and enjoy yourself while giving excellent service.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist and support the General Manager in the following, and be able to step in when the GM is not available:
● Manage inventory and order supplies, adhering to monthly COGS and budget guidelines.
● Create efficient schedules that keep labor costs low without negatively impacting the customer experience.
● Monitor’s KPI’s, be able to present reports on the bar’s performance, and develop effective strategies to improve performance.
● Recruit, train, and mentor exceptional employees, ensuring high standards of service and professionalism.
● Address employee performance issues, identifying employees in need of coaching and, if necessary, discipline or dismissal.
● Respond to customer feedback and resolve any issues guests may have.
● Oversee the bar’s maintenance, coordinating with contractors or handling tasks in-house.
● Oversee marketing pushes and motivate the team to engage in promoting the bar.
What We're Looking For:
● 1–2 years of experience in management, assistant management, or a shift lead role.
● Foodservice experience (bartending or barista work preferred).
● Proficiency in Excel, Word, Google Docs, and other relevant software.
● Familiarity with POS sales platforms (experience with Toast is a plus) and strong cash-handling experience.
● Flexibility in availability—this position is not suitable for someone with other full-time commitments or studies.
● Available nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Perks of the Job:
● Employee discounts on products.
● Opportunities for career advancement and skills development.
● A supportive company culture focused on learning and growth.
● Competitive wages, with performance-based bonuses.
Physical Requirements:
● Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and carry short distances.
● Ability to stand for long periods and occasionally work at a desk.
● Fine motor skills for operating tools and equipment.
Hourly Compensation Range:
Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.
V&V Consulting Services works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.