Overview
Position: Restaurant Manager
Reports to: Restaurant Director
Business Address: 1133 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6
Location of Work: Vancouver, BC
Company Operating Name: Toptable Group
Salary: $76,128/year
Benefits package offered: Dental & extended health benefits, Life Insurance
Status: Full-time, ongoing
Language of Work: English
Vacancies: One (1)
Contact: Toptable Group, 89 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 0N8; 604-899-7463, toptablegroup@gmail.com
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:
(other duties may be assigned as required)
- 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
About Toptable Group
For over four decades, Toptable Group has defined elegant yet approachable dining through the passion and commitment of its award-winning chefs, renowned restaurant and wine directors, and dedicated staff members.
Through their exceptional cuisine and striking decor, each of our restaurants offers a unique dining experience, however, they are all united by common elements. Since our inception, we have believed that the souls of our restaurants could be found in their kitchens, and this philosophy lives on. The finest regional ingredients – crafted by extraordinary culinary talent and delivered with an unparalleled level of hospitality – is what continues to set Toptable Group apart. Yet it is you, our guest, who truly continues to inspire us in our ongoing pursuit of excellence.
