Assistant restaurant manager

The Assistant Restaurant Manager will partner with the Restaurant Manager to ensure seamless service, uphold Taj’s standards of hospitality, and drive commercial performance. This role requires a hands‑on leader who can coach a multicultural team, manage service flow during peak periods, and step into the Restaurant Manager’s responsibilities when required. Fluency in English is essential; additional language skills are an advantage.

Position: Assistant Restaurant Manager
Location: Taj Jumeira Lakes Tower, Dubai
Employment Type: Full time; managerial support role reporting to the Restaurant Manager and responsible for day‑to‑day front‑of‑house leadership, guest experience delivery, and operational excellence across assigned dining outlets.

Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Support and Service Delivery

• Assist in planning and executing daily restaurant operations, ensuring timely opening and closing procedures, smooth shift transitions, and consistent service standards.
• Supervise front‑of‑house staff during service, manage table allocations, and ensure efficient guest seating and table turnover.
• Monitor service quality, presentation, and ambience; implement corrective actions to maintain high guest satisfaction.

Team Leadership and Development

• Coach, mentor, and motivate supervisors, hosts, servers, and support staff; deliver on‑the‑job training and performance feedback.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and scheduling to maintain adequate staffing levels and control labour costs.
• Conduct regular briefings and pre‑shift meetings to align the team on daily targets, promotions, and VIP arrivals.

Guest Relations and Service Recovery

• Act as a visible presence on the floor, greeting guests, managing special requests, and ensuring personalised service for VIPs and loyalty members.
• Handle guest feedback and complaints with diplomacy and speed; implement service recovery measures and follow up to ensure satisfaction.
• Maintain accurate records of guest incidents and service recovery actions for management review.

Commercial and Administrative Duties

• Support revenue generation through effective upselling, menu knowledge, and execution of promotions and events.
• Assist with inventory control, stock checks, and coordination with procurement to minimise waste and manage costs.
• Prepare and review daily sales reports, covers, average spend metrics, and contribute to monthly performance reviews.

Quality, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, licensing, and health and safety regulations; coordinate with kitchen and housekeeping teams on standards.
• Participate in internal audits and implement corrective actions to address non‑conformances.
• Maintain accurate documentation for inventory, waste, and supplier deliveries.

Events and Special Projects

• Support planning and execution of private dining, special events, and seasonal promotions; liaise with culinary, marketing, and banqueting teams.
• Lead or support special projects such as menu rollouts, service concept updates, or pre‑opening activities as assigned.
• Represent the restaurant in internal meetings and contribute ideas for guest experience enhancements.

Requirements

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum 2–4 years experience in a supervisory or assistant management role within a high‑end restaurant or hotel food and beverage operation.
• Proven track record of delivering service excellence in upscale or international dining environments.
• Formal hospitality qualification or diploma is preferred but not mandatory for candidates with strong operational experience.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to coach and develop a diverse team.
• Commercial awareness with experience in upselling, basic budgeting, and cost control.
• Excellent guest service orientation, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• High level of organisational ability, attention to detail, and the capacity to prioritise under pressure.
• Proficiency with restaurant POS systems, Microsoft Office, and basic reporting tools.

Language and Cultural Fit

• Fluent English required; additional languages (Arabic, Hindi, Russian, Mandarin, or others) are advantageous depending on guest mix.
• Comfortable working in a multicultural environment and respectful of local customs and international guest expectations.

Personal Attributes

• Professional presentation, strong work ethic, and a calm, composed demeanour.
• Flexible availability including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• Positive attitude, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement and Taj’s service philosophy.

Desirable

• Experience with luxury or international hotel brands and familiarity with loyalty programme protocols.
• Experience in outlet P&L support, event coordination, or multi‑outlet supervision.

Company About Us

Taj Jumeira Lakes Tower Dubai is part of the Taj Hotels portfolio, a globally recognised luxury hospitality brand celebrated for blending authentic Indian hospitality with contemporary global standards. Located in a prime Dubai neighbourhood, Taj Jumeira Lakes Tower offers refined accommodations, signature dining experiences, and personalised service that reflect the brand’s commitment to warmth, attention to detail, and cultural richness. Our team delivers memorable stays and dining moments for both leisure and business travellers through curated experiences, artful design, and a service culture known as Tajness.

Our Culture and Commitments

• We invest in our people through structured training, mentorship, and clear career pathways across food and beverage and hotel operations.
• We value diversity, local talent development, and a collaborative workplace where ideas to enhance guest experience are welcomed.
• Sustainability and community engagement are integral to our operations; we aim to deliver responsible hospitality that benefits guests, colleagues, and the local community.
• Taj Jumeira Lakes Tower is committed to fair hiring practices and equal opportunity employment.

Application Process

How to Apply

• Prepare a current CV and a cover letter that highlights your supervisory or assistant management experience, leadership achievements, and availability.
• In your cover letter, state your earliest start date, preferred shift pattern, and two professional references (name, position, contact).
• Email your application to sonia.kalangutkar@tajhotels.com or cassandrasoccorina.f@tajhotels.com.

Email Subject Line

• Use the subject line: Application — Assistant Restaurant Manager — [Your Full Name].

Attachments and Format

• Attach documents in PDF or Word format; ensure file names are professional (e.g., Alex‑Smith‑CV.pdf).
• Include copies of relevant certificates or hospitality qualifications if available.

Selection Timeline and Process

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial phone or video screening.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in‑person interview and a practical assessment at the hotel.
• Final offers are subject to reference checks and verification of eligibility to work in the UAE.

Equal Opportunity Statement

• Taj Jumeira Lakes Tower is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to fair hiring practices. Selection is based on merit, experience, and fit for the role.

Updating or Withdrawing Your Application

• If your circumstances change after applying, notify the recruitment contacts at the email addresses above so your application can be updated or withdrawn.