At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented team to create unforgettable dining experiences in a luxury hotel.
- Company: Join Dunluce Lodge, a prestigious five-star hotel overlooking Royal Portrush.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work with top wine houses.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in hospitality.
- Why this job: Shape the future of luxury dining and make a real impact on guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-quality restaurant management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
This is a wonderful opportunity to join Dunluce Lodge, one of the most exciting luxury hotel openings in Northern Ireland in recent years. Set in an exceptional location overlooking Royal Portrush, the hotel has quickly established itself as a leading five-star destination, welcoming a diverse range of guests and clients from across Ireland and around the world.
As Restaurant Manager, you will play an integral role in the continued evolution of the hotel's dining experience, leading a talented team and helping to create memorable moments for every guest. You will also have the opportunity to work with outstanding wine and Champagne houses, including Bollinger and Pétrus, while collaborating closely with our culinary and beverage teams. This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious hospitality professional to shape the future of a growing luxury hotel and build something truly special.
The successful individual will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operation of the hotel's dining experiences, ensuring every guest receives exceptional, personalised service synonymous with our five-star luxury brand. You will oversee the operation of the main restaurant, private dining suites and the exclusive Wine Vault, delivering consistently outstanding food and beverage experiences while creating memorable moments for guests from around the world.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the daily operation of the hotel's restaurant, ensuring exceptional service standards are consistently delivered.
- Oversee the smooth operation of all private dining experiences, including bespoke events, celebrations and corporate dinners within the hotel's private dining suites.
- Manage the delivery of exclusive Wine Vault experiences, ensuring every tasting dinner and wine event is executed flawlessly and exceeds guest expectations.
- Ensure all dining environments are presented to the highest standards of cleanliness, ambience and luxury.
- Actively manage service periods, providing visible leadership and supporting the team to deliver intuitive, personalised service.
Guest Experience
- Create memorable dining experiences that reflect the unique character and luxury positioning of Dunluce Lodge.
- Build strong relationships with guests, recognising returning visitors and anticipating individual preferences.
- Professionally handle guest feedback, resolving concerns promptly while continually seeking opportunities to enhance the guest journey.
- Collaborate with other departments to personalise special occasions including anniversaries, birthdays, proposals and VIP stays.
Leadership & People Management
- Recruit, train, coach and inspire a high-performing front-of-house restaurant team.
- Foster a positive, engaged and collaborative working environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop and excel.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, training sessions and departmental briefings.
- Ensure appropriate staffing levels through effective rota planning and labour management.
- Lead by example, promoting a culture of professionalism, accountability and genuine hospitality.
- Work closely with the Executive Chef and culinary team to ensure seamless coordination between kitchen and restaurant operations.
- Collaborate on seasonal menu launches, tasting experiences and new food concepts.
- Partner with the Operations & Beverage Manager to develop innovative dining experiences, wine events and bespoke guest offerings that enhance the hotel's reputation.
- Support wine pairing experiences and ensure service teams possess excellent food and beverage knowledge.
Commercial Performance
- Deliver departmental financial objectives including revenue growth, payroll management and cost control.
- Maximise restaurant profitability through effective reservation management, upselling and premium guest experiences.
- Monitor key performance indicators including guest satisfaction, mystery guest results and departmental profitability.
- Identify opportunities to increase average spend while maintaining exceptional guest satisfaction.
Standards & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, licensing, health & safety and company policies.
- Maintain exceptional standards of hygiene, presentation and service delivery.
- Support hotel quality assurance programmes, luxury brand standards and external inspections.
- Promote continuous improvement through regular service reviews and team development.
Skills & Experience
- Previous experience managing a high-quality restaurant within a luxury hotel or fine dining environment.
- Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
- Strong food and beverage knowledge, including wines and luxury service standards.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and labour costs.
- Ability to remain calm and decisive in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience managing private dining and exclusive event experiences.
- WSET qualification or strong wine knowledge.
- Experience within five-star luxury hospitality.
- Knowledge of restaurant reservation systems and hotel property management systems.
Personal Attributes
- A genuine passion for luxury hospitality.
- Outstanding attention to detail.
- Warm, engaging and professional leadership.
- A collaborative approach with colleagues across all departments.
- Creativity in developing memorable guest experiences.
- High personal standards and a commitment to excellence.
- Flexibility and resilience within a dynamic hospitality environment.
Dunluce Lodge offers a unique opportunity to be part of one of Northern Ireland's most prestigious luxury hotels. Situated beside Royal Portrush Golf Club and recognised internationally for exceptional hospitality, our team is committed to creating unforgettable guest experiences through genuine warmth, meticulous attention to detail and world-class service. This role offers the opportunity to shape exceptional dining experiences across our restaurant, private dining suites and exclusive Wine Vault while working alongside an outstanding culinary and hospitality team dedicated to setting new standards in luxury hospitality.
Restaurant Manager in Portrush employer: Valor Hospitality
As a Leisure Club Manager, you will thrive in a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With access to comprehensive training programmes, competitive pay, and exclusive discounts, our company fosters an environment where you can grow your career while enjoying meaningful interactions with members. Join us in creating a positive impact on the community through wellness activities and team recognition initiatives, all within a supportive and flexible workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Restaurant Manager in Portrush
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Valor Hospitality. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Valor Hospitality
Don't be shy about reaching out to Valor Hospitality directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Restaurant Manager in Portrush
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Valor Hospitality and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Valor Hospitality
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
