Restaurant Manager - Peacock Alley, Cigar Lounge & Waqud

About the role

The Restaurant Manager leads all operations of Peacock Alley, the Cigar Lounge and Waqud Café at Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, a Forbes Five-Star luxury property. The role works closely with the Director of Food & Drinks to deliver refined, personalized guest experiences, strong team performance and profitable results.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver the business plan and financial objectives, partnering with Commercial, Marketing, Revenue and Culinary teams on promotions and seasonal activations
• Manage venue budgets, forecasts, payroll, operating expenses, inventory and cost controls, and review revenue, covers, labour productivity, guest satisfaction and profit margins
• Optimize revenue through seating strategies, upselling, menu engineering and special events, and drive cigar sales through product knowledge and premium experiences
• Create menus, drink and cigar offerings with the Executive Chef and Food & Drinks leadership, and champion sustainability through responsible sourcing and waste reduction
• Lead the team to meet Forbes Five-Star and Waldorf Astoria service standards, build relationships with VIPs, residents and corporate clients, and resolve guest concerns promptly
• Recruit, onboard, train and coach staff, schedule them efficiently and manage labour costs, and build strong links with other hotel departments
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, hygiene, food safety and licensing, run opening/closing procedures, manage inventory and purchasing, and support VIP visits and events

Required profile

• Previous F&D leadership experience in luxury food and drinks venues
• Advantageous: experience in luxury lounges, cafés, afternoon tea concepts, cigar lounges or premium beverage venues, and solid knowledge of Forbes Five-Star service standards
• Degree or diploma in Hotel Management or a related field
• Commercial focus, leadership and coaching skills, and excellent communication

Required skills

• Strong beverage knowledge including tea, coffee, cocktails and premium spirits
• Excellent cigar knowledge and market knowledge of the cigar offering in the city
• Knowledge of luxury food and beverage operations, financial management and service standards