Restaurant and Lounge Manager

Company Description

About Basiqat by Mantis

Basiqat by Mantis is an upcoming luxury eco-resort in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, operating under Mantis, part of the Accor Group.

Currently in its pre-opening phase, Basiqat by Mantis is preparing to introduce a distinctive hospitality experience that combines luxury, nature, sustainability, and authentic local culture.

As part of the global Accor family, we are committed to creating exceptional guest experiences while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and inspiring workplace for our Heartists.

We are seeking passionate and dedicated professionals to join our pre-opening team and contribute to the successful launch of this unique destination.

Job Description

Restaurant and Lounge Manager

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Department: Food & Beverage

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reporting To: Assistant Food & Beverage Manager

Job Summary

Basiqat by Mantis is seeking a dynamic, passionate, and experienced Restaurant and Lounge Manager to join our pre-opening Food & Beverage team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the resort's restaurant and lounge, ensuring exceptional dining experiences, personalized guest service, operational efficiency, and strong financial performance.

The Restaurant and Lounge Manager will lead the development and implementation of service standards, operational procedures, team training, and guest experience initiatives while maintaining the highest levels of luxury hospitality.

As a key member of the pre-opening team, the role will be instrumental in establishing restaurant and lounge operations, coordinating outlet readiness, developing a high-performing team, and creating distinctive dining and lounge experiences that reflect the resort's luxury eco-hospitality positioning.

Key Responsibilities

Restaurant & Lounge Operations Management

• Manage and oversee daily restaurant and lounge operations to ensure smooth, efficient, and consistent service delivery.

• Ensure exceptional standards of food and beverage service, presentation, cleanliness, ambiance, and guest satisfaction.

• Supervise opening and closing procedures, service preparation, and operational readiness.

• Monitor service flow, table management, reservations, seating arrangements, and guest waiting times.

• Ensure all dining and lounge services are delivered in accordance with approved Mantis and Accor standards.

• Maintain high standards of outlet appearance, furniture, equipment, lighting, music, and overall atmosphere.

• Coordinate with the culinary team to ensure timely food preparation, presentation, and delivery.

• Oversee the proper handling of guest requests, dietary requirements, allergies, and special occasions.

• Ensure effective communication between the restaurant, lounge, kitchen, and other operational departments.

Lounge Experience & Beverage Service

• Oversee lounge operations, ensuring a sophisticated, welcoming, and relaxing environment for guests.

• Supervise the delivery of premium non-alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, teas, mocktails, fresh juices, and signature refreshments.

• Coordinate any offer or promotion, light dining, and other lounge service experiences as applicable to the resort's approved concept.

• Collaborate with Food & Beverage leadership and the culinary team to develop attractive lounge menus and beverage offerings.

• Ensure consistent beverage preparation, presentation, portion control, and service quality.

• Monitor lounge seating arrangements, guest preferences, and service efficiency.

• Develop personalized lounge experiences that reflect local culture and the resort's luxury positioning.

• Maintain the quality and presentation of lounge equipment, tableware, and service accessories.

• Identify opportunities to enhance lounge revenue, guest satisfaction, and overall outlet performance.

Luxury Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Create personalized and memorable dining and lounge experiences that reflect the resort's luxury positioning.

• Maintain a visible presence during service periods to engage with guests and monitor satisfaction.

• Anticipate guest needs and ensure exceptional attention to detail.

• Handle guest feedback, complaints, and service recovery situations professionally and efficiently.

• Coordinate VIP dining arrangements, special celebrations, and customized guest experiences.

• Promote personalized service, cultural awareness, and genuine hospitality among Heartists.

• Monitor guest feedback and recommend improvements to enhance service quality.

• Ensure consistent implementation of luxury dining etiquette, grooming standards, and guest engagement practices.

Pre-Opening Restaurant & Lounge Readiness

• Lead the operational preparation of the restaurant and lounge during the resort's pre-opening phase.

• Develop and implement outlet standard operating procedures, service sequences, checklists, and operational guidelines.

• Coordinate with Food & Beverage leadership on outlet concepts, service styles, menu presentation, and guest experience standards.

• Assist in identifying, reviewing, and preparing operating supplies and equipment (OS&E) required for restaurant and lounge operations.

• Coordinate with Purchasing, Engineering, Housekeeping, IT, and other departments to ensure outlet readiness.

• Support the configuration and testing of point-of-sale (POS) systems, menu items, billing procedures, and operational interfaces.

• Participate in the recruitment, onboarding, and training of restaurant and lounge Heartists.

• Conduct service rehearsals, menu tastings, mock service sessions, and operational simulations before opening.

• Establish outlet inventory controls, par stock levels, and requisition procedures.

• Monitor pre-opening milestones, identify operational risks, and provide readiness updates to Food & Beverage leadership.

• Ensure restaurant and lounge facilities, equipment, and service areas are fully prepared for opening.

Team Leadership & Heartist Development

• Lead, motivate, supervise, and develop restaurant and lounge Heartists to achieve operational and service excellence.

• Establish clear performance expectations and ensure accountability for service standards.

• Prepare duty rosters and coordinate staffing levels according to forecasted business volumes.

• Conduct daily briefings, operational meetings, and regular coaching sessions.

• Provide on-the-job training in luxury service etiquette, menu knowledge, beverage presentation, upselling, and guest engagement.

• Support performance evaluations, probation reviews, and individual development plans.

• Identify training needs and coordinate development initiatives with the Training Supervisor and People & Culture team.

• Promote teamwork, professionalism, inclusivity, and a positive working environment.

• Ensure compliance with grooming, attendance, and workplace conduct standards.

Financial Performance & Cost Control

• Support the achievement of restaurant and lounge revenue targets, profitability objectives, and key performance indicators.

• Monitor daily sales, average guest spending, covers, beverage revenue, and other operational performance indicators.

• Develop initiatives to increase revenue through effective upselling, menu recommendations, and personalized guest experiences.

• Collaborate with Food & Beverage leadership and Finance on outlet budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.

• Monitor food and beverage costs, inventory levels, wastage, breakage, and operating expenses.

• Ensure proper cash handling, billing accuracy, payment processing, and POS controls.

• Conduct regular inventory checks and investigate stock discrepancies.

• Analyze outlet performance and recommend operational and financial improvements.

• Support menu engineering and product profitability analysis in coordination with the culinary and Finance teams.

Food Safety, Hygiene & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure restaurant and lounge operations comply with applicable food safety, hygiene, and sanitation requirements.

• Monitor adherence to HACCP principles and approved food handling procedures.

• Ensure proper storage, handling, and service of food and beverage products.

• Conduct regular inspections of service areas, equipment, and operational facilities.

• Ensure compliance with applicable Saudi Arabian regulations and company policies.

• Coordinate with relevant departments to address safety concerns, equipment defects, and maintenance requirements.

• Promote safe working practices and ensure Heartists receive appropriate food safety training.

• Maintain accurate hygiene inspection records and corrective action documentation.

Sustainability & Responsible Hospitality

• Support the resort's sustainability objectives through responsible Food & Beverage operations.

• Promote the use of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients where appropriate.

• Implement initiatives to reduce food waste, beverage waste, single-use materials, and unnecessary resource consumption.

• Encourage environmentally responsible practices among restaurant and lounge Heartists.

• Collaborate with the culinary and purchasing teams to support sustainable sourcing initiatives.

• Promote guest experiences that celebrate local culture, nature, and responsible luxury hospitality.

Administration, Reporting & Coordination

• Prepare daily operational reports, outlet performance summaries, and management updates.

• Monitor guest satisfaction scores, revenue performance, labor productivity, and service quality indicators.

• Maintain accurate records of inventory, equipment, incidents, training, and operational activities.

• Coordinate with Food & Beverage leadership on promotional activities, special events, and outlet initiatives.

• Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to operational improvement plans.

• Support internal audits, quality inspections, and compliance reviews.

• Perform additional Food & Beverage duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage Management, Hotel Management, or a related field.

• Minimum 4–6 years of progressive experience in Food & Beverage operations, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.

• Previous experience managing restaurant and lounge operations within luxury hotels, resorts, or internationally recognized hospitality brands is highly desirable.

• Previous hotel or resort pre-opening experience is a strong advantage.

• Demonstrated experience in restaurant operations, lounge service, guest experience, and team leadership.

• Strong knowledge of luxury dining standards, lounge service procedures, and premium beverage offerings.

• Experience developing or implementing restaurant and lounge SOPs, service standards, and operational controls.

• Good understanding of restaurant financial performance, budgeting, cost control, and inventory management.

• Experience using hotel POS systems, restaurant management systems, and inventory control platforms.

• Knowledge of HACCP principles, food safety regulations, and hygiene requirements.

• Familiarity with the Saudi Arabian hospitality market and applicable Food & Beverage regulations is preferred.

• Experience with premium lounge concepts, afternoon tea service, and personalized luxury hospitality is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, team management, and employee development capabilities.

• Excellent guest service, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent command of English; Arabic proficiency is highly desirable.

• Strong knowledge of restaurant operations, lounge service, and luxury hospitality standards.

• Excellent organizational, planning, and time-management skills.

• Strong financial awareness and ability to analyze outlet performance.

• Ability to manage multiple operational priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to service excellence.

• Strong knowledge of menu presentation, upselling techniques, and guest engagement.

• Ability to train, coach, and motivate a diverse team.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and relevant POS systems.

• Creative mindset with a passion for innovative dining and lounge experiences.

• Strong teamwork and collaboration with culinary and operational departments.

• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays according to operational requirements.

• Adaptability to the demands of a pre-opening environment.

Saudi nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

Why Join Basiqat by Mantis?

Joining Basiqat by Mantis means becoming part of an exciting pre-opening journey and contributing to the creation of a distinctive luxury hospitality destination in Riyadh.

As part of Mantis and the global Accor family, you will have the opportunity to:

• Be part of a dynamic and passionate pre-opening team.

• Lead the establishment and development of restaurant and bar operations within a new luxury eco-resort.

• Contribute to creating distinctive dining concepts and personalized guest experiences.

• Play an important role in shaping Food & Beverage service standards and operational excellence.

• Develop and lead a high-performing restaurant and bar team.

• Support innovative and sustainable dining and beverage initiatives.

• Grow professionally within an internationally recognized hospitality group.

• Experience a collaborative, inclusive, and people-focused working environment.

• Access learning and development opportunities within Accor.

• Enjoy applicable ALL Heartists employee benefits and recognition programs.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At Accor, we believe in creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. We are committed to equal opportunities and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Join us and be part of the Basiqat by Mantis journey!