Restaurant Manager - Upscale Dining

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Health insurance

Employee discounts on food and bevies

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Restaurant Manager for an upscale venue in Bloemfontein. The role leads all front-of-house operations, drives service excellence, and manages staff, costs and profitability.

A deep knowledge of wine, spirits and food pairings is essential, along with strong customer service and leadership skills. The successful candidate will oversee inventory, budgeting, labor, and compliance with health and safety regulations, while coordinating with the Head Chef to

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in restaurant management, preferably upscale or fine dining.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse front-of-house team.
• Strong understanding of F&B operations, including inventory, costing and P&L.
• Excellent knowledge of wine, spirits and food pairings.
• Exceptional customer service skills with a proactive guest-relations approach.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily restaurant operations ensuring seamless service and guest satisfaction.
• Lead front-of-house team including servers, bartenders, hosts and bussers.
• Recruit, train and develop staff to meet service standards.
• Maintain high standards of customer service and manage guest inquiries and complaints.
• Manage inventory of F&B supplies and control costs through rotation and ordering.
• Develop and manage budgets, including labor and operating expenses to meet targets.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and sanitation regulations.
• Coordinate with Head Chef for kitchen-FOH alignment.
• Create staff schedules and monitor labor costs.
• Analyze sales data and implement strategies to improve revenue.

Skills

Restaurant management

Team leadership

F&B operations

POS systems

Customer service

Education

Hospitality management diploma/degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished restaurant renowned for its exquisite cuisine and impeccable service in Bloemfontein , is seeking a sophisticated and experienced Restaurant Manager. This leadership role demands a passion for hospitality, exceptional operational acumen, and the ability to inspire a team to deliver outstanding dining experiences. The Restaurant Manager will be responsible for overseeing all front-of-house operations, ensuring adherence to high standards of service, managing staff, controlling costs, and driving profitability. This is a key position within the establishment, contributing significantly to its reputation as a premier dining destination in the Free State .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the restaurant, ensuring seamless service delivery and guest satisfaction.
• Manage and lead the front-of-house team, including servers, bartenders, hosts, and bussers, fostering a positive and professional work environment.
• Recruit, train, and develop staff to meet and exceed service standards.
• Implement and maintain high standards of customer service, handling guest inquiries, feedback, and complaints effectively.
• Manage inventory of F&B supplies, place orders, and ensure efficient stock rotation to minimize waste and control costs.
• Develop and manage the restaurant's budget, including labor and operational expenses, to achieve financial targets.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef to ensure smooth coordination between the kitchen and front-of-house operations.
• Create and manage staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage while controlling labor costs.
• Monitor restaurant performance, analyze sales data, and implement strategies to improve revenue and profitability.
• Maintain the ambiance and overall appearance of the dining areas.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in restaurant management.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in restaurant management, preferably in an upscale or fine dining environment.
• Proven experience in leading and motivating a diverse front-of-house team.
• Strong understanding of F&B operations, including inventory management, costing, and P&L statements.
• Excellent knowledge of wine and spirits, and food and beverage pairings.
• Exceptional customer service skills with a proactive approach to guest relations.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in restaurant POS systems and management software.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• A passion for food, wine, and providing memorable guest experiences.
• A degree or diploma in Hospitality Management or a related field is highly desirable.
• A meticulous eye for detail and presentation.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, health insurance benefits, employee discounts on food and beverages, and significant opportunities for career growth within a respected dining establishment in Bloemfontein .