Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi, a renowned five-star luxury hotel located on Chiromo Road, is currently inviting applications for the position of Restaurant Manager. Known for its elegance, exceptional hospitality, and refined dining experiences, Villa Rosa Kempinski combines world-class service with Kenyan warmth and culture. The hotel features 200 exquisitely designed rooms and suites, five themed restaurants, modern conference facilities, and Kempinski The Spa. Situated just a five-minute drive from Nairobi’s city center and 20 kilometers from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, it has positioned itself as one of the most distinguished hospitality establishments in the region.
The hotel is now seeking an experienced, dynamic, and passionate Restaurant Manager to oversee one of its Food and Beverage outlets. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences, coordinating service and culinary teams, driving revenue growth, and ensuring that all outlet operations reflect the Kempinski standards of excellence. This opportunity presents an exciting chance for a hospitality professional with expertise in restaurant operations, particularly within the context of an Italian dining concept, to contribute to a thriving and vibrant hospitality brand.
The role of Restaurant Manager at Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi goes beyond daily operations. It involves strategic leadership, operational oversight, financial management, team development, and guest satisfaction. The manager will serve as the bridge between the service team, the culinary department, and the hotel’s broader Food and Beverage division, ensuring seamless coordination and consistently high-quality delivery.
This article provides a detailed overview of the role, the responsibilities involved, and the expertise required. Individuals with proven experience in a four or five-star hotel environment, particularly in managing Italian restaurant operations, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Description
Reporting Structure
The Restaurant Manager will report directly to the Director of Culinary and will be responsible for leading a team that includes Restaurant Supervisors, Restaurant Head Waiters/Waitresses, Waiters/Waitresses, Hosts/Hostesses, and Restaurant Cashiers.
Guest Experience and Service Excellence
The Restaurant Manager will serve as the key figure in delivering outstanding guest experiences within the restaurant concept. This involves ensuring that every guest receives professional, courteous, and efficient service at all times. By setting a high standard of personal appearance and professionalism, the Restaurant Manager will act as a role model for the team, ensuring that all staff members consistently meet the standards expected by Villa Rosa Kempinski and the Kempinski brand.
The position demands a proactive approach to service quality. The manager will be expected to oversee and implement service protocols, monitor staff interactions with guests, and handle guest inquiries or complaints with courtesy and efficiency. Any unresolved issues will be reported to the Head of Department with appropriate follow-up to guarantee guest satisfaction.
Leadership and Team Management
Leading a diverse team of service staff, the Restaurant Manager will be responsible for setting clear expectations, delegating responsibilities, and regularly evaluating staff performance. This includes conducting daily pre-shift meetings to brief the team on menu updates, guest profiles, and service requirements.
The manager will foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and accountability, ensuring that each team member contributes to the outlet’s success. The position also requires organizing regular trainings, including outlet-specific sessions, to continuously improve staff skills and service delivery.
In conjunction with the hotel’s Human Resources department, the Restaurant Manager will be tasked with recruiting, training, and developing a pool of qualified full-time and part-time employees. The goal is to maintain a flexible workforce that adapts to varying business patterns while ensuring effective payroll control.
Operational Oversight
The Restaurant Manager will ensure that the outlet operates smoothly, efficiently, and in full compliance with hotel policies and Kempinski standards. Key responsibilities in this area include:
- Maintaining cleanliness and organization of the restaurant and its surrounding areas.
- Supervising the set-up, service, and breakdown of daily operations.
- Monitoring and minimizing errors during service.
- Enforcing opening and closing procedures.
- Managing inventory in collaboration with the stewarding department, including monthly checks of operating supplies and equipment.
- Monitoring operating supplies and reducing wastage or spoilage.
Attention to detail and strict adherence to established standards will be crucial in maintaining the outlet’s reputation and ensuring operational efficiency.
Financial Management and Reporting
The Restaurant Manager will play a pivotal role in financial planning and revenue management. This includes assisting in the preparation of the outlet’s budget, monitoring expenses, and maximizing profitability while maintaining the highest levels of service quality.
The role will also involve tracking and analyzing revenue performance, producing reports, and presenting them during monthly performance meetings. A strong focus on upselling strategies, menu pricing, and offering alternatives will contribute to increased revenue generation.
The manager will also be accountable for ensuring accurate settlement of all sales and managing outlet floats as required. Strong financial discipline and reporting skills will be essential for success in this position.
Menu Development and Culinary Collaboration
The Restaurant Manager will work closely with the Culinary Director and kitchen team in menu development and refinement. Responsibilities in this area include:
- Actively participating in menu design.
- Organizing tastings for daily dishes and new menu items.
- Ensuring alignment of the menu with the overall concept of the outlet.
- Constantly improving product quality by sourcing the best available ingredients.
- Staying informed about current restaurant trends and the gastronomic profile of the destination to keep the outlet competitive and attractive to guests.
By collaborating with suppliers and the culinary team, the Restaurant Manager will ensure that the restaurant offers innovative, high-quality, and concept-driven dining experiences.
Staff Development and Training
Continuous professional development of the team will be a key focus. The Restaurant Manager will organize and deliver trainings that align with Kempinski standards and the specific needs of the outlet. Additionally, the manager will attend all departmental and hotel-wide trainings, ensuring that personal knowledge and skills remain up to date.
The position also involves mentoring team members, fostering career growth, and maintaining a culture of excellence, which aligns with Kempinski’s commitment to nurturing talent in the hospitality industry.
Compliance and Standards
The Restaurant Manager will prepare and review the restaurant’s operations manual annually, ensuring compliance with hotel policies and industry standards. The manager will also be responsible for implementing changes dictated by hotel management, adapting the outlet’s operations accordingly.
Ensuring compliance with grooming standards, dress codes, hygiene protocols, and safety regulations will also fall under this responsibility. By strictly adhering to these standards, the Restaurant Manager will safeguard both the hotel’s reputation and the well-being of staff and guests.
Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
The ideal candidate for the role of Restaurant Manager will demonstrate:
- At least three years of experience in a similar role within a four or five-star hotel environment.
- Expertise in managing Italian restaurant operations.
- Strong wine knowledge and experience in wine service.
- Proficiency in financial reporting and revenue tracking.
- Excellent communication skills, both with staff and guests.
- A dynamic personality capable of leading, motivating, and inspiring a team.
About Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi
Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi is one of the leading luxury hotels in Kenya. It combines European elegance with Kenyan hospitality, offering an exceptional experience for both business and leisure travelers. With its strategic location on Chiromo Road, it is within easy reach of Nairobi’s central business district while providing a tranquil retreat for guests.
The hotel features:
- 200 rooms and suites spread across 10 floors.
- Five themed restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
- State-of-the-art conference and event facilities.
- Kempinski The Spa, providing world-class wellness treatments.
Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi is a part of Kempinski Hotels, Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, renowned for its tradition of excellence since 1897.
Application Procedure
Qualified and experienced hospitality professionals who meet the outlined requirements are encouraged to apply for the position of Restaurant Manager at Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi.
