Host / Duty Manager

Zohorecruit; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 223,000 - 279,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary based on experience

Refined Franschhoek hospitality enviro

Professional and supportive team

Job summary

La Residence in Franschhoek is seeking a polished Hostess / Duty Manager to oversee daily front-of-house operations and ensure an exceptional guest experience. You will welcome guests with warmth, manage reservations and seating, and support management with reporting and shift handovers.

The role requires five years in luxury hospitality, three years in related front-of-house or rooms division, strong English communication, and a local understanding of Franschhoek dining and wine venues.

Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience in a luxury 5-star establishment (required)
• 3 years’ Room Division experience (preferred)
• 3 years’ Food & Beverage experience (preferred)
• 3 years’ Housekeeping experience (preferred)
• 5 years’ Hotel Management experience (required)
• Diploma in Hospitality (required)
• Strong English verbal and written communication skills
• International language (advantageous)
• Must live locally and be familiar with Franschhoek.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming and hosting guests with professionalism and warmth
• Overseeing day-to-day front-of-house operations while on duty
• Managing reservations, seating plans, and guest flow
• Handling guest requests, feedback, and resolving issues efficiently
• Supervising service staff and maintaining high service standards
• Assisting with opening, closing, and shift handovers
• Supporting management with reporting and operational duties

Skills

Guest service excellence

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Calm under pressure

Flexibility for shifts/weekends/holid

Education

Diploma in Hospitality

Job description

Host \\ Duty Manager Luxury Guest Farm Franschhoek R20,000 – R25,000 (Negotiable DOE)

OverviewA luxury guest farm in Franschhoek is seeking a polished, guest-focused Hostess / Duty Manager to oversee daily front-of-house operations and ensure an exceptional guest experience. This role is ideal for someone professional, organised, and passionate about high-end hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcoming and hosting guests with professionalism and warmth
• Overseeing day-to-day front-of-house operations while on duty
• Managing reservations, seating plans, and guest flow
• Handling guest requests, feedback, and resolving issues efficiently
• Supervising service staff and maintaining high service standards
• Assisting with opening, closing, and shift handovers
• Supporting management with reporting and operational duties

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Hostess, Duty Manager, or similar role in a luxury hospitality environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational ability
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays
• Strong commitment to guest service excellence

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunity to work in a refined Franschhoek hospitality environment
• Professional and supportive team culture

The main purpose of the Duty Manager at La Residence is to manage and control the daily operations of the hotel, to ensure that the standards of The Royal Portfolio are met in order to contribute to the purpose of the company – "To give our guests a complete experience and a perfect stay".

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide a warm and professional welcome to guests upon arrival.
• Ensure smooth and efficient check-in and check-out processes.
• Offer personalised concierge services and anticipate guest needs.
• Guide site inspections and escort guests around the property.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with guests
• Conduct regular room inspections for cleanliness and readiness.
• Co-ordinate with housekeeping for timely room readiness and turn-down services.
• Communicate guest movements to housekeeping.
• Address any maintenance issues promptly
• Oversee breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner services.
• Ensure the restaurant runs smoothly during all service periods.
• Maintain knowledge of the F&B services and industry trends.
• Ensure staff are punctual and dressed according to TRP uniform standards.
• Check set up and tables before service
• Maintain cleanliness and setup of all guest areas.
• Monitor health and safety standards throughout the hotel.
• Ensure decisions prioritise company interests and guest/staff safety
• Review and manage daily reports (occupancy, guest feedback, maintenance).
• Update and manage guest profiles.
• Support Senior Duty Manager in policy implementation.
• Assist in setting and achieving short and long-term operational goals.
• Participate in and manage specific projects to enhance guest experience.
• Assist and support the Rooms Division and Food & Beverage Department.
• Act as Senior Manager and point of contact in the absence of General Managers.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 years’ Experience in a luxury 5* establishment (Required)
• 3 years’ Room Division Experience (Preferred)
• 3 years’ Food & Beverage Experience (Preferred)
• 3 years’ Housekeeping Experience (Preferred)
• 5 years’ Hotel Management Experience (Required)
• Diploma in Hospitality (Required)
• Strong English verbal and written communication skills
• International Language (Advantageous)
• Must live locally and be familiar with the restaurants, wine farms and venues in and around Franschhoek.

It is important that the candidate is able to work as part of a team and is a good cultural fit for The Royal Portfolio. South African citizenship is advantageous. A valid work permit is essential if you are not in possession of a South African ID document. Please note it is a condition of employment, that all staff undergo a pre-employment polygraph test.