Stellar Jay Assistant General Manager

Every Moment Matters.

Every interaction at Populus has the power to leave someone inspired, not just by exceptional hospitality, but by a deeper connection to nature, community, and one another. Whether you are welcoming guests, preparing a meal, caring for our spaces, or supporting the team behind the scenes, your work helps bring our mission to life and makes you an essential part of a new species of hospitality.

A Rare Opportunity

At Crescent Hotels & Resorts, we believe exceptional hotels begin with exceptional people.

As the Assistant General Manager of Stellar Jay, you will play a key leadership role in the overall success of Populus' signature rooftop restaurant and bar. Working closely with the General Manager and Food & Beverage leadership, you will help lead daily operations, develop the team, drive financial performance, and ensure Stellar Jay consistently delivers an exceptional guest experience.

This is a hands-on leadership position for a hospitality professional who understands the pace and complexity of a high-volume restaurant and bar environment. You will be responsible for supporting the operation from opening through close, while helping create a culture centered around thoughtful hospitality, accountability, and excellence.

How We Lead at Populus

• Rooted in Nature
• Generous
• Curious
• Brave

Your Impact

As the Assistant General Manager of Stellar Jay, you will:

Restaurant & Bar Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Stellar Jay, including restaurant, bar, lounge, and related guest experiences.
• Maintain a strong leadership presence on the floor throughout service.
• Ensure consistent execution of service standards, food and beverage quality, cleanliness, and presentation.
• Monitor business levels and adjust staffing and operational priorities accordingly.
• Support opening, closing, and daily operational procedures.
• Ensure all areas of the restaurant and bar are properly maintained and prepared for service.
• Partner closely with Culinary leadership to ensure seamless coordination between front and back of house.
• Ensure compliance with hotel, restaurant, health, sanitation, safety, and alcohol service standards.
• Assist with special events, private functions, group experiences, and other programming at Stellar Jay.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop Stellar Jay associates and supervisors.
• Set clear expectations for service, professionalism, attendance, performance, and teamwork.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings and communicate daily priorities, reservations, events, business levels, and operational updates.
• Train associates on service standards, menu knowledge, beverage offerings, systems, and guest experience expectations.
• Provide consistent feedback, coaching, and recognition.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new associates.
• Address performance concerns promptly and in accordance with company policies.
• Build a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture.
• Lead by example and remain willing to step into any role necessary to support the operation.

Guest Experience

• Create genuine and memorable guest experiences through visible, engaged leadership.
• Build relationships with hotel guests, local guests, VIPs, and repeat clientele.
• Respond to guest feedback, concerns, and service recovery opportunities.
• Ensure guest issues are handled promptly, professionally, and with appropriate follow-through.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of Stellar Jay's food, beverage, cocktail, and service offerings.
• Ensure associates are knowledgeable and confident in making recommendations.
• Monitor guest feedback, reviews, and service trends to identify opportunities for improvement.

Scheduling & Payroll

• Create and maintain associate schedules based on business levels, forecasts, reservations, events, and operational needs.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels across the restaurant, bar, and lounge.
• Monitor labor and adjust staffing as business needs change.
• Review timecards for accuracy and ensure payroll is completed accurately and on time.
• Address missed punches, scheduling discrepancies, and other payroll-related issues.
• Monitor overtime and labor costs.
• Ensure associates are scheduled and paid according to established policies and procedures.

Financial & Business Performance

• Support Stellar Jay's revenue, profitability, and financial goals.
• Monitor sales, labor, operating expenses, and other key performance indicators.
• Assist with forecasting and business planning.
• Monitor product usage, portioning, waste, and inventory controls.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, inventory management, and product organization.
• Ensure proper cash handling and point-of-sale procedures.
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve efficiency, and control costs.
• Complete and review operational reports as required.

Communication & Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Stellar Jay General Manager, Food & Beverage leadership, Culinary team, and hotel leadership.
• Communicate operational priorities, guest feedback, staffing needs, and business concerns effectively.
• Work with Sales and Events teams to support group and special event business.
• Partner with hotel departments to ensure a seamless experience for hotel guests.
• Participate in leadership meetings and operational planning.
• Help ensure information is communicated effectively between leadership and hourly associates.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain a flexible schedule based on business needs, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Assist the General Manager with operational projects, initiatives, and administrative responsibilities.
• Serve as a leader and decision-maker in the absence of the General Manager when assigned.
• Support other hotel operations when business needs require.
• Perform all other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Sustainability & Stewardship

At Populus, stewardship is part of how we operate every day.

As a leader at Stellar Jay, you will help ensure that sustainability is incorporated into daily restaurant operations through thoughtful product usage, waste reduction, responsible purchasing, efficient labor practices, and care for the physical space.

You will help connect Populus' sustainability values with the day-to-day decisions made by the team, ensuring that operational excellence and responsible hospitality work together.

What Will Make You Successful

You are an experienced hospitality leader who understands that successful restaurant operations require equal attention to people, guests, financial performance, and operational details.

You will bring:

• Previous restaurant, bar, hotel, or hospitality management experience.
• Experience leading a full-service restaurant or high-volume Food & Beverage operation preferred.
• Strong knowledge of restaurant and bar operations.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Experience with scheduling, payroll, labor management, and timekeeping.
• Strong understanding of restaurant financials, labor costs, inventory, and cost controls.
• Exceptional guest service and service recovery skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to make sound decisions and solve problems independently.
• A professional, confident, and approachable leadership style.
• A willingness to be highly visible and hands-on during service.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service standards.
• The ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.

We Are Committed to Providing You With

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits for eligible associates
• Travel and hotel discounts
• Career growth and development opportunities
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership environment
• The opportunity to lead one of Denver's most distinctive rooftop dining experiences
• The opportunity to be part of Crescent Hotels & Resorts and the Populus team

At Populus, Every Role Is a Stewardship Role.

Every decision, interaction, and contribution shapes our guests, our community, and the future of hospitality.

As the Assistant General Manager of Stellar Jay, your leadership will directly influence the culture of the team and the experience of every guest who walks through the door. You will help create an environment where associates can thrive, service feels genuine, and every detail reflects the character of Populus.

Why This Opportunity

This is an opportunity to help lead one of Populus' most visible and distinctive experiences. Stellar Jay is more than a restaurant and rooftop bar; it is an important part of the identity and energy of the hotel.

As Assistant General Manager, you will have the opportunity to develop people, strengthen operations, drive business performance, and help shape an experience that guests and the Denver community will remember.

If you are someone who cares deeply about people, takes pride in doing the right thing, stays curious, and enjoys being part of something bigger than yourself, you will feel at home at Populus. Together, we will create meaningful experiences that leave our guests, and our world, a little better than we found them.