Restaurant Manager

Calia Malaysia is the first international outlet of a unique Australian restaurant‑to‑retail brand renowned for celebrating the finest local and international produce. Driven by a pursuit of perfection and the belief that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”, Calia has unveiled a new standard in fine foods and dining – earning acclaim from thousands of discerning guests (4.6 out of 5 stars on Google from ~2,400 reviews). Located in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur – the city’s most prestigious retail address – Calia offers an “affordable luxury” modern Japanese menu featuring indulgences like air‑flown A5 Wagyu beef, Toro (tuna belly) from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, fresh Hokkaido scallops, and sea urchin. Our menu is crafted under the guidance of Michelin‑starred chef Francisco Javier, blending Japanese culinary artistry with premium Australian ingredients to create a dining experience unlike any other.

Calia’s culinary concept blends Japanese finesse with Australian produce. Pictured above is one of our signature bowls topped with a soft‑cooked onsen egg – a taste of our eclectic menu inspired by Japan and Australia (must‑try dishes include the Wagyu Bowl, Toro Bowl, Ultimate Bowl, and even Umami Fries). Each dish reflects “affordable luxury” – premium ingredients presented with modern elegance.

This is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime career opportunity to helm a flagship outlet of an international luxury dining brand in the heart of KL. We are searching for a Restaurant Manager of the highest calibre – a leader who can uphold Calia’s exceptional standards of quality, sophistication, and hospitality excellence in every guest encounter. The Pavilion KL restaurant has been a sensational success since its launch (serving 12,000 guests in its first month, with reservations booked weeks in advance), and we need a visionary manager to further elevate this momentum.

As the Restaurant Manager, you will not only oversee daily operations but also represent Calia in exclusive events and corporate functions with Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic luxury brands, delivering immersive culinary experiences at VIP dinners, fashion events, and corporate showcases. We seek someone who treats hospitality as high art – an ambassador of the brand who will set a benchmark for service and inspire a team to deliver Michelin‑level dining experiences. In return, the chosen candidate will be handsomely rewarded (including a potential six‑figure annual package) and gain prestige and growth opportunities befitting a role of this stature.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Excellence

Flawless Day‑to‑Day Operations : Ensure all front‑and‑back‑of‑house activities meet Calia’s premium service and food quality standards at every moment. Execute meticulous opening, shift, and closing procedures in full compliance with our SOPs, and maintain impeccable hygiene, safety, and audit scores consistently.

Ambience & Readiness : Maintain the restaurant’s atmosphere and presentation to reflect Calia’s elegant brand aesthetic at all times – from spotless cleanliness to the perfect table settings. Lead daily pre‑service briefings to align the team on menu specials, VIP guests, and service protocols, setting an upbeat tone for service excellence.

Inventory & Cost Control : Monitor inventory levels and ingredient quality rigorously; minimise wastage and ensure stock integrity through proper rotation and storage. Work closely with the kitchen to guarantee that every dish served – from air‑flown Wagyu to artisanal desserts – meets our exacting standards while optimising cost efficiency.

Drive Revenue & Profitability : Achieve and surpass weekly and monthly sales targets and profit margins through strategic planning and on‑the‑floor initiative. Analyse daily sales mix, average check, and customer spending patterns; implement tactical upselling and menu strategies to maximise revenue without compromising the guest experience.

Fiscal Discipline : Maintain strict control of Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and labour costs, aligning with budget targets. Verify daily cash reconciliation and POS accuracy, ensuring all transactions are accounted for with precision. Collaborate with procurement and the culinary team to manage supplier pricing, negotiate best‑value deals on premium ingredients, and improve yield (for example, through optimal butchery of high‑value products). Continuously seek margin improvement opportunities via waste reduction, portion management, and innovative menu engineering.

Guest Experience & Brand Custodianship

Exemplary Service Standards : Uphold Calia’s benchmark for refined, world‑class service , attentiveness, and product presentation. Ensure every guest – from first‑timers to VIP regulars – receives a memorable white‑glove experience that embodies our brand values. Personally engage with guests on the floor, especially discerning diners and corporate clients, to build rapport and swiftly address any needs.

Reputation Management : Strive for excellent guest feedback across all channels. Aim to keep our Google and social media ratings at the top (currently ~4.6★ on Google) by proactively managing service quality. Lead immediate service recovery for any negative feedback or hiccups – turning dissatisfied guests into loyal fans through thoughtful problem resolution.

Brand Ambassador : Serve as the custodian of the Calia brand in Kuala Lumpur. Implement brand campaigns, seasonal menus, and product launches in collaboration with Marketing—from introducing a new Michelin‑inspired tasting menu to hosting tasting events for luxury partners. Continuously monitor competitor offerings and dining trends in the high‑end market to ensure Calia retains its edge in innovation, value perception, and buzz factor.

Inspiring Leadership : Lead and inspire a team of service staff and supervisors with calm authority, empathy, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Set high expectations and mentor the team to meet them – by example and through effective training. Foster a positive, professional workplace culture that reflects pride, passion, and teamwork .

Talent Development : Conduct regular coaching and training sessions on service etiquette, product knowledge (e.g. gourmet ingredients, wine / sake pairings), and operational standards. Identify high‑potential team members and groom them for advancement – building the next generation of leaders within the brand. Recognise and celebrate outstanding performance weekly, and address any performance or disciplinary issues promptly and fairly, in line with HR policies.

Optimal Staffing : Oversee workforce planning and scheduling to match business needs. Prepare weekly rosters aligned to sales forecasts and labour budget, ensuring we are neither under‑ nor over‑staffed for anticipated VIP events, peak periods, or special functions. Keep team morale high through transparent communication, fair task delegation, and by instilling a sense of purpose and belonging.

Reporting & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Analytical Reporting : Prepare and submit accurate weekly reports on key performance metrics – sales performance, footfall, COGS, labour, guest feedback summaries, and audit results. Use data to identify trends and craft action plans (e.g., adjusting underperforming menu items or scheduling additional staff during a successful campaign).

Interdepartmental Collaboration : Work closely with cross‑functional departments and senior leadership. Participate actively in operations reviews and strategy meetings with the Operations Manager, Marketing, HR, and Finance teams – providing on‑ground insights and advocating for what the restaurant needs to excel.

Problem Solving & Compliance : Proactively escalate critical issues (whether a supply chain snag or a facilities outage) to management with well‑considered solution options. Ensure full compliance with all company policies, local regulations, and any audit requirements. Support broader company initiatives such as group‑wide trainings, corporate events, and external audits, ensuring Calia Pavilion KL shines as a model outlet within the brand.

The Ideal Candidate

Proven Fine‑Dining Leadership : At least 5–7 years of management experience in an upscale restaurant or luxury hospitality environment. Michelin‑starred restaurant exposure or training is highly preferred , as we seek someone intimately familiar with the standards of top‑tier dining. Experience working abroad or in internationally acclaimed establishments is a strong advantage.

Passion for Excellence : A genuine passion for food, beverage, and delivering uncompromising guest service. You are obsessed with the details that create exceptional experiences – from the precise wine pairing to remembering a VIP’s preferences – and you inspire your team to care for every detail with equal fervour.

Business & Financial Acumen : Sharp understanding of restaurant finances and cost management. You can balance delivering an extraordinary experience with managing budgets – adept at controlling COGS, scheduling efficiently, and driving profitability without cutting corners on quality. Comfortable analysing P&L statements and using data to make informed decisions.

People Developer & Team Player : A natural leader who can motivate, train, and build a high‑performing team . You lead by example on the floor, staying hands‑on during service to guide and support. Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence are a must – able to coach staff of diverse backgrounds, give and receive feedback constructively, and maintain calm authority even in the busiest rush.

Local Expertise with Global Outlook : Malaysian nationals or PRs are encouraged (including locals who have honed their craft abroad and are looking to bring that experience home). Knowledge of the local dining scene and customer preferences in KL, combined with an international perspective on hospitality trends, is valuable. Fluent English is required; proficiency in Malay and / or other languages is a plus.

Professionalism & Initiative : Polished, trustworthy, and reliable. Able to represent the Calia brand to external partners and high‑profile guests with confidence and poise. Growth‑minded , continuously seeking innovative ways to improve operations and guest satisfaction. Capable of adapting quickly to challenges and turning them into opportunities to impress.

Competitive Compensation : We offer a highly attractive remuneration for the right candidate, including a potential six‑figure annual package (RM) plus performance‑based incentives. Your talent and results will be generously rewarded , reflecting the premium nature of this role.

Prestige & Career Growth : This role is a career‑defining position at the pinnacle of the hospitality industry in Malaysia. You will be the face of an internationally acclaimed brand in its flagship KL location, gaining invaluable exposure and networking with elite industry and luxury brand partners. Success in this role can open doors to senior leadership opportunities as Calia expands its footprint.

Exciting Collaborative Events : Take the lead in organising and hosting exclusive events – from celebrity chef collaborations to private corporate dinners and fashion launch parties with high‑end brands. This is a chance to showcase creativity and put Calia on the map as the go‑to venue for luxury experiences , amplifying your own reputation as a trendsetter in event hospitality.

Innovative Culture & Support : Join a company that values innovation, excellence and teamwork. You will work alongside passionate culinary and management professionals (including collaboration with our Michelin‑star chef and the founding team) in an environment that encourages learning and growth. We provide comprehensive onboarding, continuous training, and support from the head office to ensure you have the tools to excel.

Application Questions

Your application will include the following questions :

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Malaysia?
• What's your expected monthly basic salary?
• Which of the following types of qualifications do you have?
• How many years' experience do you have as a restaurant manager?
• Do you have experience in a sales role?
• Do you have customer service experience?
• How many years of people management experience do you have?
• Which of the following languages are you fluent in?

Perks and benefits

Medical Dental Parking Various type of leaves, Performance Bonus

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