General Manager - Abu Dhabi

RIKAS Hospitality Group; Abu Dhabi Emirate; On-site; AED 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

RIKAS Hospitality Group seeks a seasoned General Manager to lead a new Italian dining concept opening in Abu Dhabi. You will drive the pre-opening and launch, then manage day-to-day operations with a focus on exceptional service, premium cuisine and guest experiences.

The role requires a strong hospitality leadership background in luxury venues, experience with Italian concepts, and the ability to build a high-performing team to deliver memorable guest journeys and revenue growth.

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience as a General Manager in a luxury restaurant or hospitality venue.
• Strong experience in premium or fine dining concepts; Italian dining preferred.
• Pre-opening experience is highly preferred.
• Leadership, communication and decision-making at a senior level.

Responsibilities

• Lead the pre-opening and opening of the restaurant, ensuring operational readiness across all areas.
• Oversee day-to-day operations with high standards of service, food quality, hospitality and guest satisfaction.
• Drive revenue, profitability, and overall business performance.
• Manage budgets, labour costs, forecasting, P&L, inventory and costs.
• Recruit, coach and develop front and back of house teams with a culture of teamwork and accountability.
• Engage with guests, VIPs and key stakeholders to build relationships.
• Ensure the concept, atmosphere and service standards are consistently delivered.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Events on launch activities to drive awareness and revenue.
• Monitor guest feedback and business metrics, implementing improvements as required.
• Ensure compliance with policies, safety, licensing and legal standards.
• Coordinate with support departments for successful opening and ongoing operation.
• Carry out any other duties to support restaurant operations.

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and passionate General Manager to lead an exciting new Italian dining concept opening in Abu Dhabi.

The venue will bring a contemporary approach to Italian dining, combining authentic flavours, warm hospitality, and a refined yet vibrant atmosphere.

We are looking for a strong hospitality leader with experience in luxury restaurants who can lead the venue from opening and drive its long-term success while maintaining exceptional standards of service, food, and guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the pre-opening and opening of the restaurant, ensuring operational readiness across all areas.
• Lead the overall day-to-day operation, ensuring high standards of service, food quality, hospitality, and guest satisfaction.
• Drive revenue growth, profitability, and overall business performance.
• Manage budgets, labour costs, forecasting, P&L, inventory, and operational costs.
• Recruit, lead, coach, and develop the front and back of house teams, creating a strong culture of teamwork and accountability.
• Maintain a strong presence on the floor and build relationships with guests, VIP clientele, and key stakeholders.
• Ensure the concept, atmosphere, and service standards are consistently delivered throughout the guest journey.
• Work closely with Marketing and Events teams on launch activities, activations, partnerships, and initiatives to drive awareness and revenue.
• Monitor guest feedback, operational performance, and key business metrics, implementing improvements when required.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety regulations, licensing requirements, and legal standards.
• Collaborate closely with support departments to ensure the successful opening and smooth ongoing operation of the venue.
• Carry out any other duties required to support the successful operation of the restaurant.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience as a General Manager within a luxury restaurant or hospitality venue.
• Strong experience in premium or fine dining concepts; experience with Italian restaurants or Italian dining concepts is highly preferred.
• Pre-opening experience is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of luxury hospitality, guest engagement, and VIP service standards.
• Proven track record of driving revenue, profitability, and operational performance.
• Strong financial knowledge, including budgeting, forecasting, P&L management, and cost control.
• Experience recruiting, leading, and developing large multicultural teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Passion for hospitality, Italian cuisine, and delivering memorable guest experiences.