Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi is looking for Restaurants, Bars & Experiences Restaurant General Manager to join our Restaurants, Bars & Experiences Division.

Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly? Do you embrace a growth mindset? We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional. 

Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences located in prime destinations around the world, with a strong development pipeline. Increasingly recognised for creating some of the world’s most sought-after properties, the Group provides legendary service inspired by Asian heritage whilst representing the very cutting-edge of luxury experiences.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi is the definition of an unrivalled Arabian fantasy. From a 1.3km pristine private beach, landscaped pools and a private marina overlooking a natural bay, the hotel is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi and perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday or for events and meetings that make a statement, with some of the city’s largest hotel conference centres. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi offers award-winning 5-star luxury hospitality and authentic local experiences with 390 luxurious rooms and suites along with award-winning culinary cuisines.

Located within Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, Talea is a Michelin-starred dining destination celebrating the elegance and authenticity of contemporary Italian cuisine. Conceived by acclaimed two-Michelin-starred Chef Antonio Guida, the restaurant brings together Italian culinary heritage, exceptional seasonal ingredients and modern gastronomic creativity. Combining refined cuisine with genuine Italian hospitality, Talea offers an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere where tradition, craftsmanship and innovation come together to create a distinctive dining experience.

About the job

Based at the Emirates palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi within the Restaurants, Bars & Experiences Department, the Restaurants, Bars & Experiences Restaurant General Manager is responsible for leading the restaurant, building demand, driving long-term guest loyalty, positioning it as a destination, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, driving commercial performance and developing a high-performing team.

As Restaurants, Bars & Experiences Restaurant General Manager, you will be responsible for the following duties:

• All rules & regulations are strictly established and adhered within the hotel including hotel’s policy on fire and safety as well as hygiene regulations including HACCP.
• The sales are driven to full potential in specific outlets as appointed by the Director of RB&E.
• Setting and maintaining standards to ensure that the customer experience is efficient, effective and hospitable. The RB&E Restaurant General Manager has overall responsibility of all aspects of the customer service, front and back of house.
• The department or appointed outlets are driven in an entrepreneurial manner, looking for opportunities to generate more business at all times.
• Innovation and new ideas are fostered, implemented and shared with other hotels via corporate office.
• The RB&E Restaurant General Manager must fully understand and appreciate the different sections in the kitchen and the kitchen hierarchy.
• The RB&E Restaurant General Manager must be fully conversant with the current suppliers, ordering process, time scales to delivery and shelf life of all products.
• Complete all forecasting for daily, weekly and monthly for both revenue and products. Drives the use of these tools to a high standard.
• Fully supports the Chef De Cuisine with managing the kitchen team and operations.
• Ensures that all complaints are dealt with correctly and in a timely manner.
• Ensure that reservations are managed well within the outlet and seating capacities are effectively maximized.

Commercial Performance:  

• Drive restaurant financial performance and results across revenue, profitability, and operational efficiency of the restaurant 
• Responsible for strong business performance and continuously identify improvement opportunities. 
• Drive growth initiatives that increase guest engagement, demand, and repeat visitation. 
• Design and deliver promotions, activations, and experiences. 
• Ensure margin discipline by optimising labour and food cost based on demand, concept design, menu engineering and general cost control

Guest Experience: 

• Deliver the evolution of restaurant experiences in line with guest preferences, market trends, seasonal opportunities, and local culture to create memorable guest moments and strengthen the outlet's positioning.  
• Bring the restaurant's concept, identity, and culture to life through daily operations. 
• Deliver exceptional and memorable guest experiences. 
• Build guest loyalty and meaningful guest connections. 
• Maintain compliance with luxury hospitality and brand standards. 
• Handle guest feedback and service recovery effectively and professionally. Use guest insights and feedback to continuously enhance the experience 

Restaurants Operations:

• Oversee day-to-day restaurant operations and service delivery. 
• Set and role model high standards of quality, presentation, ambience, and service. 
• Ensure consistent execution of food and beverage preparation, presentation, and service standards. 
• Coordinate with Culinary, Reservations, and other departments to ensure seamless service. 
• Role model and drive operational excellence and continuous improvement. 

Team Leadership: 

• Lead the development of a high-performing restaurant team. 
• Manage scheduling, performance, and training requirements. 
• Foster a positive, collaborative and performance focused team culture. 
• Develop strong food, beverage and concept knowledge, storytelling, and guest engagement capabilities within the team  
• Ensure teams are engaged, motivated, and aligned with service standards 

HACCP, Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with HACCP, food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards.  
• Maintain adherence to health, safety, and regulatory requirements.  
• Promote a safe environment for guests, clients, and colleagues.  

As Restaurants, Bars & Experiences Restaurant General Manager, we expect from you: 

• Experience leading restaurant operations within luxury hospitality, or premium restaurant environments. 
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years experience as a restaurant manager in a luxury hotel or Michelin-starred restaurant.
• International work experience in at least two of the following regions: Asia, Europe, North America and preferably Middle East.
• Bachelor’s Degree or Higher National Diploma in Hospitality, Hotel or Business Management
• Strong passion for guest experience, hospitality, and service excellence. 
• Proven leadership and team development capabilities. 
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to drive performance and profitability. 
• Proficiency in English; additional language skills are an advantage.