Restaurant Director

at  Marilena Cafe Raw Bar

Position: Restaurant Director, Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer, Toptable Group
Toptable Group is seeking an experienced Restaurant Director to lead the front-of-house operations at our award-winning Marilena Café & Raw Bar in Victoria, BC. Ranked #27 on Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants and named Best New Restaurant in Canada in 2024, Marilena is celebrated for its locally sourced West Coast cuisine. In this senior management role, the successful candidate will work closely with Executive Chef Kristian Eligh, continuing to build on the restaurant’s tremendous success in this vibrant market. We are seeking candidates who are passionate about delivering an unparalleled level of service excellence and eager to be part of Marilena’s inspiring story.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Restaurant Director will be responsible for overseeing the execution of efficient restaurant operations, as well as maintaining high production, productivity, quality, and customer service standards. Leading by example, this hands-on management role provides a high level of event oversight, technical proficiency and operational/personnel support to ensure the smooth execution of day to day operations and scheduled events.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• An inspiring leader who has proven skills rallying a team to achieve its highest potential and then driving it to the next level
• Minimum 8 years experience in food & beverage industry; minimum of 5 years in a management role in food & beverage industry preferably within a similar environment
• Proven record of effective conflict resolution and service recovery
• Acute financial management skills
• Effective verbal and written English communication skills
• Strong interpersonal with the ability to establish cooperative working relationships
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage in a diverse environment with a focus on guest service
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Serving It Right License
• Excellent professional presentation
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job (mobility, standing, walking, lifting for the majority of the day)
• It is essential to have the flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays
  Interested, qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume. This position will remain open until filled.

(OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED AS REQUIRED)

• Leads the delivery of an unforgettable dining experience for guests, ensuring that every guest feels valued through exceptional service, ambiance, and culinary quality.
• Identifies and addresses gaps in guest satisfaction, working proactively to implement corrective actions and continuously improve the guest experience.
• Provides leadership, development, and motivation to the team, fostering a culture of excellence where guest experience remains paramount through the consistent delivery of high-quality food, service, and hospitality.
• Oversees day-to-day operations and groups, ensuring effective planning, coordination, and flawless execution of daily service and special events.
• Ensures the maintenance and upkeep of all fixed assets.
• Develops and monitors key operational metrics, including food and beverage quality control, profit and loss, inventory levels, labor costs, and product costs, ensuring targets are met or exceeded.
• Drives restaurant growth and profitability by increasing sales, transactions, and guest counts through local marketing initiatives, optimizing operations, and enhancing guest spend.
• Ensures compliance with all health, sanitation, and food safety standards, regularly auditing practices to maintain the highest standards of safety and cleanliness.
• Maintains a clean and organized front and back of house along with staff, storage and office areas.
• Leads the development of both short and long-term financial and operational strategies, ensuring the business remains agile and poised for sustainable growth.