Restaurant Manager (Pre Opening) - Waldorf Astoria

Hilton Worldwide, Inc.; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious 5-star luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a Restaurant Manager. In this role, you will oversee daily operations, ensuring exceptional dining experiences and service excellence. The ideal candidate should have strong leadership skills, knowledge of luxury dining standards, and the ability to manage a dynamic team. This role presents an opportunity to elevate dining standards and create memorable moments for guests, in a refined environment.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to resolve guest complaints professionally.
• Understanding of current and emerging food & beverage trends.
• Strong financial acumen with cost control experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily restaurant operations ensuring luxury standards.
• Manage sequence of service between kitchen and front-of-house.
• Conduct pre-service inspections for setup and cleanliness.

Skills

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills

Proficiency in reservation systems

In-depth knowledge of Malaysian and international cuisine

Flexibility to work varied schedules

Education

Experience in luxury dining

Job description

Job Description - Restaurant Manager (Pre Opening) - Waldorf Astoria (HOT0C5G7)

Job Description

Restaurant Manager (Pre Opening) - Waldorf Astoria

Job Number: HOT0C5G7

Work Locations

Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur 73, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur 50200

With thousands of hotels in over 100 countries and territories, Hilton offers countless opportunities to delight. From an open door to a welcoming smile and an exceptional experience, we offer the millions of travellers who stay with us every year a welcome they will never forget. In addition to our flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the family of brands includes Waldorf Astoria, LXR, Conrad, Canopy, Curio Collection, DoubleTree, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton and many others.

If you appreciate the impact global travel can have on the world, you may be just the person we are looking for to work as a Hilton Team Member. Because it’s with Hilton where we never forget the reason we’re here: to delight our guests, Team Members, and owners alike.

Are you a hospitality leader with a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences and inspiring teams to achieve service excellence? Join our prestigious 5‑star luxury hotel, where elegance, innovation, and attention to detail define every guest interaction. As Restaurant Manager, you will oversee daily operations, ensuring flawless service, refined presentation, and seamless coordination across the restaurant. This is an opportunity to lead a dynamic team, elevate our dining standards, and create memorable moments that embody the artistry and prestige of world‑class hospitality.

What will I be doing?

As the Restaurant Manager, you will be responsible for performing the following tasks to the highest standards:

Operations

• Oversee daily restaurant operations, ensuring strict adherence to hotel policies and Forbes standards.
• Conduct pre‑service inspections to verify setup, cleanliness, stocked side stations, and equipment readiness.
• Ensure proper lighting, ambiance, and sound systems to create a luxurious dining atmosphere.
• Manage the sequence of service, coordinating seamlessly between kitchen, bar, and front‑of‑house teams.
• Monitor beverage preparation, pouring standards, and presentation for consistency and quality.
• Lead pre‑shift briefings covering VIP guests, occupancy forecasts, special requests, and service strategies.
• Oversee reservations, ensuring accurate documentation, guest communication, and smooth seating.
• Enforce timely food and beverage delivery, maintaining efficiency and luxury standards.
• Supervise event setups, promotions, and exclusive dining experiences.
• Handle guest complaints promptly and professionally, ensuring recovery exceeds expectations.
• Enforce beverage control policies, inventory tracking, and compliance with liquor laws.
• Maintain a strong floor presence, engaging guests with personalized service and feedback collection.
• Review and update SOPs to maintain operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, safety, and hygiene standards.

Culture

• Foster a positive, motivated, and team‑oriented environment that encourages creativity and innovation.
• Lead by example, setting high standards for professionalism, empathy, and guest‑centric service.
• Supervise grooming, punctuality, and presentation to ensure brand consistency.
• Recruit, train, and develop a high‑performing team aligned with Waldorf Asotia luxury standards.
• Implement structured training programs, including knowledge assessments and continuous learning.
• Recognize and reward outstanding performance to motivate excellence in service and sales.

Administration

• Maintain and update guest profiles, tracking preferences, occasions, and dining habits.
• Ensure accurate documentation of operations, including logbooks, shift reports, and audits.
• Assist in strategic planning, operational improvements, and policy updates.
• Conduct product knowledge tests and service standard assessments.
• Respond to TripAdvisor and Google reviews promptly and professionally.
• Regularly update SOPs and training manuals to reflect best practices.
• Manage staff scheduling and roster planning based on business demands.
• Support financial objectives, ensuring revenue targets and cost efficiencies.
• Monitor and analyze sales trends, average checks, and guest counts to optimize profitability.
• Control purchasing and inventory to minimize waste and prevent overstocking.
• Implement upselling techniques and menu recommendations to enhance satisfaction and revenue.
• Track ROI of promotions and marketing initiatives, making data‑driven recommendations.
• Ensure accurate transactions, billing, and financial reporting in compliance with hotel policies.
• Manage P&L performance, maximizing revenue and optimizing expenses.

Guest & Team Experience

• Deliver personalized, anticipatory service that exceeds luxury expectations.
• Address guest feedback promptly, implementing service improvements.
• Guide the team in handling VIP guests and special requests seamlessly.
• Train staff in guest engagement, menu knowledge, and service excellence.
• Monitor team morale and well‑being, ensuring a balanced work environment.
• Continuously refine service to exceed Forbes luxury standards.
• Develop and execute outlet promotions in collaboration with marketing.
• Conduct sales calls and proactive outreach to generate new business.
• Maintain relationships with corporate clients, event planners, and business contacts.
• Monitor ROI on promotions and adjust strategies as needed.

Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Conduct regular safety inspections to maintain a hazard‑free environment.
• Report maintenance and safety concerns promptly.
• Enforce workplace respect and anti‑harassment policies.
• Maintain a comprehensive logbook documenting observations, guest feedback, and action points.
• Participate in leadership meetings and cross‑department briefings for operational alignment.
• Communicate effectively with all hotel departments to ensure flawless service execution.
• Represent Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur professionally in guest, supplier, and regulatory interactions.
• Act as liaison between team members and management, ensuring concerns are addressed.

Other Duties

• Stay updated on industry trends, competitive benchmarks, and hospitality innovations.
• Support hotel initiatives, including sustainability, brand campaigns, and team development programs.
• Enforce grooming, uniform, and professional appearance standards.
• Undertake additional assignments as directed by management to ensure continued excellence.

What are we looking for?

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a passion for luxury hospitality.
• Proven ability to resolve guest complaints with professionalism, discretion, and effective problem‑solving.
• High standards of personal grooming, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Flexibility to work varied schedules, including weekends and holidays, based on business needs.
• Commitment to continuous learning and service excellence in luxury dining.
• In‑depth knowledge of Malaysian and international cuisine, fine dining etiquette, and premium beverage pairings.
• Proficiency in reservation systems and basic computer applications.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in cost control and revenue management.
• Understanding of current and emerging food & beverage trends in south‑east Asia, with the ability to anticipate future developments.

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full‑service hotels and resorts to extended‑stay suites and mid‑priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travellers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!