Restaurant & Cafe Group Leader | IKEA | Mall of Arabia

Job Requisition ID: 182245 

About Al-Futtaim
Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim is one of the most diversified and progressive privately held regional businesses, headquartered in Dubai. Operating across more than 20 countries, the Group spans automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and health. With more than 40,000 employees, Al-Futtaim represents over 200 of the world’s most recognised brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE and Marks & Spencer. Driven by its purpose to enrich lives and elevate communities, Al-Futtaim focuses on digital innovation, AI, sustainable growth and strategic partnerships, creating long-term value for customers, communities and partners while building a responsible legacy for future generations.

• As a Commercial Restaurant Manager, you oversee restaurant sales, guest areas, and dishwashing facilities. Your role is critical in providing irresistible food offers and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers returning. You work closely with team leaders and co-workers to ensure IKEA's food offerings appeal to store visitors and enhance their shopping experience. You drive business growth and profitability through effective staff management, commercial strategies, and operational excellence.

Customers

• Ensure guests feel welcome and strive to make them smile.
• Meet and serve guests with empathy and care, based on IKEA values.
• Lead by example and serve as an ambassador for the IKEA store.
• Regularly walk the store and engage in daily dialogue with guests for feedback.
• Empower team to take immediate action on guest needs and suggest improvements.
• Ensure knowledge of services offered in the store and communicate them effectively.
• Host guests and provide excellent service at all times.

Commercial

• Develop and implement an action plan for IKEA Food based on business plans.
• Implement range matrix in collaboration with Kitchen Production Manager.
• Collaborate with Com&In and Local Marketing for marketing activities.
• Plan and implement range changes with the Kitchen Production Manager.
• Maximise commerciality to grow sales, conversion rate, and profitability.
• Utilise commercial opportunities to attract visitors and improve productivity.
• Engage guests through storytelling, live cooking, and presentation of food offers.
• Ensure top-selling products and alternatives are promoted and displayed.
• Strengthen the low-price, quality, and sustainability perceptions.
• Ensure commercial areas are maintained in 'shape as new' condition.
• Create awareness of IKEA Food as a key marketing tool for sales potential.

People

• Lead business and team inspired by IKEA leadership capabilities.
• Recruit team members based on IKEA values.
• Ensure training so co-workers understand the IKEA Concept and their roles.
• Empower, support, and coach co-workers for better performance and growth.
• Develop successors to meet store succession needs.
• Promote an environment where IKEA culture is a living reality and diversity is valued.
• Ensure straightforward internal communication and information flow.

Steering the Business

• Ensure store success through attracting visitors, achieving sales growth, and profitability.
• Utilise reporting tools to develop business strategies.
• Challenge costs through lean and cost-conscious practices.
• Ensure implementation and follow-up of ASR rules and guidelines.

Operations

• Operate area according to IKEA Quality and Food Safety requirements.
• Implement and adhere to the IKEA HACCP plan.
• Report all food incidents or potential incidents through CASY.
• Promote sustainability initiatives like waste management.
• Ensure optimal productivity through staff planning.
• Maintain fresh and appealing food displays.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with colleagues in other parts of the store.
• Develop and implement best-practice solutions.
• Utilise IKEA Concept, tools, manuals, and guidelines effectively.

• Proven decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan, prioritise, and organise workload efficiently.
• Strong communication skills and ability to delegate responsibilities.
• Understanding of KPIs and ability to influence their outcomes through departmental actions.

• Experience in a vibrant retail environment and commercial marketing.
• Team management and development skills, preferably in food service or hospitality.
• Capability in creating and executing action plans and setting budgets.
• Knowledge of the IKEA Concept and values with English communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools.
• Familiarity with marketing and activity planning within a retail setting.

About Al-Futtaim Retail

At Al-Futtaim Retail, we are part of a 90-year legacy built on ambition, progress and long-term vision. As one of the region’s leading retail operators, we partner with some of the world’s most trusted brands – including IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer and the Inditex Group – bringing global excellence to customers across MENA and Southeast Asia.

We don’t just operate stores; we shape retail experiences. From launching brands like Watsons and Kiabi to our regions for the first time, to investing in digital innovation, AI capabilities, the customer experience and loyalty platforms, we are constantly redefining the future of retail. 

With over 100 nationalities spread across more than 10 countries, our strength lies in our diverse and collaborative community. Here, you’re equipped to turn your ambition into action, building the career you want, while helping us move retail forwards.

Join us and be part of The Heart of Tomorrow.