Location: Jinja, Uganda (The Source of the Nile)
Reports to: General Manager
Job Type: Full-Time
About Us: Welcome to Yellow Chilly Restaurant. Yellow Chilly Restaurant is a hidden gem in Jinja's thriving hospitality scene. We are a high-end dining destination that celebrates the best of global cuisine while staying deeply rooted in the warmth and richness of Ugandan culture.
Our name reflects our philosophy: bold, vibrant, and full of flavour. We offer our guests a sophisticated yet welcoming space where exceptional food, impeccable service, and the serene beauty of Jinja come together. Whether it's a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or a gathering of international travellers, Yellow Chilly is where memories are made.
We are looking for a Restaurant Manager who shares our passion for excellence and can lead our team with heart, skill, and vision.
Role Overview
At Yellow Chilly, the Restaurant Manager is the heart of the house. You will be the person who brings our brand to life, ensuring that every guest feels the warmth of our hospitality from the moment they walk in. You'll lead a talented team, oversee daily operations, and work closely with ownership to keep the business thriving in both reputation and profitability.
This is not a behind-the-desk role. Its a hands-on leadership position for someone who loves the energy of a busy service, cares deeply about the guest experience, and understands that great hospitality is in the details.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Service Excellence
● Be the face of Yellow Chilly. Welcome guests, build relationships with regulars, and ensure every visitor leaves with a smile and a story to tell.
● Set and maintain the highest standards of service. Train your team to anticipate needs, personalise interactions, and handle every request with grace.
● Manage the dining room flow during service, ensuring everything runs smoothly from seating to timing to special requests.
● Handle guest feedback, both praise and concerns, with professionalism, turning challenges into opportunities to build loyalty.
Team Leadership & Culture
● Lead, coach, and inspire a front-of-house team that includes servers, hosts, and bartenders.
● Create a positive, supportive work environment where your team feels motivated to grow and perform at their best.
● Conduct regular training sessions on service techniques, menu knowledge (food and beverage), and sales skills.
● Manage staff scheduling, ensuring coverage that meets business needs while respecting work-life balance.
Financial Performance & Strategy
● Work with ownership to manage the restaurant's budget and meet financial targets.
● Monitor food, beverage, and labour costs closely, identifying opportunities to improve profitability without compromising quality.
● Contribute to menu development and pricing strategies, helping to design offerings that delight guests and drive revenue.
● Prepare and review financial reports, providing insights and recommendations to guide decision-making.
Operations & Compliance
● Oversee daily operations, from opening to closing, ensuring the restaurant is always ready to impress.
● Maintain inventory levels for front-of-house items, including wine, spirits, and service supplies.
● Enforce all health, safety, and hygiene standards in line with Ugandan regulations.
● Ensure the restaurant's appearance, ambiance, and attention to detail reflect the Yellow Chilly brand at all times.
Qualifications & Person Specification
Experience & Skills
● Minimum 3–5 years of management experience in a high-end restaurant, fine dining, or luxury hospitality setting.
● Strong understanding of restaurant financials, including budgeting, cost control, and P&L analysis.
● Hands-on experience with reservation systems (e.g., OpenTable) and POS platforms.
● Excellent knowledge of food, wine, and spirits, with a passion for staying current with industry trends.
Personal Qualities
● A natural leader. You know how to motivate a team, delegate with trust, and lead by example, even during the busiest service.
● Calm under pressure. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and can solve problems quickly and thoughtfully.
● Warm and approachable. Guests feel comfortable with you, and your team knows you have their back.
● Meticulous. You notice the little things—a smudge on a glass, a guest who needs a refill, a detail that makes the difference between good and great.
Languages
● Fluent English is essential.
● Knowledge of Lusoga, Luganda, or other local languages is a plus.
● Conversational German, French, or other European languages would be an advantage, given our international guests.
Preferred (but not required)
● A diploma or degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
● Food safety and hygiene certification (e.g., ServSafe or equivalent).
Why Join Yellow Chilly?
This is more than a job, it's an opportunity to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in East Africa. Jinja offers a lifestyle of adventure, tranquility, and community that is hard to find anywhere else.
What we offer:
● A competitive salary, commensurate with experience, plus performance-based incentives.
● The chance to lead a beautiful, well-regarded restaurant with a loyal guest base and strong reputation.
● A supportive, collaborative ownership team that values your ideas and invests in your growth.
● Staff meals, a positive team culture, and the pride of working somewhere truly special.
If you are an experienced hospitality leader ready to bring your passion and expertise to the banks of the Nile, we would love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a thoughtful cover letter through Brightermonday Uganda.
We look forward to welcoming our next leader to the Yellow Chilly family.
How to Apply:
All applications will be received and reviewed through the BrighterMonday Portal by clicking on the 'Apply Here' section