Restaurant Manager

Le Meridien; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hotel brand in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced operational manager for their restaurant and lounge. The ideal candidate will oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring high service standards, deliver personalized guest experiences, and drive profitability. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in hospitality, with 3-5 years of relevant experience. Strong leadership and communication skills, along with knowledge of fine dining and mixology, are required.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a luxury hotel or upscale dining.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.
• Experience in pre-opening or re-branding environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations for the restaurant and lounge.
• Deliver a personalized high-class guest experience.
• Drive revenue through strategic planning and marketing.
• Lead and train a multicultural service team.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Guest engagement

Financial acumen

Mixology knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality or related field

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Excellence
  • Manage all day-to-day operations of the restaurant and lounge, ensuring flawless execution of service from dining to bar and entertainment.
  • Work closely with the Executive Chef and Bar Manager to uphold menu quality, presentation and innovation.
  • Oversee reservation flow, table allocations and service sequence to optimize guest satisfaction and turnover.
  • Ensure the ambiance—lighting, music and atmosphere—reflects the brand’s high‑energy yet elegant identity.
• Guest Experience & Brand Positioning
  • Deliver a world‑class, personalised guest experience aligned with the hotel’s luxury service standards.
  • Build rapport with high‑profile guests, VIPs and regular patrons, ensuring memorable visits and repeat business.
  • Anticipate guest preferences and adapt service to enhance engagement and loyalty.
  • Supervise event nights, live entertainment and social activations to maintain the venue’s elite status.
• Financial Performance & Business Growth
  • Drive revenue and profitability through strategic planning, cost control and upselling initiatives.
  • Analyse performance metrics, forecast sales and implement marketing and promotional strategies in collaboration with the Marketing team & F&B Manager.
  • Manage beverage costs, supplier relations and inventory control in line with hotel standards.
  • Identify opportunities for growth in both dining and lounge segments.
• Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead, train and inspire a multicultural service team to consistently deliver five‑star service standards.
  • Conduct daily briefings, performance evaluations and continuous coaching to enhance guest service and product knowledge.
  • Foster a culture of empowerment, accountability and excellence within the team.
  • Ensure proper scheduling and labour management to match business levels.
• Compliance & Standards
  • Guarantee adherence to Marriott brand standards, health and safety regulations and HACCP requirements.
  • Ensure licensing, hygiene and operational policies are followed meticulously.
  • Maintain high standards of cleanliness, maintenance and safety throughout the venue.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Hospitality or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a similar role within a luxury hotel or upscale dining/lounge venue.
• Strong knowledge of premium steaks, fine wines, mixology and modern service techniques.
• Proven experience managing both fine dining and nightlife/lounge operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication and guest relations skills.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage.
• Previous experience in a pre‑opening or re‑branding environment preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management
• Guest engagement and service personalisation
• Strategic business and financial acumen
• Creativity in marketing and event concepts
• Attention to detail and brand presentation
• Flexibility to work late evenings, weekends and special events

About Le Méridien

At Le Méridien, we are inspired by the era of glamorous travel, celebrating each culture through the distinctly European spirit of savouring the good life. Our guests are curious and creative, cosmopolitan culture seekers that appreciate moments of connection and slowing down to savour the destination. We provide authentic, chic and memorable service along with experiences that inspire guests to savour the good life. We’re looking for curious and creative people to join our team. If you appreciate connecting with like‑minded guests and have a deep desire to create memorable experiences, we invite you to explore career opportunities with Le Méridien. In joining Le Méridien, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.