General Manager (m/w/d)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced General Manager (m/w/d) to lead one of our Asian restaurants, XIAO, located in Essen. This role entails comprehensive responsibility for all aspects of restaurant management, acting as an independent operator to support the executive team, delivering smooth daily operations and an exceptional customer experience. Your leadership will motivate and develop your team to achieve excellence, while always keeping long-term objectives in focus. Passion for the XIAO brand and the ability to inspire enthusiasm among staff and guests are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a XIAO restaurant generating €4-5 million in net annual revenue, serving approximately 150,000 guests per year, and overseeing a team of about 60 employees.
• Hold operational accountability for restaurant performance and day-to-day activities.
• Recruit new staff and develop a pool of emerging talent.
• Create and implement training programs for new and existing employees.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, as well as safety and quality standards.
• Manage inventory efficiently and optimize staff allocation.
• Plan personnel deployment effectively.
• Maintain restaurant profitability and functionality by setting clear goals and KPIs, and taking corrective action when necessary.
• Maintain professional guest relations.
• Ensure information flow between the restaurant and the executive management.
• Coordinate communication with internal departments such as HR, Marketing, Purchasing, and Controlling.
• Engage and collaborate with external partners and customers.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in system gastronomy, especially multiple years in a management role.
• Background working with buffet-style concepts.
• Good command of English.
• Strong operational leadership skills combining hospitality and entrepreneurship, with an ability to inspire and coach the team effectively.
• Solid knowledge of business administration and economics.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and strong analytical capabilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively.
• High resilience and a pronounced drive for performance.
• Proactive, responsible, and capable of long-term strategic thinking.
• Outgoing personality, excellent communication skills, and dedicated service mentality.
• Alignment with core company values: teamwork, integrity, reliability, ambition, enthusiasm, and a proactive hands-on attitude.

What We Offer

• Permanent full-time contract within a growing company.
• A salary above industry standards complemented by an attractive bonus scheme.
• Responsibility for diverse and challenging tasks with opportunities for personal input and development.
• Engagement in a motivated and friendly team environment.
• Flat hierarchies, quick decision-making, and open communication culture.
• Modern workplaces in a dynamic setting.
• Free parking facilities.
• Job ticket provided for employees living at least 15 km away from the workplace.

About XIAO Group

XIAO Group is a medium-sized, owner-operated company active in real estate and gastronomy, headquartered in Gelsenkirchen and Leverkusen. Our real estate portfolio continues to expand through new developments and selective acquisitions, focusing exclusively on commercial properties in North Rhine-Westphalia including multi-storey office, fitness, and other commercial uses alongside gastronomy. Annually, the XIAO restaurants welcome around 2 million guests and generate approximately €65 million in revenue. Nearly 1,000 dedicated employees support ongoing expansion in the gastronomy sector. Our ambitious future plans include doubling gastronomy revenue over the next three years and investing €40 million primarily in real estate projects.