Food & Beverage Manager - Retail

Job description / Role

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group's entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

Overview of the role

Responsible for IKEA Restaurant & Café, SFM & Bistro and Co-workers restaurant as a separate profit centre in the store, accountable for the profit and loss of this business unit, and responsible for achieving the budget goals set by the store manager. Ensure achieving the customer satisfaction goals set by the store manager (measured by IKEA Brand Capital and CSI) and support the co-workers so that they make it possible for IKEA store visitors to take a natural break in their shopping for a tasty and nourishing meal, at a competitive price, in pleasant and relaxing surroundings with a taste of Sweden.

What you will do
- Develop and implement IKEA Food action plan aligned with business goals, utilizing store and country business plans.
- Implement range matrix to ensure quality, availability, and promotion of top-selling items.
- Offer high-volume local market dishes with appealing presentations, securing an irresistible food range.
- Educate team on product knowledge, including content, origins, and preparation techniques.
- Seize commercial opportunities for sales growth, promoting alternative products when needed.
- Collaborate with Kitchen Managers to enhance Swedishness and link to the Swedish Food Market.
- Monitor market competition for strategic pricing actions and maintain an appealing food range presentation.
- Promote IKEA Food as a vital in-store marketing tool for sales potential.
- Ensure sales maximization through operational excellence and commercial activities.
- Maintain a welcoming, Swedish-styled customer area, attracting visitors and enhancing experience.
- Uphold health, safety, and HACCAP standards while offering affordable, self-serve meals.
- Foster a strong IKEA culture, empowering and coaching co-workers for growth and performance.
- Contribute to the creation and implementation of the unit's yearly action plan.
- Ensure availability and clear communication of top-selling products, 3 Aces and 1 King.
- Explore and act upon market insights to tailor offerings across sales channels.
- Document and evaluate initiatives to capitalize on learnings and promote continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders for sustainability integration and progress.
- Facilitate sustainability implementation by providing information, tools, and best practices.
- Participate in the Commercial Management Team, contributing to business plans and strategies.
- Ensure the positioning of Food as a driver for growth, customer experience, and brand positioning.

Requirements

Required Skills to be successful

Minimum Qualifications and Knowledge:
- Experience of working in vibrant Food & Beverage - 15 to 17 years
- Experience of working in vibrant Food retail environment - 5 to 7 years
- Experience of managing/leading and developing a team
- Tactical thinker
- Understand KPIs and how to affect their results through departmental actions
- Advanced knowledge of food production and food safety

Job-Specific Skills:
- Excellent command of English language
- Proficient user of computer & MS Office
- Sales-driven and passionate about food and people
- Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Must be able to build working relationships

Leadership skills:
- Must have proven leadership abilities and lead by example
- Must have the ability to bring out the best in co-workers and to motivate and develop the organization
- Must have the ability to create an environment where the IKEA values are a strong and living reality that embraces the diversity of co-workers and visitors

Behavioural Competencies:
- Customer Focus
- Individual Accountability
- Continuous Improvement
- Personal Leadership
- Teamwork

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.