General Manager (Hospitality / Restaurant Industry) - Garden Route

The Talent Room; Knysna; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A hospitality establishment in Knysna is seeking an experienced General Manager to oversee daily operations, ensure excellent customer experiences, and drive profitability. Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years of experience, strong leadership skills, and a hospitality management background. Responsibilities include staff management, operational oversight, and compliance with regulations. A passion for customer service is essential.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in a General Manager role within hospitality.
• Strong leadership and team development skills required.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily operations of the restaurant.
• Recruit, train, manage, and motivate staff.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Financial acumen

Customer service

Communication skills

Education

Hospitality Management qualification

Tools

Point-of-sale (POS) systems

Hospitality software

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and driven General Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our restaurant / hospitality establishment. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring excellent customer experiences, maintaining high operational standards, and driving profitability. This role requires strong leadership, team management, and business acumen within the hospitality environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily operations of the restaurant, including front-of-house and back-of-house functions
• Recruit, train, manage, and motivate staff to deliver outstanding service
• Maintain and implement SOPs for service, hygiene, and quality control
• Monitor financial performance, including budgets, cost controls, and P&L analysis
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, liquor laws, and labour requirements
• Manage stock levels, ordering, and supplier relationships
• Drive marketing initiatives, promotions, and customer engagement strategies
• Handle customer feedback, complaints, and ensure customer satisfaction
• Prepare and present regular operational and financial reports to ownership / management

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in a General Manager role within the restaurant or hospitality sector
• Hospitality Management qualification (or similar) preferred
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Proven financial acumen and ability to manage budgets and targets
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays
• Proficient in point-of-sale (POS) systems and hospitality software

Desired Attributes

• Passion for customer service and hospitality excellence
• Hands-on, solutions-driven leadership style
• Calm under pressure and adaptable to a fast-paced environment
• Eye for detail and commitment to quality