Restaurant General Manager

West Coast Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant chain in Cape Town is seeking a General Manager to oversee all operations. This role requires at least 5 years in the restaurant industry, with 2 years in management. Responsibilities include achieving financial targets, ensuring compliance, and driving guest satisfaction. The ideal candidate has strong leadership and communication skills, alongside a proven track record of success.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Company benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a restaurant environment.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a General Manager role.
• Proven track record in achieving revenue and service targets.
• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transport.

Responsibilities

• Ensure daily smooth running of all restaurant operations.
• Achieve monthly turnover, cost, and profit targets.
• Recruit, train, and manage a strong restaurant team.
• Drive exceptional guest satisfaction and handle escalated complaints.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, hygiene, and liquor regulations.

Skills

Operational management

Financial management

Team leadership

Customer service excellence

Compliance and safety

Tools

POS systems

MS Office

Job description

Position Overview

The General Manager (GM) is responsible for the overall performance, profitability, and smooth operation of the restaurant. The GM ensures that all company standards, procedures, and brand values are consistently upheld while driving sales, maintaining exceptional guest satisfaction, and leading a motivated, high‑performing team.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a restaurant environment
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a General Manager role
• Strong operational, financial, and people management skills
• Proven track record in achieving revenue, profit, and service targets
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving abilities
• Computer literate (POS systems, MS Office, stock and labour systems)
• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transport

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

Ensure daily smooth running of all restaurant operations (FOH & BOH). Implement and enforce company standards for quality, service, cleanliness, and safety. Oversee opening and closing procedures and ensure all equipment and systems are functioning.

Financial Performance

Achieve monthly turnover, cost, and profit targets. Control costs: labour, stock, wastage, and utilities. Complete daily, weekly, and monthly financial reporting accurately and on time. Manage cash‑ups, banking, and financial reconciliations.

People Leadership

Recruit, train, and manage a strong restaurant team. Set performance standards and conduct regular performance reviews. Maintain a positive work culture and ensure staff motivation and retention.

Customer Experience

Drive exceptional guest satisfaction and handle escalated complaints. Maintain consistent brand standards and guest service excellence. Monitor and act on guest feedback (in‑person, social media, and review platforms).

Compliance & Safety

Ensure compliance with all health, safety, hygiene, and liquor regulations. Conduct regular audits and staff training on compliance and safety procedures.

Marketing & Sales

Implement local store marketing initiatives. Monitor competitor activity and identify opportunities to grow market share. Collaborate with head office on promotions, events, and brand activations.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and team motivation
• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and operational discipline
• Adaptability and ability to work under pressure

Remuneration

Competitive salary (based on experience). Performance‑based incentives. Company benefits (if applicable).