General Manager – Hospitality & Retail Centre
Location: KwaZulu‑Natal
Reporting To: Owners / Directors
Type: Full‑time, permanent (includes weekends, public holidays & shift flexibility)
Salary Range: R55,000 – R70,000 CTC (negotiable based on experience)
Role Overview
A high‑visibility leadership role overseeing a busy hospitality and retail centre comprising:
- A popular farm‑style restaurant
- A bakery/pizza section
- A well‑stocked retail/convenience shop
The General Manager is responsible for full operational control, exceptional customer experience, strong financial performance, and leading a diverse team in a fast‑paced, 7‑day‑a‑week environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Multi‑Outlet Operational Leadership
- Oversee daily operations across the restaurant, bakery, and retail shop.
- Ensure seamless coordination between kitchen, front‑of‑house, and retail teams.
- Maintain immaculate site presentation, including restrooms, dining areas, and public spaces.
- Team Leadership & Culture
- Recruit; train, schedule, and performance‑manage staff across all departments.
- Build a motivated, service‑driven culture with strong accountability.
- Lead from the front with a hands‑on, visible management style.
- Financial & Commercial Management
- Full P&L responsibility across all outlets.
- Manage budgets, cost control (food & retail), cash handling, and shrinkage.
- Drive revenue growth, optimise margins, and achieve profitability targets.
- Produce accurate weekly/monthly reports for owners.
- Customer Experience Excellence
- Ensure fast, friendly, efficient service for travellers and local customers.
- Maintain high standards of food quality, freshness, and presentation.
- Handle customer queries, complaints, and feedback professionally.
- Ensure restrooms and public areas are consistently spotless.
- Compliance; Safety & Standards
- Uphold HACCP, food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.
- Oversee equipment maintenance, site repairs, and contractor management.
- Inventory; Supply & Stock Control
- Manage ordering, supplier relationships, stock rotation, and waste reduction.
- Ensure accurate stock counts and prevent losses across all outlets.
- Maintain product freshness and retail merchandising standards.
- Marketing & Growth Initiatives
- Implement promotions and campaigns to increase footfall and spend.
- Collaborate on branding, signage, and customer‑facing communication.
- Identify new revenue opportunities and operational improvements.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Experience
- 5+ years in multi‑unit hospitality or retail management.
- Experience in restaurant, bakery, or convenience retail operations highly advantageous.
- Proven success in high‑volume, fast‑paced environments.
- Skills
- Strong leadership and people management.
- Excellent financial acumen with P&L ownership.
- Operational efficiency and problem‑solving under pressure.
- Customer service excellence and conflict resolution.
- Strong organisational and multitasking ability.
- Knowledge
- Food safety & hygiene standards (HACCP).
- Inventory systems and stock management.
- South African labour law and HR basics.
- Personal Attributes
- Hands‑on; energetic, and highly reliable.
- Strong work ethic with the ability to work weekends & public holidays.
- Passion for quality food, service, and customer satisfaction.
- Calm under pressure, solutions‑driven, and proactive.
- Additional
- Matric essential; hospitality/retail/business qualification preferred.
- Valid driver’s licence and own transport advantageous.
- Clear criminal record.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary: R55,000 – R70,000 CTC.
- Opportunity to lead a flagship hospitality and retail operation.
- Supportive; family‑owned business environment.
- Potential for performance incentives/bonuses.