The General Manager will lead a vibrant restaurant on Yas Island, overseeing daily operations and ensuring the highest standards of food, service, and ambiance. This role requires a strategic leader passionate about hospitality, with the ability to drive revenue, inspire a team, and elevate the dining experience.
Reporting to: Owner
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Excellence
- Oversee daily restaurant operations, including dining services, kitchen, bar and support functions.
- Optimize workflow and resource allocation for peak performance.
- Leverage technology for operational improvements, such as digital ordering systems, inventory management software, or customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
- Business and Financial Management
- Develop and monitor budgets, ensuring profitability and cost control.
- Develop sales and profit improvement strategies, including pricing analysis and promotional activities, to ensure financial targets are met or exceeded.
- Regularly assess operational costs (food, labor, supplies) to improve profit margins while maintaining quality and guest satisfaction.
- Manage vendor relationships to maintain premium ingredients and supplies.
- Marketing and Growth
- Collaborate with Marketing team and implement brand-building strategies to enhance restaurant's visibility across local and international markets.
- Develop digital and social media strategy like online presence, social media campaigns, website content and digital advertising.
- Focus on Customer Experience innovation such as Launch creative events, promotions, and seasonal offerings to engage guests and enhance brand loyalty.
- Collaborate with marketing teams for targeted campaigns, leveraging Yas Islands tourism and event-driven traffic to drive repeat business.
- Strategic Planning and Growth
- Develop and execute long‑term growth strategies to position restaurant as a leader on Yas Island and within the Abu Dhabi F&B scene.
- Identify new business opportunities such as catering, private events, or partnerships to expand the brand’s reach.
- Responsible for innovation and product development – development of new menu offerings, seasonal promotions, and exclusive experiences that enhance the guest experience and attract new customers.
- Foster a culture of creativity in the kitchen and service areas to keep the concept fresh and exciting.
- Team Management
- Foster a positive work environment that promotes employee motivation, satisfaction, and retention.
- Recruit, train, and lead a diverse team of hospitality professionals.
- Continuously assess skill gaps and implement targeted training programs to ensure professional development and enhance team performance.
- Address and resolve any employee conflicts or concerns promptly, maintaining a harmonious and productive work environment.
- Guest Experience
- Enhance the customer journey with personalized and memorable service.
- Respond to customer feedback, creating solutions to exceed expectations.
- Innovate to offer unique dining experiences aligned with Yas Island's dynamic atmosphere.
- Ensure exceptional guest service standards and address feedback promptly.
- Compliance and Safety
- Ensure adherence to UAE health, safety, and licensing regulations.
- Conduct regular safety and quality audits to protect staff and guests.
Pre-requisites
- Bachelors degree in hospitality management or equivalent experience.
- Minimum 8+ years in F&B leadership, including high-profile or destination venues.
- Strong financial acumen and operations expertise.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
- Fast‑paced environment with frequent decision‑making and problem‑solving requirements.
Character Requirements
- Pleasing Personality: Positive, Energetic, Motivated & Optimistic
- Excellent attention to detail, observation and memory
- Shows compassion and is caring and driven
- A good listener, and able to consider all information
- Flexible and willing to work long hours