Restaurant Operations Manager

Azure Recruitment; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Azure Recruitment is recruiting a Restaurant Operations Manager based in Hong Kong to lead pre-opening and daily operations for a new 58-seat contemporary Thai restaurant and bar.

You will build the front-of-house team, implement SOPs, train staff, manage guest experience, and safeguard service standards while partnering with group management.

Strong leadership in a startup/pre-opening environment, English proficiency required; Thai nationality preferred; Cantonese/Mandarin is a plus.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of restaurant/hospitality operations experience, preferably in upscale or contemporary dining.
• Proven experience in pre-opening and opening a new restaurant.
• Strong FOH management and guest-service experience.
• Experience recruiting, training and developing restaurant teams.
• Knowledge of restaurant SOPs and service standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational preparation for RKC’s opening and develop pre-opening plans.
• Manage day-to-day FOH operations and maintain high service standards.
• Recruit, onboard and develop FOH supervisors, hosts, servers and bartenders.
• Deliver pre-opening training programs and establish service standards.
• Develop FOH SOPs, opening/closing procedures and daily routines.
• Oversee guest experience, feedback and service recovery.
• Monitor labour scheduling, costs and KPIs; drive efficiency and profitability.

Skills

FOH management

Guest service

Pre-opening

Recruitment

Training & development

Leadership

Communication

English proficiency

Job description

Our client is a group restaurant has a relatively casual, energetic positioning rather than fine dining. Its current venue is small and intimate, with an urban/industrial Thai-inspired design based in Hong Kong

Title of Position: Restaurant Operations Manager (Based in Hong Kong)

Package: Negotiable

Benefits: Negotiable

Position Purpose:

Restaurant Operations Manager to lead the pre-opening and ongoing operations of RKC, a new 58-seat contemporary Thai restaurant and bar located at Hong Kong.

The successful candidate will play a key role in bringing the concept to life, taking responsibility for pre-opening preparation, FOH operations, recruitment, training, service standards, SOP implementation and guest experience.

Following the opening, the Restaurant Operations Manager will be responsible for ensuring smooth daily operations, maintaining high service standards and building a strong, professional front-of-house team.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced restaurant operator who enjoys building a new operation from the ground up and working closely with the ownership and group management team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Pre-Opening & Launch

• Lead the operational preparation for RKC’s opening.
• Develop and implement the pre-opening operational plan and timeline.
• Establish FOH procedures, service sequences and operational standards.
• Coordinate operational requirements with the culinary, bar, HR, finance, suppliers and other relevant teams.
• Conduct operational readiness checks prior to opening.
• Support soft opening, training sessions and opening-period operations.

2. Front of House Operations

• Manage the day-to-day FOH operation and ensure smooth service.
• Maintain consistently high standards of hospitality, service and professionalism.
• Oversee reservations, guest flow, table management and service coordination.
• Ensure effective communication between FOH, kitchen and bar teams.
• Monitor service performance and resolve operational issues quickly.

3. Recruitment & Team Building

• Lead the recruitment of the FOH team in preparation for opening.
• Develop manpower plans, staffing structures and job responsibilities.
• Recruit, onboard and develop supervisors, servers, hosts, bartenders and other FOH team members.
• Build a strong service culture and professional team environment.
• Manage staff performance and identify training and development needs.

4. Training & Service Standards

• Develop and deliver pre-opening training programs.
• Establish service standards consistent with the RKC concept and positioning.
• Train the team in product knowledge, service procedures, guest interaction and complaint handling.
• Conduct regular refreshers and performance coaching after opening.
• Ensure consistent execution of service standards.

5. SOPs & Operational Systems

• Develop and implement FOH SOPs and operational procedures.
• Establish opening/closing procedures, service checklists and daily operating routines.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and hygiene requirements.
• Continuously review and improve operational processes.

6. Guest Experience

• Take ownership of the overall guest experience.
• Monitor guest feedback and identify areas for improvement.
• Handle guest concerns and service recovery professionally.
• Build a distinctive and consistent hospitality experience aligned with the RKC concept.

7. Performance & Cost Control

• Monitor daily operational performance and key restaurant KPIs.
• Support effective labour scheduling and manpower utilisation.
• Work closely with management on labour cost, operating expenses and productivity.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Thai nationality
• 5–8+ years of restaurant/hospitality operations experience, preferably in upscale, premium or contemporary dining.
• Proven experience in pre-opening and opening a new restaurant.
• Strong FOH management and guest-service experience.
• Experience recruiting, training and developing restaurant teams.
• Strong knowledge of restaurant SOPs and service standards.
• Experience with scheduling, manpower planning and labour cost control.
• Good understanding of restaurant P&L and operational KPIs.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Hands-on, proactive and comfortable working in a start-up/pre-opening environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a genuine passion for hospitality.
• Experience in Thai, Asian contemporary, upscale casual or premium dining would be an advantage.
• International hospitality experience or experience working in Hong Kong would be an advantage.
• Good command of English; Cantonese/Mandarin would be an advantage.