Polo Pony | Assistant General Manager

The World Equestrian Center – Ocala is seeking a poised and experienced  Assistant General Manager to support the leadership and daily operations of  Polo Pony;  our elevated American dining concept located within the prestigious Equestrian Manor. This role is ideal for a hospitality professional with a refined approach to service, a passion for culinary excellence, and a proven ability to lead in a high-volume, upscale environment.

The AGM will work in close partnership with the General Manager and leadership team to uphold Polo Pony’s reputation for warm hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and seamless service. This position requires a dynamic leader who can inspire a team, manage operations with precision, and deliver memorable guest experiences that reflect the World Equestrian Center’s core values of  Quality, Class, and Distinction .

Primary Responsibilities:

• Ensure every guest receives gracious, attentive service. Address concerns with discretion and foster a welcoming, elevated atmosphere.
• Personalize service for high-profile guests, ensuring exceptional experiences and cultivating lasting relationships.
• Supervise daily front-of-house operations, maintaining service standards, cleanliness, and efficiency across all shifts.
• Recruit, train, and mentor front-of-house team members, fostering a culture of professionalism, growth, and accountability.
• Assist in creating efficient schedules that balance business needs with labor budgets and compliance.
• Monitor food and beverage costs, operational expenses, and supply usage. Oversee inventory ordering and rotation to minimize waste.
• Support payroll processing and ensure adherence to labor laws, company policies, and safety regulations.
• Assist in planning and executing private events, holiday promotions, and seasonal activations to enhance guest engagement and revenue.
• Partner with the culinary team to contribute ideas for seasonal menus, beverage programs, and signature offerings.
• Set clear expectations, conduct evaluations, and provide coaching to maintain high service standards.
• Enforce food safety, alcohol service, and sanitation protocols in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Identify opportunities for operational enhancements and implement best practices to drive efficiency and guest satisfaction.
• Be present during evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events to ensure flawless execution and team support.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the associate occupying this position. Associates will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

Physical Requirements:

These physical demands represent the physical requirements necessary for an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation can be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions described in this position.

• Ability to stand, walk, reach, bend, kneel, and lift heavy objects as part of daily operational duties.
• Strong presence in the dining room, leading by example to ensure service excellence.
• Ability to communicate clearly in both verbal and written English.

Qualifications, Education, Experience, Skills and Abilities

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in food and beverage management, with at least 2 years in a fine dining or luxury dining environment.
• Previous experience in a high-volume, upscale restaurant setting preferred.
• ServSafe and Alcohol Compliance certifications required.
• Court of Master Sommeliers Level 1 certification or equivalent beverage knowledge preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to delegate effectively while maintaining quality control.
• Deep understanding of upscale dining trends, guest service etiquette, and food & beverage operations.
• Proficiency in restaurant management software, POS systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, labor costs, and inventory.
• Unwavering commitment to hospitality and guest satisfaction.

The World Equestrian Center  is managed by  Columbus Hospitality Management ; a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We are focused on supporting the needs of our team through our commitment to the family/work life balance and by providing development opportunities.

We are proud to be a Drug Free Workplace/EOE.  All applicants will be required to submit to a background check prior to employment.