Restaurant Manager

Restaurant Manager (Lebanese Cuisine)

Location: Malta

Property: 5-Star Luxury Hotel

Reports to: Food & Beverage Director / Hotel Manager

The Role Restaurant Manager

A unique blend of Mediterranean charm and international sophistication defines the 5-star hospitality landscape in Malta. As the Restaurant Manager for our signature Lebanese outlet, you are not just managing a dining room; you are the Brand Ambassador for an authentic cultural experience. This role requires a leader who can balance the meticulous, high-pressure standards of a luxury hotel with the warm, generous spirit of Lebanese hospitality (Karam).

You will lead a diverse team of professionals to deliver a seamless fusion of traditional Middle Eastern flavors and modern fine-dining service, ensuring that every guest feels the heartbeat of Beirut in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Key Responsibilities: Restaurant Manager

1. Operations & Service Excellence 

• Oversee daily front-of-house operations, ensuring the restaurant meets 5-star standards and Forbes Travel Guide (or similar) service ratings.

• Infuse authentic Lebanese hospitality (Karam) into the guest journey, creating a warm, upscale atmosphere.

• Manage reservations and floor flow to maximize occupancy while maintaining an intimate dining experience.

2. Financial Management

• Take full P&L responsibility for the outlet, including labor costs, beverage margins, and operating expenses.

• Identify opportunities for upselling and revenue growth (e.g., premium wine pairings, shisha lounge services, or private events).

• Conduct monthly inventory audits for premium Lebanese spirits and wines.

3. Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, train, and mentor a diverse team, fostering a culture of excellence and cultural appreciation.

• Conduct daily briefings to communicate specials, VIP arrivals, and service targets.

• Ensure all staff are well-versed in the nuances of Lebanese cuisine, ingredients, and traditional serving styles.

4. Quality Control & Compliance

• Work closely with the Executive Sous Chef (Lebanese Specialty) to ensure food presentation and taste remain consistent.

• Maintain rigorous HACCP and health and safety standards.

• Handle guest feedback with grace and diplomacy, turning potential issues into “wow” moments.

Strategic & Financial Management

• P&L Accountability: Monitor monthly profit and loss statements. You are responsible for driving revenue through strategic covers and managing controllable costs (labor, breakage, and supplies).

• Revenue Engineering: Collaborate with the Sommelier to promote Lebanese wine regions (like the Bekaa Valley) and work with the bar team to develop signature cocktails using regional ingredients like rosewater, pomegranate, and arak.

• Market Positioning: Stay ahead of the competitive set in Malta. Regularly analyze local dining trends and suggest promotional activities, such as “Lebanese Brunch” concepts or guest chef collaborations.

Team Leadership & Talent Cultivation

• Recruitment & Training: Source and hire talent that fits the 5-star mold. Conduct rigorous training on Lebanese menu knowledge, including ingredients (e.g., sumac, za’atar, tahini) and dietary nuances (vegan/halal).

• Performance Culture: Conduct annual appraisals and provide daily coaching. Foster a culture where staff feel empowered to make decisions that enhance guest satisfaction.

• Scheduling: Create efficient staff rotas that respect Maltese labor laws while ensuring peak periods are fully supported to avoid service lapses.

Culinary & Beverage Collaboration

• Menu Development: Work hand-in-hand with the Specialty Lebanese Chef to refresh the menu seasonally, balancing traditional favorites with innovative presentations.

• Quality Control: Conduct daily “line checks” to ensure that the visual presentation and temperature of the food meet the hotel’s exacting standards before it reaches the guest.

Compliance & Administration

• Hygiene & Safety: Ensure the restaurant is fully compliant with HACCP regulations and local Maltese health and safety standards.

• Reporting: Deliver weekly reports to the F&B Director regarding covers, average checks, guest sentiment, and any operational challenges.

The Ideal Candidate Restaurant Manager

The Candidate Profile: Restaurant Manager

Required Experience & Education

• Experience: A minimum of 5 years in high-end Food & Beverage management, with at least 2 years in a 5-star hotel environment. Specific experience in a high-volume, premium Lebanese or Middle Eastern restaurant is highly preferred.

• Education: A degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Micros/Symphony POS, Opentable/SevenRooms reservation systems, and Microsoft Excel for financial tracking.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• The “Host” Mentality: An innate ability to make people feel welcome. You should possess the charisma and emotional intelligence required to handle sophisticated international travelers and local dignitaries.

• Resilience: The Maltese summer season is intense. We need a leader who remains calm under pressure and can motivate a team through long, busy shifts.

• Attention to Detail: From the alignment of the cutlery to the temperature of the wine, you see what others miss.

Language Skills

• English: Native or professional fluency is mandatory.

• Arabic: Highly desirable for communicating with specialty kitchen staff and authentic guest engagement.

• Maltese/Other European Languages: A significant advantage in the local labor market.

What We Offer: Restaurant Manager

• A competitive salary package reflective of the luxury sector in Malta.

• Performance-based bonuses and service charge distribution.

• Health insurance and meals on duty.

• Opportunities for global career progression within the hotel group.

• The chance to live and work in a vibrant, sun-drenched EU country with a rich history.

Why Malta?

Malta is a burgeoning hub for luxury tourism. Working in a 5-star hotel here offers a cosmopolitan environment, competitive Mediterranean salary packages, and the chance to lead a team in one of the most beautiful island locations in Europe.

Note: Candidates must have a valid work permit for the EU or be eligible to apply for one via the Maltese Single Permit process.