The concept is defined. Now it needs to be built into a strong daily operation.
We are recruiting a highly hands-on Restaurant Manager to lead a small, brand-led restaurant and bar concept in central Lisbon, serving primarily an international clientele.
This is a 100% on-site, fully operational role. Remote or hybrid work is not compatible with the position.
The Restaurant Manager will be the single operational leader on site, responsible for restaurant, Bar, kitchen coordination, team performance, guest experience and commercial results.
The Role
- Lead the operation from opening to closing;
- Coordinate dining room, Bar and kitchen as one integrated service;
- Be physically present during all operating services;
- Manage reservations, walk-ins, no-shows, guest flow and table utilisation;
- Train, supervise and evaluate a compact operational team;
- Control sales, average spend, Bar performance, stocks, waste and labour productivity;
- Resolve operational problems and guest complaints decisively;
- Build routines, standards and operating discipline;
- Ensure that food, Bar, service, sound and atmosphere work as one consistent experience.
The Profile
We are looking for someone with:
- strong commercial instinct;
- genuine restaurant and Bar experience;
- natural authority and floor presence;
- the ability to lead by example;
- confidence under pressure;
- direct performance-management capability;
- a clear understanding of sales, costs, stocks and productivity;
- awareness of how Google, Instagram, reviews and guest-generated content influence demand and reputation.
This Role Will Not Suit You If
- you prefer managing from an office;
- you are looking for remote or hybrid work;
- you depend on several department heads or a large support structure;
- you manage exclusively through delegation;
- you avoid conflict or direct performance management;
- you are uncomfortable stepping into service when the team is under pressure;
- you speak confidently about hospitality but weakly about sales, costs and execution;
- you want to become the face of the venue;
- you believe the concept should adapt to your personality rather than the reverse.
Experience
- Approximately 5–8 years in restaurants, Bars or lifestyle hospitality;
- At least 2–3 years in supervision or management;
- Strong exposure to both restaurant and Bar operations;
- Fluent English; Portuguese strongly preferred;
- Experience with international guests.
This is a confidential recruitment process. The identity and full details of the venue will be disclosed to shortlisted candidates.
Please submit your CV and one concrete example of how you improved sales, Bar performance, service or team execution.
