Job Title: Italian Restaurant Manager
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Food & Beverage / Hospitality
Reports to: General Manager / Executive Chef
Department: Operations
Job Purpose
To lead and manage all aspects of a high-end Italian restaurant’s operations in Abu Dhabi, ensuring exceptional guest experience, staff performance, operational efficiency, and compliance with UAE laws and local cultural norms.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operations Management:
- Oversee daily restaurant operations including dining and kitchen areas.
- Monitor quality of food, beverages, and service, ensuring authentic Italian standards.
- Enforce hygiene, cleanliness, and safety standards in line with Abu Dhabi Municipality regulations.
- Manage reservations, walk-ins, and customer flow during peak hours.
2. Staff Management:
- Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise FOH and BOH staff.
- Monitor team performance and provide coaching, feedback, and disciplinary actions when required.
- Ensure adequate staffing levels and manage payroll/budgets in coordination with HR.
3. Guest Experience:
- Maintain high levels of guest satisfaction through personalized service and complaint resolution.
- Ensure staff provide an authentic and welcoming Italian dining experience.
- Engage with VIP clients and maintain long-term guest relationships.
4. Financial Management:
- Prepare daily/weekly/monthly sales reports.
- Monitor P&L, food cost, labor cost, and waste.
- Implement upselling techniques and promotions to increase revenue.
5. Supplier & Inventory Management:
- Liaise with suppliers for premium Italian ingredients and produce.
- Monitor stock levels and order supplies based on forecasted demand.
- Ensure FIFO and stock rotation procedures are followed.
6. Compliance & Legal:
- Ensure adherence to UAE labor law and local municipal requirements.
- Coordinate with government inspectors when needed (e.g. food safety, Civil Defense).
Requirements
Education & Experience
- Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in restaurant management, with at least 2 years in an Italian concept.
- Strong knowledge of Italian cuisine, wines, and service culture.
Skills
- Fluent in English; Italian or Arabic is an advantage.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
- Proficient in POS systems, reservation software, and MS Office.
- Customer-centric with excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Working Conditions
- 6-day work week with a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Uniform and duty meals provided.
- Visa, medical insurance, and annual leave benefits as per UAE labor law.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Application Question(s):
- Have you previously managed an Italian restaurant?
- How many years have you worked specifically in Italian restaurants?