Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Manager is a self-driven, results-driven professional responsible for the on-site execution and oversight of all quality, safety, and sanitation standards across all Barcelona Wine Bar and Corsica Wine Bar locations. This role is crucial in ensuring our brand promise of consistency and excellence is met in every restaurant, every day. This role will provide proactive insights and recommendations for improvement to the appropriate company stakeholders to drive and uphold high culinary and operational standards. You will be a vital resource, driving a culture of continuous improvement and ownership. This role reports directly to the Director of Quality Assurance, Food Safety, and Culinary Training. 

Responsibilities & Duties

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• On-Site 2 Day Audits & Inspections: Conduct both regular and unannounced on-site visits of all restaurant locations to assess adherence to established quality, food safety, and sanitation standards.
• Action Planning & Follow-Up: Identify areas of non-compliance during audits and work with the on-site management team and the Regional Director to create and implement corrective action plans. Follow up to ensure issues are resolved.
• Data & Documentation: Create and maintain a record system of all audits, findings, and corrective actions. Analyze data to identify regional and company-wide trends and recurring issues.
• Supplier & Product Integrity: Assist the Director of QA and the Purchasing Department in monitoring and assessing the quality of incoming products and ingredients by observing the goods receiving process during QA audits, ensuring they meet company specifications.

Safety & Sanitation

• Protocol Enforcement: Act as the primary enforcer of all safety and sanitation protocols, ensuring proper handling of food, cleanliness of all kitchen areas, and correct use of equipment.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify potential health and safety risks in restaurant environments and recommend preventive measures.
• Incident Investigation: Ownership in the investigation of food safety incidents or customer complaints related to quality or sanitation, tracking the issue, and creating action plans to avoid the incident in the future. 

Training & Development

• On-the-Ground Coaching: Create a hands-on training program to mentor Chefs, Sous Chefs, Managers, and kitchen staff on quality assurance best practices, with a focus on making QA a daily habit.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Function as a subject matter expert, answering questions and providing real-time guidance to culinary teams on food safety and sanitation.
• Talent Development: Identify and report on training needs for restaurant staff and managers to the Director.
• Collaboration & Communication
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Work in close partnership with Executive Chefs, General Managers, and other department heads to build trust and shared ownership of QA standards.
• Reporting: Regularly report audit findings, progress on action plans, and opportunities for improvement to the Director of Culinary Training, QA, & Safety/Sanitation.

Travel: 80% of the time. 

Skills & Abilities

A true passion for food and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of culinary excellence. Easy on people, tough on standards.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to communicate complex concepts in a clear, concise, and non-confrontational manner.

Demonstrated excellence in hospitality and a genuine passion for developing people.

Exceptional attention to detail and a methodical, organized approach to problem-solving.

Ability to work independently and manage time effectively with a flexible travel schedule.

A solid track record of leading a high-volume, upscale casual restaurant or kitchen.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Education & Experience

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in restaurant or kitchen management at a multi-unit level or as a highly effective Chef or Manager in a comparable concept.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
• Comfortable with technology (Guest Voice).
• Certification in Food Safety (ServSafe or equivalent) is required.

About Barcelona Wine Bar

Barcelona Restaurants, LLC, based in Westport, CT, is one of the oldest Spanish-focused restaurant groups in America. Its award winning selection of wines from Spain and South America brings together over 400 bottles from over 70 wine regions. The warm and welcoming tapas bars are inspired by the culture of Spain and the ever-changing rustic menu is focused on clean flavors, seasonal ingredients, specialties from Spain and the Mediterranean. 

Barcelona Restaurants, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.