Restaurant Manager – Italian Dining

About Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

Situated on the Abu Dhabi beachfront, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a premier five-star luxury hotel offering spectacular views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The hotel blends modern architectural design with sophisticated interiors. It features over 360 upscale rooms and suites, multiple acclaimed dining outlets, expansive event spaces, and superior leisure amenities such as private beach access and pools. Serving a diverse clientele including business travelers and social event guests, the hotel upholds international standards of luxury, honors Emirati culture, and focuses on innovation, sustainability, and creating memorable experiences for guests and staff alike.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the Italian restaurant ensuring efficient and seamless service delivery.
• Uphold Fairmont's high luxury service standards consistently.
• Lead daily team briefings to align service goals and operational plans.
• Oversee the restaurant’s cleanliness, appearance, and atmosphere to maintain an inviting environment.
• Verify proper completion of opening and closing procedures.
• Coordinate closely with kitchen staff to ensure prompt and high-quality food service.
• Supervise guest reservations, seating logistics, and flow management.
• Deliver exceptional, personalized service and engage warmly with diners.
• Address guest complaints swiftly and professionally, building strong relationships to encourage repeat visits.
• Implement follow-ups on guest feedback and enforce corrective actions when necessary.
• Recruit, train, and develop restaurant personnel, conducting ongoing performance appraisals.
• Prepare staffing schedules based on anticipated business demands.
• Ensure adherence to grooming, hygiene, and uniform protocols among team members.
• Promote teamwork, engagement, and a positive workplace culture through daily training and coaching.
• Achieve revenue and profitability targets by monitoring sales, managing labor costs, and overseeing operating expenses.
• Collaborate with the Chef de Cuisine on menu design and seasonal promotions to ensure authentic Italian cuisine experiences.
• Control portion sizes, maintain service consistency, and oversee beverage promotions.
• Manage inventory, minimize breakage and waste, and ensure proper stock storage and ordering procedures.
• Comply with HACCP standards, food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations, maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
• Ensure adherence to local municipality rules and hotel policies, conducting regular health and safety inspections and reporting maintenance issues as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality, Hotel Management, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• At least 3 to 5 years’ experience managing restaurants in luxury hotels or upscale Italian dining establishments.
• Proficient leadership and people management capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to develop interpersonal relationships.
• In-depth knowledge of Italian cuisine, wines, and fine dining operations.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with HACCP and food safety regulations.
• Experience using Microsoft Office and restaurant point-of-sale systems.
• Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in Italian is advantageous.