Hospitality Operations Manager

The Lighthouse, part of Whalar Group, is a first-ever creative campus and studio playground for the Creator Generation, offering Creators an I.R.L. platform to Learn, Make, and Belong. With Venice, CA already opened, and Brooklyn, NY opening in Fall 2025, and London/EMEA opening in 2026, the campuses are designed to empower and support career Creators and creative professionals, providing a dynamic environment explicitly tailored to their needs. Each campus features state-of-the-art, mixed-use content studios, and hosts impactful programming that empowers members to collaborate, learn, and grow their businesses within a thriving community.

The Lighthouse expands opportunities and creative capabilities, offering Creators a dedicated space to co-create, connect, and lead the businesses shaping creative culture. Learn more: www.thelighthouse.com

.

About the role:

We're looking for a dynamic and hands-on Hospitality Operations Manager to be the heart and soul of our membership hospitality experience. This role is a perfect fit for a hospitality professional with a passion for creating exceptional environments and a deep understanding of what makes a great member experience.

You will be the primary owner of the full hospitality offering, from the moment members and guests walk in the door to the small details that make their day better. This includes overseeing our cafe and bar programs, ensuring they're a key driver of our community and social events. You'll be a senior member of the overall operations team, working closely with staff to elevate the member experience across all touchpoints.

Here’s what you’ll do day to day:

• Lead the member and guest experience, ensuring a seamless, welcoming, and high-touch environment across reception, lounge, café, and bar areas.
• Oversee café and bar operations—including menu development, inventory, ordering, and supplier relationships—keeping them vibrant hubs of community.
• Manage daily front-of-house operations with strong SOPs that uphold exceptional service standards.
• Hire, train, schedule, and mentor a small team, acting as a hands-on leader and point of escalation.
• Partner with Events, Studio, and Programming teams to integrate hospitality into all activities and ensure smooth event execution.
• Manage budgets, monitor costs, and ensure compliance with labor laws and workplace standards.
• Champion The Lighthouse’s mission and values, fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and hospitality.

Here's What We're Looking For:

• 2–4 years of experience in high-end hospitality (boutique hotels, premium coworking, or similar), with front-of-house and food & beverage management strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership skills—able to inspire, support, and motivate a small, dedicated team.
• A “hospitality-first” mindset with a passion for creating memorable member experiences through detail and genuine service.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to stay calm, effective, and guest-focused in high-pressure moments.
• Collaborative and cross-functional approach, eager to work with multiple teams to deliver a seamless member journey.
• Comfortable with POS systems and operational tools, with strong organizational and administrative skills.
• A hands-on, proactive style—ready to jump in where needed to support your team.
• Creativity, curiosity, inclusivity, and above all: be a good person.

The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $100,000 and serves as a general guideline reflecting the potential compensation for the role. The final salary offer will be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as the candidate's experience, expertise, alignment with the position's requirements, and, ultimately budget approvals.

Our values:

At Whalar Group, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn't just a statement, it's our collective strength. Our people are our superpower. A diverse team and inclusive leadership have shaped Whalar Group since our inception in 2016, fueling a constant evolution of growth. We champion a culture of respect and empathy, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends demographics. We hire individuals of all backgrounds and empower them to thrive, challenge stereotypes, and actively break societal barriers. Learn more

.

Our benefits and perks:

Whalar Group provides flexible benefits and collaborative work environments and experiences so employees can work productively in a setting that best and uniquely suits their needs.

• Medical, dental, and vision
• HSA + FSA
• Commuter benefits
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Voluntary hospital and critical illness insurance
• Employee assistance programs
• PTO + Sick time
• 401k: up to 4% matching

Whalar Group 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. Equal opportunity extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including hiring, promotions, training, working conditions, compensation, and benefits.