Location of Work: Vancouver, BC
Company Operating Name: Toptable Group
Benefits package offered: Dental & extended health benefits, Life Insurance
Status: Full-time, ongoing
Language of Work: English
Job Summary
The Restaurant Manager for a new fine dining restaurant in Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown will help inspire, develop, oversee, and manage the front-of-house team, while working closely with the management team to support the creation and delivery of a unique and elevated guest experience that is in harmony with the kitchen’s food program.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Actively participates in activities essential for a successful opening of a new fine dining restaurant
- Serves as an educator, as well as an inspirational, committed, and responsible leader to the restaurant’s front-of-house teams
- Maintains exceptional standards of professionalism and hospitality
- Orchestrate seamless front-of-house operations across all services, maintaining the detailed standards expected of a high hospitality guest experience
- Responsible for greeting guests, managing VIP reservations, and cultivating long-term relationships that foster loyalty
- Anticipate guest needs with intuitive, unobtrusive service to resolve concerns before they arise
- Oversee pacing of covers in a high-volume environment without compromising the intimacy or quality of the dining experience
- Ensures the delivery of superior customer service through effective staff training and education
- Execute and oversee tableside preparations including Caesar salad, beef tartare, pasta alla chitarra, branzino, and others with technical mastery
- Design and deliver structured training programs covering service protocols, menu knowledge, Italian culinary traditions, wine education, and tableside technique
- Conduct daily pre-shift briefings that energize the team, communicate specials, and set the tone for exceptional service
- Coach, mentor, and retain top front-of-house talent through clear performance expectations, regular feedback, and career development pathways
- Manage scheduling, labour allocation, and staffing levels to optimize service quality and operational efficiency across high-volume covers
- Oversee reservations strategy, table management, and cover flow in partnership with the reservations team
- Monitor and report on key operational metrics including guest satisfaction scores, and labour cost
- Under the direction of the Restaurant Director, initiates and executes special projects as required
Required Experience and Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of progressive front-of-house management experience, with at least 2 years in a Michelin-starred (1-star minimum) or equivalent fine dining environment
- Demonstrated experience with front-of-house priorities in new restaurant openings, with a focus on fine dining
- In-depth, working knowledge of Italian wines, including regional appellations, producers, and vintage variation, formal certification (WSET Level 3, CMS, AIS or equivalent) strongly preferred
- Fluent in Italian culinary terminology, regional cuisine, and food culture
- Proven track record in staff training, team building, and performance management within a fine dining setting
- Experience managing high-volume service (250+ covers per service) without compromise to quality or guest experience
- Related university degree or a combination of education and experience
- A solutions-provider committed to a vision of service to create an ultimate guest experience
- Strong verbal and written English communication skills; Additional language skills, particularly Italian, are a significant asset
- Superior conflict resolution skills, with the ability to relate professionally to all levels of staff, management, clientele, suppliers, and partners
- Excellent planning, organizational and problem solving skills
- Comfortable with dealing with media, public speaking, and VIP guests
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
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