Forbes Four-Star Rated | Awarded Two MICHELIN Keys by the MICHELIN Guide
A Destination of Sustainable Luxury
Welcome to Alila Ventana Big Sur
At the edge of the continent-where the sky, sea, mountains, and redwoods meet-you'll find a sanctuary of profound beauty and inspiration. Alila Ventana Big Sur is a luxury, all-inclusive resort rooted in nature, discovery, and wellbeing. We are proud to be Forbes Four-Star rated and awarded Two MICHELIN Keys by the MICHELIN Guide, distinctions that recognize our unwavering commitment to excellence, authenticity, and transformative hospitality.
As part of the Hyatt Hotels family and the design-forward Alila brand, we offer sustainable luxury-high-touch, low-impact experiences that honor the land and elevate the human spirit. We seek passionate individuals who embody warmth, curiosity, and creativity, and who thrive in a guest-centered culture of connection and care.
Position Overview
The Food Runner plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless flow of service between the kitchen and dining areas. This position is responsible for accurately and efficiently delivering dishes to guests, supporting servers, and maintaining the pace and presentation standards that reflect Alila Ventana Big Sur's luxury dining experience. The ideal candidate is organized, attentive, and committed to working as part of a collaborative team that creates memorable moments for every guest. This position also requires flexibility and a team-focused mindset, with the expectation of supporting other Food & Beverage service roles-such as Server Assistant, Host, or Barback-when operational needs arise.
Our Values in Action
At Alila Ventana Big Sur, our culture is guided by empathy, integrity, experimentation, inclusion, respect, and wellbeing. We truly listen, collaborate openly, and take ownership to ensure every guest and colleague feels valued. In this role, flexibility and teamwork are essential-we believe in supporting one another, and you'll never hear us say "that's not my job." Instead, we step in where needed to deliver exceptional service, whether assisting in the dining room, expediting food, or helping a fellow team member create a memorable moment.
Key Responsibilities
Service Excellence
Deliver food and beverages promptly and accurately to guests according to service standards
Ensure all dishes are presented according to chef specifications before leaving the kitchen
Communicate any special requests, allergies, or modifications to the kitchen and service team
Maintain a steady flow between the kitchen and dining areas to support timely service
Assist in clearing, resetting, and maintaining dining areas to luxury standards
Guest Interaction
Present dishes with confidence, providing brief descriptions when appropriate
Anticipate guest needs by observing and responding quickly to cues
Support the overall guest experience by offering assistance to servers as needed
Team Collaboration
Work closely with servers, kitchen staff, and management to ensure accurate and timely delivery of orders
Assist with polishing silverware, glassware, and plateware to maintain luxury presentation
Support event setups, private dining, and special culinary experiences
Step into other F&B support roles (e.g., Server Assistant, Host, Barback) when business levels require
Standards & Presentation
Uphold and embody the standards that earned our resort its Forbes Four-Star rating and Two MICHELIN Keys
Maintain a polished, professional appearance that reflects the brand's commitment to sustainable luxury
Ensure all actions align with Hyatt's purpose of care and Alila's ethos of connection and authenticity
Compensation & Benefits
Base Hourly Rate: $16.90 per hour
Service Charge Eligibility: This position participates in Ventana Big Sur's all-inclusive resort model and is eligible to receive a weekly service charge payout based on business levels and occupancy
Projected Total Hourly Earnings: Up to $32 to $42 per hour, inclusive of base pay and service charge
Hyatt Benefits
Annual allotment of free hotel stays at Hyatt properties worldwide
Paid Time Off
Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k) with company match (after 30 days)
Complimentary Headspace subscription and tuition reimbursement
Paid parental leave and adoption financial assistance
Ventana Big Sur Colleague Perks
Paid meal breaks
Gas stipend for eligible colleagues
Complimentary daily meal
All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Previous experience in luxury hospitality or fine dining preferred
Strong attention to detail and ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
Warm, professional, and guest-focused demeanor
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Flexible availability for AM and PM shifts, including weekends and holidays
Shift Availability: AM shift (6:30 AM - 2:30 PM) and PM shift (3:30 PM - 11:30 PM)
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods, up to 8-10 hours per shift
Frequent lifting, carrying, and transporting of items up to 50 pounds
Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor dining environments
Ability to bend, reach, and move swiftly in a service setting