Marhaba Manager

Are you passionate about delivering 5-star service in the food & beverage hospitality industry?

Do you possess proven people management skills and an acute attention to detail?

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as a marhaba Manager, overseeing the dnata's marhaba lounge offering.

In this senior role, you will develop and lead the growth strategy for the marhaba Lounge service nationally, along with being the accountable leader for the department. Based out of Melbourne, you will collaborate with a team to provide exceptional customer care in a genuine and heartfelt manner to our customers.

You will be responsible for the preparation and presentation of the lounge menu, cooking daily and most importantly, providing a second-to-none experience to our premium passengers who use the lounge. You will offer coaching and feedback to elevate service style standards that define our premium brand and ensure the exclusivity of the service promise to our premium guests while meeting the needs of all lounge guests and exercising discretion to address guest needs within operational budgets.

**Primary Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Maintain the highest standards of food quality and presentation across food production and menu-based catering.
- Develop and implement long-term strategies for the culinary and food service departments in alignment with dnata’s goals and objectives.
- Stay up to date on culinary trends, techniques, and innovations to continually evolve the food offerings and maintain a competitive edge.
- Develop and deliver the growth strategy for the marhaba Lounge service nationally.
- Collaborate with the Chefs and culinary teams to design menus that cater to diverse customer preferences, dietary restrictions and seasonal offerings.
- Oversee the creation of innovative and appealing dishes that reflect marhaba’s culinary identity.
- Lead your team with a focus on performance excellence.
- Ensure seamless management of lounge maintenance to guarantee uninterrupted operations.
- Motivate and inspire team members by fostering an environment rooted in trust, open communication, innovative thinking and cohesive teamwork.
- Collaborate with other departments such as marketing, events and sales to coordinate food-related initiatives, promotions and special events.
- Serve as a role model for dnata's values: prioritising safety and security, driving performance, exceeding customer expectations, nurturing creativity, promoting respect, and achieving service excellence.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of and adherence to dnata's policies and procedures.
- Maintain strong working relationships with Airport Management and operational team members.
- Fulfil additional duties as reasonably requested by Senior Management.

**Essential Criteria**:

- Qualified Head Chef with an eye for detail, quality and presentation standards.
- 5-star - Food & Beverage experience.
- 10 years managerial experience and solid culinary experience in a high-end premium dining environment.
- Diploma/Degree in Food & Beverage, Travel, Tourism or Hospitality Management. (AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
- Strong understanding of HACCP, food safety, allergen management and infection control.
- Business development skills.
- High level interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills, resilience, and adaptability.
- Demonstrated effective communication skills - written and verbal.
- A genuine and proven desire to assist internal and external stakeholders.
- Knowledge of Guest Service Standards and Customer Service experience.
- Entrepreneurial spirit needed.
- Successful applicant must be able to pass an ASIC security clearance as part of the onboarding process.
- Current Police Clearance or willing to obtain one

**Desirable Criteria**:

- Experience in looking after high valued guests under varied situations and circumstances.
- Vendor Management or Sales experience.
- Demonstrated understanding of working through and managing change.