Company Overview
Our client operates a restaurant business in the Netherlands, offering high-quality Japanese cuisine and authentic Japanese hospitality. The company has established a strong reputation among both local and Japanese customers and is committed to further enhancing its service standards and brand value.
About the Role
We are seeking a Service & Operations Manager for an authentic Japanese restaurant in the Netherlands.
In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing service operations, staff development, restaurant management, and marketing initiatives. As an ambassador of Japanese hospitality ("Omotenashi"), you will play a key role in driving business growth and continuously improving service quality.
Key Responsibilities
Service & Restaurant Operations
Oversee all front-of-house operations
Maintain and improve high-quality service standards
Provide exceptional guest service and customer care
Manage VIP guest relations and implement customer satisfaction initiatives
Optimize reservation management and customer flow
Prepare and manage staff schedules
Recruit, train, and develop service staff
Collaborate closely with chefs to enhance the overall guest experience
Office & Operational Administration
Handle administrative and office-related tasks
Manage suppliers and process invoices
Coordinate facility maintenance and external service providers
Ensure compliance with hygiene, health, and safety regulations
Handle customer complaints and implement improvement measures
Marketing
Plan and execute marketing initiatives
Manage social media channels and digital marketing activities
Maintain website content and email marketing campaigns
Organize promotional campaigns and events
Analyze customer data and improve marketing performance
Support activities aimed at strengthening brand value
Business Support
Support sales and cost management activities
Assist with budgeting and financial planning
Develop and implement initiatives to improve profitability
Requirements
Essential
Fluent communication skills in Japanese and English
Strong interest in the hospitality or service industry
Customer-focused mindset with a passion for hospitality
Flexible, proactive, and hands-on attitude
Willingness to take ownership of a wide range of responsibilities
Valid authorization to work in the Netherlands
Experience in restaurant service, hospitality, hotels, ryokan, fine dining restaurants, or similar customer-facing environments
Preferred
Experience in restaurant operations and/or staff management
Marketing experience
Experience managing social media platforms
Dutch language skills
Experience in fine dining or luxury hospitality environments
Ideal Candidate Profile
Passionate about Japanese hospitality and service culture
Finds motivation in delivering exceptional customer experiences
Committed to continuously improving service quality
Able to lead a team and inspire those around them
Comfortable working in a dynamic, startup-like environment
Working Style
On-site
Salary
Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and skills
Visa Requirement
Applicants must already possess a valid work authorization for the Netherlands.
What's on Offer
Opportunity to be involved in all aspects of restaurant operations, beyond service management alone
Broad responsibility with exposure to marketing and business operations
International environment where Japanese and English language skills can be fully utilized
Opportunity to build a career in a high-quality, customer-focused hospitality business