Resturant Operations Manager

Mama Nimi Ltd; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Nigerian restaurant in Belfast is seeking an experienced Restaurant Operations Manager to oversee daily operations, ensuring profitability and exceptional service. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in the African restaurant sector and expertise in managing staff and financial performance. This role involves maintaining high standards of food quality and cultural authenticity while engaging with the community.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience managing a Nigerian or African restaurant.
• Proven experience leading restaurant teams and managing budgets.
• Familiarity with Nigerian and African cuisine and dining culture.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the restaurant ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Lead and motivate front of house and kitchen staff.
• Prepare budgets and monitor financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene and health & safety standards.
• Engage with the community and support marketing activities.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Operational compliance

Customer service

Cultural Authenticity

Education

Degree in Business Management or Hospitality Management

Job description

Mama NIMI is a flagship Nigerian and African restaurant in Belfast, Northern Ireland, specialising in authentic West African cuisine and dining experiences. We are seeking a highly experienced Restaurant Operations Manager to take full responsibility for managing the day-to-day operations of our restaurant, ensuring efficiency, profitability, compliance, and exceptional customer service.The Restaurant Operations Manager will oversee the smooth running of the Mama NIMI African restaurant, with responsibility for staff leadership, operational standards, financial performance, and customer satisfaction. The postholder will work closely with and report directly to the Directors, playing a critical role in implementing strategic objectives, driving business growth, and ensuring the authenticity and quality of the dining experience.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the restaurant, including service delivery, customer satisfaction, and operational compliance.
• Lead, supervise, and motivate restaurant staff across front of house and kitchen teams.
• Prepare budgets, monitor profit and loss, and ensure cost control while maintaining service quality.
• Ensure the restaurant complies with UK food hygiene, health & safety, and licensing laws.
• Cultural Authenticity & Community EngagementEnsure the restaurant environment and menu reflect the authenticity of Nigerian and wider African culinary traditions.Support marketing and promotional activities targeting the African and wider Belfast.
• Monitor and evaluate staff performance, ensuring high levels of service and professionalism.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, service, and presentation, reflecting authentic African/Nigerian dining traditions.

Skills and Qualifications

• Degree in Business Management, Hospitality Management, relevant course or experience in a substantial senior position in the African restaurant/hospitality sector.
• Minimum 5 years’ proven experience managing a Nigerian or African restaurant (essential for cultural and operational authenticity).
• Demonstrable track record of leading restaurant teams, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and licencing standards.
• Ability to work directly with Directors, providing accurate reporting and implementing strategic direction.
• Familiarity with Nigerian and African cuisine, menus, and dining culture.
• Familiarity with Nigerian or African languages to support cultural authenticity and engagement with community and suppliers
• Experience in developing customer loyalty and marketing initiatives for culturally specific businesses.