Restaurant Manager

Lodgistics Professional Hospitality Solutions; uPhongolo Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hospitality provider in KwaZulu-Natal seeks a Restaurant Manager to oversee daily restaurant operations, ensuring exceptional five-star service and guest experiences. The role involves leading staff, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and compliance, and supporting the Food & Beverage Manager in achieving objectives. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership and customer service skills, and will be prepared for a fast-paced, guest-facing environment.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and high attention to detail.
• Exceptional guest service and communication skills.
• Problem-solving ability and calmness under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily restaurant operations and special dining experiences.
• Deliver warm and personalized dining experiences aligned with luxury standards.
• Supervise, schedule, and motivate wait staff and service supervisors.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and health regulations.
• Assist with stock control and cost-control initiatives.
• Prepare daily service reports and assist with administrative tasks.

Skills

Leadership and people-management skills

Exceptional guest service

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication abilities

Problem-solving ability

Job description

Job Title: Restaurant Manager

Reports To: Food and Beverage Manager

Job Purpose: The Restaurant Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the lodge's restaurant operations, ensuring exceptional five-star service delivery, seamless guest dining experiences, and effective supervision of service staff. This role focuses on service excellence, staff leadership, and operational efficiency, while supporting the Food & Beverage Manager in achieving overall departmental objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Restaurant Operations

• Manage daily restaurant operations including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special dining experiences (boma dinners, bush dinners, private dining).


• Ensure smooth coordination between front-of-house service staff, kitchen, and bar.


• Maintain consistent five-star service standards and dining presentation.

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Deliver warm, professional, and personalised dining experiences aligned with luxury safari lodge standards.


• Engage with guests to understand preferences, dietary requirements, and special occasions.


• Proactively resolve guest complaints and service issues to ensure guest satisfaction.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise, schedule, and motivate waiters, hosts, and service supervisors.


• Conduct on-the-job training in service standards, etiquette, menu knowledge, and wine service.


• Support performance management, discipline, and staff development in line with South African labour legislation.

Quality, Hygiene & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with food safety (HACCP), health & safety regulations, and lodge SOPs.


• Maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and presentation standards in all restaurant and service areas.


• Ensure responsible alcohol service in accordance with South African liquor legislation.

Stock & Cost Control

• Assist with stock control, beverage counts, breakages, and wastage reporting.


• Monitor service equipment, linen, and tableware and report shortages or damage.


• Support cost-control initiatives without compromising service quality.

Administrative & Reporting Duties

• Prepare daily service reports and provide feedback to the Food & Beverage Manager.


• Assist with rosters, attendance tracking, and leave planning.


• Participate in departmental meetings and training sessions.

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.


• Exceptional guest service and communication abilities.


• High attention to detail and service consistency.


• Good organisational and time-management skills.


• Problem-solving ability and calmness under pressure.


• Team-oriented with a hands-on leadership approach.


• Professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

Working Environment

Luxury five-star safari lodge in a remote Big Five reserve.

Guest-facing, fast-paced environment requiring professionalism and attention to detail.

Flexible working hours including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

Close collaboration with the Food & Beverage Manager, Executive Chef, and Operations team.

Email CVs to [e-mail]