Restaurant Manager

About the CompanyFoodmark is the Food & Beverage division of Landmark Group, one of the Middle East's most iconic and influential retail and hospitality conglomerates. With a deep commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences, Foodmark curates and operates a portfolio of distinctive restaurant concepts across the UAE and the wider GCC region. Driven by a passion for great food, warm hospitality, and operational excellence, Foodmark continues to grow as a leading force in the region's dynamic and competitive casual dining landscape.Foodmark is proudly home to two celebrated dining brands. Zafran Indian Kitchen is an award-winning, homegrown concept inspired by the rich, robust flavors of North-West Frontier cuisine. Since its launch in 2010, Zafran has redefined Indian dining in the UAE, earning prestigious accolades including the BBC Good Food Middle East Award and What's On Dubai Award for Best Indian Restaurant, and today operates five locations across UAE and Saudi Arabia. Carluccio's, the iconic British-Italian casual dining brand founded by Antonio and Priscilla Carluccio, brings the heart of authentic Italian food and culture to the Middle East — built on the philosophy of MOF MOF, Minimum of Fuss, Maximum of Flavour. Foodmark holds the franchise rights for Carluccio's, operating restaurants in UAE and Qatar as part of a globally recognized brand with over 30 locations worldwide.About the RoleFoodmark is seeking a passionate, commercially driven, and guest-obsessed Restaurant Manager to lead operations at either our Zafran Indian Kitchen or Carluccio's outlet in Dubai. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who lives and breathes casual dining and is committed to delivering best-in-class guest experiences while driving strong business performance.You will be the face of the restaurant — leading from the front, inspiring your team, and ensuring every guest leaves with a lasting impression of the brand.ResponsibilitiesOperations & Brand StandardsOversee all day-to-day restaurant operations across breakfast, lunch, and dinner servicesEnsure strict adherence to Foodmark, Zafran, and Carluccio's brand standards across food quality, presentation, ambiance, and serviceMaintain compliance with Dubai Municipality health, safety, and food hygiene regulations at all timesImplement and monitor HACCP standards, food handler certifications, and all relevant licensing requirementsManage all opening, service, and closing procedures consistently across all shiftsLiaise with kitchen leadership to ensure seamless front-of-house and back-of-house collaborationPeople Leadership & CultureRecruit, onboard, train, and develop a high-performing, multicultural FOH teamConduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and team briefingsBuild a positive, inclusive, and energetic team culture that reflects the spirit of the brandManage staff scheduling, shift planning, and leave management to ensure optimal coverageHandle HR matters including disciplinary processes, grievances, and recognition initiativesCollaborate with the Foodmark HR team to ensure compliance with UAE labor lawGuest Experience ExcellenceChampion a guest-first culture across every touchpoint of the dining journeyBe highly visible on the floor during peak service periods — engaging with guests, resolving complaints, and creating memorable momentsMonitor and actively manage guest feedback across all digital platforms including Google, TripAdvisor, Zomato, and Delivery AggregatorsDrive consistent improvement in guest satisfaction scores and net promoter scores (NPS)Ensure the casual, warm, and welcoming dining atmosphere that defines the brand is maintained at all timesFinancial & Commercial ManagementOwn and manage the restaurant's P&L, with accountability for revenue, labor cost, and food cost targetsAnalyze daily, weekly, and monthly sales reports to identify trends and opportunitiesImplement upselling strategies and work with the team to drive average spend per coverManage inventory, stock control, and supplier coordination to minimize wastage and ensure cost efficiencyOversee accurate cash handling, daily reconciliation, and reporting proceduresSupport promotional planning and local marketing activations in partnership with the Foodmark marketing teamReporting & CommunicationProvide regular operational and financial reports to the Operations Head.Maintain accurate records of staff attendance, incident reports, maintenance logs, and compliance documentationActively participate in brand meetings, operational reviews, and training programs organized by FoodmarkFlag operational challenges proactively and present solutions-oriented thinkingEssential RequirementsMinimum 3–5 years of Restaurant Management experience in a casual dining environment (this is non-negotiable)Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume, fast-paced restaurant operationsExperience working in Dubai or the UAE/GCC region is strongly preferredProven track record of leading and developing multicultural teams of 20+ peopleStrong knowledge of F&B operations, cost controls, and service standardsHands-on, floor-present leadership style — not a desk managerSolid understanding of Dubai Municipality food safety and hygiene regulationsProficiency in POS systems and basic MS Office / reporting toolsPreferred QualificationsDegree or Diploma in Hospitality Management or related fieldPrior experience managing an Indian cuisine or Italian cuisine restaurant is a strong advantageExperience with franchised brand operations is a plusExposure to new restaurant openings or brand re-launchesKnowledge of Arabic is an advantage but not a requirementPlease note: Applications without a Casual Dining Restaurant management experience will not be considered.