Position: Lead Server
Location: ama – Transamerica Pyramid, San Francisco, CA
Compensation: Hourly + Tips | Full-Time | Leadership Role | Staff Discounts Available

About Us:
ama is the debut San Francisco restaurant from Chef Brad Kilgore and Kilgore Hospitality Group, located at the foot of the Transamerica Pyramid. Rooted in the dual inspiration of Japanese craftsmanship and Italian soul, ama will offer a focused, ingredient-forward dining experience built around refined technique, seasonal produce, house-made pastas, and a curated beverage program.

At ama, service is not a transaction—it’s a performance of thoughtful, intuitive hospitality. The Lead Server plays a vital role in setting the tone for the guest experience and in cultivating the standards for the entire front-of-house team.

Job Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and professional Lead Server to help oversee service operations and assist in opening the restaurant with excellence. This role supports the front-of-house management team while remaining actively engaged in the dining room. Ideal candidates are natural leaders, confident communicators, and passionate about providing deeply memorable guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a senior presence on the floor, guiding and supporting the server team during service

• Deliver world-class table service, guiding guests through tasting menus and à la carte options with precision and warmth

• Assist with pre-service meetings, daily training, and team development in coordination with management

• Communicate closely with the kitchen and bar teams to ensure pacing, accuracy, and execution of coursed meals

• Set the tone for polished, calm, and guest-focused service—even during high-volume shifts

• Help with onboarding and mentoring new servers, reinforcing hospitality standards and menu knowledge

• Monitor guest feedback and resolve service issues with confidence and diplomacy

• Maintain expert-level knowledge of the food and beverage offerings, including sake, wine, and specialty cocktails

• Contribute to a respectful and motivated team culture

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of fine-dining or Michelin-level service experience, with at least 1 year in a leadership or captain-style role

• Deep knowledge of food, wine, and cocktail service; Italian and Japanese cuisine experience is a plus

• Strong leadership qualities and ability to foster a team-oriented environment

• Polished verbal communication, calm under pressure, and exceptional attention to detail

• Proven ability to multitask, train others, and set the pace on a professional dining room floor

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as part of a dynamic opening team

Why Join Us:
This is an opportunity to help launch a restaurant that aims to shift the fine-dining culture in San Francisco. As a Lead Server, you’ll be part of a leadership team focused on delivering world-class experiences, mentoring hospitality talent, and creating a place where excellence is both expected and deeply supported.