Restaurant Manager - Sayf

7 Management; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SAYF in Dubai is seeking a Restaurant Manager to oversee nightly operations, lead front-of-house, bar and door staff, and drive guest satisfaction while achieving financial targets.

The role requires strong leadership and hospitality expertise in nightlife, knowledge of licensing and safety, and collaboration with management to elevate service standards.

Qualifications

• Proven Dubai hospitality experience with nightlife/club operations.
• Knowledge of health, safety, licensing and crowd management.
• Proficiency with venue management software and POS.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to train staff and develop succession.

Responsibilities

• Oversees nightly operations and ensures exceptional guest experiences.
• Leads front-of-house, bar and door staff, setting performance standards.
• Manages budgets, beverage inventory and sales opportunities to drive profits.
• Maintains compliance with licensing, health, safety and brand standards.
• Leads staff development, coaching, and succession planning.
• Collaborates with management, DJs, promoters, and entertainment teams to uphold the brand ethos.

Skills

Hospitality management

Team leadership

Nightlife operations

Customer service

Regulatory compliance

POS systems

Tools

POS software

Job description

Job Description:

Company Overview

Launched in Dubai in 2022 and Beirut in 2023, SAYF is where summer never ends - a season, a sensation, and a state of mind. Inspired by the golden warmth of endless summer nights, SAYF captures the spirit of happiness, energy, and celebration in its purest form.

From the moment you step in, music pulses, performances mesmerize, and the night feels infinite.

Rooted in Arabian hospitality and driven by high-energy entertainment, SAYF unites the region's vibrant crowd to dance under the stars and embrace every moment.

More than a venue, it's an experience that turns every night into an endless summer memory.

Role Overview

The Restaurant Manager is responsible for overseeing the nightly operations of the venue, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, and achieving financial targets. With a focus on leadership, customer service, and operational excellence, the Restaurant Manager leads front-of-house, bar, and door staff, sets performance standards, and collaborates with management to drive business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations & Compliance: Leads the opening and closing of the outlet through late-night trading hours, ensuring strict adherence to company policies, procedures, and operational flows. Monitors compliance with brand standards, licensing, alcohol service, and security regulations. Develops an in-depth understanding of bar, kitchen, and entertainment operations to maintain consistent quality across all offerings and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Financial Management & Performance: Responsible for achieving operational objectives through staff planning, beverage inventory management, cost control, and maximizing table, bottle service, and bar sales. Assists General Manager in the development of annual plans and budgets. Provides senior management with detailed data and performance metrics to support strategic decision-making.
• Team Leadership & Development: Encourages and motivates front-of-house and bar teams to maintain high service standards, develop beverage knowledge, and anticipate guest needs. Trains staff to adjust service styles according to individual customer preferences while maintaining a friendly and professional approach. Maintains a visible presence on the floor to lead by example, ensuring staff remain focused and engaged during peak nightlife hours.
• Guest Experience & Service Excellence: Ensures guests feel welcome and valued by fostering a vibrant, safe nightlife atmosphere. Effectively addresses customer queries and complaints in a helpful and professional manner, using feedback as an opportunity to improve service. Observes team members, door, and floor operations to anticipate and resolve potential issues before they impact guest experiences.
• Collaboration & Brand Ethos: Works closely with managers, DJs, promoters, and entertainment teams to uphold the brand's ethos of delivering unforgettable nights with premium service and atmosphere. Coordinates with management to continuously improve operational standards, staff performance, and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working preferably in Dubai within the hospitality with specific expertise in managing large-scale operations featuring nightlife, lounge, or club management of nightly operations.
• Knowledge of local health, safety, alcohol licensing, and crowd management regulations, with a commitment to maintaining operational compliance.
• Proficiency in venue management software, POS and reservation/guest list systems, and Microsoft Office suite.
• Engaging and personable with excellent communication skills, capable of clearly understanding and consistently exceeding client expectations.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, entertainment, security, finance, and HR, to achieve business objectives.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team management skills, with experience in staff training and succession planning.