Restaurant & Cafe Team Leader | IKEA | Mall of Arabia

Job Requisition ID: 182281 

About Al-Futtaim
Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim is one of the most diversified and progressive privately held regional businesses, headquartered in Dubai. Operating across more than 20 countries, the Group spans automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and health. With more than 40,000 employees, Al-Futtaim represents over 200 of the world’s most recognised brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE and Marks & Spencer. Driven by its purpose to enrich lives and elevate communities, Al-Futtaim focuses on digital innovation, AI, sustainable growth and strategic partnerships, creating long-term value for customers, communities and partners while building a responsible legacy for future generations.

• The IKEA Food Team Leader is responsible for supporting the manager in fulfilling the purpose of the food function and advancing the IKEA business in areas such as production, restaurant operations, and market initiatives. The role is crucial in providing customers with irresistible food offers in a welcoming atmosphere. As line responsible during shifts, the leader is focused on maintaining high standards on the floor, supervising operations, engaging customers directly, and embodying IKEA values. With the aim of making visitors return repeatedly, the role demands active participation in customer feedback processes, commercial activities, team collaboration, and ensuring smooth daily operations.

Customers

• Ensure customers are always in focus and strive to make them smile.
• Serve customers with empathy and care, listening and supporting them using IKEA values.
• Act as a good ambassador for the store, giving customers reasons to return.
• Walk the store regularly to view it through customers' eyes and engage in dialogue for feedback.
• Take immediate action to meet customer needs and improve interactions.
• Ensure customers have a great shopping experience throughout the day.

Commercial

• Contribute to store business and IKEA Food action plans by supporting manager implementation.
• Ensure attractive presentation and communication of food ranges.
• Learn actively about product content, origins, and benefits, sharing knowledge with customers and colleagues.
• Ensure top-selling products are available, communicated, and displayed.
• Support manager in marketing, in-store activities, and range changes simply and cost-consciously.
• Maintain area efficiently, ensuring it is clean, organised, and inviting.
• Use market awareness to provide input on range and pricing.

People

• Ensure co-workers understand IKEA Concept and guidelines' impact on their roles.
• Lead by example, supporting and coaching colleagues to meet customer needs and grow.
• Promote an environment where IKEA culture thrives and diversity is valued.
• Actively participate and cooperate with colleagues around the store.
• Keep colleagues informed and encourage knowledge sharing.

Steering the Business

• Contribute to store success, high performance, and sales growth.
• Work towards agreed goals and take actions to meet them.
• Challenge costs through lean, simple, cost-conscious practices.
• Encourage discovering smarter ways of working.

Operations

• Ensure IKEA Quality and Food Safety Policies are followed.
• Report food incidents through CASY and inform manager, promoting a safety-first culture.
• Ensure right staff placement for optimal area operation.
• Work proactively to avoid bottlenecks, improving customer satisfaction.
• Implement daily operational routines as set by manager.

• Ability to prioritize and organize work efficiently.
• Decisive with strong problem-solving skills and drive to make things happen.
• Excellent communication skills and willingness to delegate when necessary.
• Ability to drive sales and motivate a team towards commercial success.

• Experience in vibrant retail environments with proven track records.
• Experience serving customers and supervising teams.
• Basic English communication skills and MS Office literacy.
• Knowledge of IKEA Concept, vision, and business advantages.

About Al-Futtaim Retail

At Al-Futtaim Retail, we are part of a 90-year legacy built on ambition, progress and long-term vision. As one of the region’s leading retail operators, we partner with some of the world’s most trusted brands – including IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer and the Inditex Group – bringing global excellence to customers across MENA and Southeast Asia.

We don’t just operate stores; we shape retail experiences. From launching brands like Watsons and Kiabi to our regions for the first time, to investing in digital innovation, AI capabilities, the customer experience and loyalty platforms, we are constantly redefining the future of retail. 

With over 100 nationalities spread across more than 10 countries, our strength lies in our diverse and collaborative community. Here, you’re equipped to turn your ambition into action, building the career you want, while helping us move retail forwards.

Join us and be part of The Heart of Tomorrow.