Cafe Restaurant Manager

Cafe Restaurant Manager

Como Lounge, Dubai

About COMO Lounge:

COMO Lounge is a vibrant and known café restaurant here in Al Ain City, a dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience through high-quality service, expertly crafted beverages, and a quality menu. We take pride in our welcoming atmosphere and commitment to customer satisfaction, making us a favorite destination in Al Ain.

Detailed Roles & Responsibilities

The Cafe Restaurant Manager at COMO Lounge is the leader of the entire operation, responsible for ensuring seamless service, financial success, and maintaining the brand's reputation for quality and atmosphere.

1. Leadership & Team Management

This involves building and maintaining a high-performing team dedicated to the COMO Lounge standards.

• Recruitment & Development: Actively participate in the hiring, onboarding, and training of all F&B and service staff.
• Performance Management: Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular one-on-one coaching sessions, and execute timely performance reviews. Implement incentive programs to motivate and retain high-performing employees.
• Scheduling & Labor Control: Develop efficient weekly staff schedules using labor optimization tools to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours while strictly adhering to the established labor budget percentage.
• Culture & Morale: Cultivate a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment that minimizes turnover and promotes exceptional teamwork and communication across all departments (front and back of house).

2. Customer Experience & Service Excellence

The Manager is the guardian of the brand experience and the ultimate owner of customer satisfaction.

• Service Standards: Establish, document, and consistently enforce 5-star service standards for table service, order accuracy, and personalized guest interactions.
• Guest Recovery: Proactively engage with guests to gather feedback. Professionally and promptly resolve all complex guest complaints and issues, turning potential negative experiences into positive resolutions.
• Atmosphere Management: Ensure the cafe's aesthetic appeal, music, lighting, and cleanliness consistently reflect the COMO Lounge brand standards and provide a welcoming ambiance.
• Customer Loyalty: Develop and manage a customer relationship management (CRM) system or loyalty program to foster repeat business and identify VIP guests.

3. Operational Oversight & Efficiency

Ensuring that all daily processes run smoothly, efficiently, and hygienically.

• Inventory & Procurement: Manage end-to-end inventory for F&B products, supplies, and equipment. Implement strict stock rotation procedures to minimize waste ($spoilage$) and control storage areas.
• Goal: Maintain inventory variance below $X\%$ and ensure a 99% stock availability rate.
• Quality Control (F&B): Daily inspection of all prepared items and beverages to ensure they meet the defined recipe, presentation, and consistency standards before they reach the guest.
• Equipment Maintenance: Oversee the preventative maintenance schedule for all critical equipment (espresso machines, ovens, refrigeration) to minimize unexpected breakdowns and service disruption.
• POS Management: Expertly manage and troubleshoot the Point-of-Sale (POS) system, ensuring staff are fully trained on accurate ordering, closing procedures, and reporting.

4. Financial Management & Profitability

Driving the business's financial performance through strategic management and cost control.

• Budget & Cost Control: Take full ownership of the profit and loss (P&L) statement. Strategically control major cost centers, specifically Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and Labor Costs, aiming to keep both below target percentages.
• Sales Analysis: Monitor and analyze daily, weekly, and monthly sales data, identifying slow-moving items and peak-time revenue opportunities. Implement effective upselling and suggestive selling techniques across the team.
• Cash Handling & Reporting: Ensure strict adherence to cash handling procedures, manage petty cash, and prepare accurate, timely financial reports and forecasts for the ownership/management team.

5. Menu & Product Innovation

Maintaining a fresh, relevant, and high-quality offering that distinguishes COMO Lounge in the market.

• Collaboration: Work closely with the Head Chef/Kitchen team to conduct regular menu engineering, identifying high-profit and popular items, and adjusting pricing as needed.
• New Item Launch: Lead the successful introduction and rollout of seasonal specials, new beverages, and core menu updates, ensuring all staff are trained on preparation and talking points.
• Supplier Relations: Manage and negotiate terms with key F&B suppliers to ensure the best quality ingredients at competitive prices.

6. Marketing & Local Promotion

Driving revenue by effectively marketing the cafe's unique value proposition.

• Strategy Implementation: Execute local marketing plans, including digital outreach, social media campaigns (in collaboration with a dedicated marketing team or agency), and local partnerships.
• Events Management: Plan, organize, and successfully execute special promotional events, holiday menus, and private bookings to maximize revenue during off-peak times.
• Online Reputation: Monitor and actively manage the café's online reputation across platforms like Google, Zomato, TripAdvisor, and social media, responding professionally to all reviews.

7. Compliance & Risk Management

Ensuring the business operates legally, safely, and ethically in the UAE.

• Health & Safety: Ensure complete and continuous compliance with all Dubai/UAE health, safety, and fire regulations. Conduct regular self-audits and training to prepare for official inspections.
• Licensing: Ensure all necessary operational licenses (e.g., Municipality, liquor licenses if applicable) are current and displayed correctly.
• Policy Enforcement: Uphold all company policies regarding security, inventory control, and employee conduct to mitigate operational risks.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a cafe manager or in a similar role in a high-end establishment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal abilities.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
• Financial acumen and experience with budgeting and cost control.
• Knowledge of food and beverage operations and service standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• A passion for hospitality and commitment to providing a top-tier customer experience.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Employee discounts and meals.
• A positive and inclusive work environment.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter explaining their relevant experience and why they are a perfect fit for this role to email address (comolounge.hr@gmail.com).

Como lounge is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Contract length: 24 months

Pay: AED5,000.00 - AED6,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

• When can you join us?

Education:

• Diploma (Required)

Experience:

• Managerial Role: 3 years (Required)

Language:

• English & Arabic (Preferred)

Location:

• Dubai (Required)