Senior Restaurant Manager

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development

Employee discounts

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Restaurant Manager for a flagship restaurant in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The role requires hands-on leadership to oversee front-of-house and drive guest satisfaction, staff development and financial performance.

The successful candidate will have 5+ years in senior hospitality management, strong leadership, budgeting skills and knowledge of wine pairings, with a focus on high-end service standards and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a senior hospitality management role, preferably fine dining.
• Strong leadership, team management and motivational skills.
• Financial acumen including budgeting, cost control and P&L management.
• Excellent communication and guest service orientation.
• Knowledge of F&B operations and wine pairings.
• Experience with restaurant management software and POS systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily restaurant operations and ensure smooth service.
• Train and mentor front-of-house staff to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Control inventory, manage food and beverage costs, and purchasing.
• Ensure health, safety and hygiene compliance.
• Address customer feedback promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate with executive chef on menus and promotions.
• Meet or exceed revenue and profitability targets.
• Maintain high standards of service, ambiance and guest satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Budgeting / P&L

Communication

Guest service

POS systems

Education

Diploma in Hospitality Management

Tools

Restaurant management software

POS systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier hospitality group, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Restaurant Manager to oversee their flagship establishment in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This is a pivotal role requiring a strategic leader with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving operational excellence. The successful candidate will be responsible for all facets of the restaurant's operations, from front-of-house management to staff development and financial performance. We are looking for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and possesses a strong understanding of high-end dining standards. If you have a proven track record in managing successful restaurants and are ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to apply. This role is critical to maintaining and elevating our client's reputation in the local culinary scene. The position requires a hands‑on approach, ensuring seamless service delivery and consistent quality across all touchpoints.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the restaurant, ensuring smooth service and high customer satisfaction.
• Manage, train, and mentor a diverse team of front-of-house staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and profitability.
• Control inventory, manage food and beverage costs, and optimize purchasing processes.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Handle customer feedback and resolve any issues or complaints promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate with the executive chef on menu development and promotions.
• Achieve and exceed financial targets for revenue and profitability.
• Maintain exceptional standards of service, ambiance, and overall guest experience.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management role within the hospitality industry, preferably in fine dining.
• Proven leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire staff.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, cost control, and P&L management.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of food and beverage operations, service standards, and wine pairings.
• Proficiency in restaurant management software and POS systems.
• A passion for hospitality and a commitment to delivering outstanding customer service.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Relevant diploma or degree in Hospitality Management or a related field is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a growing company.
• Employee discounts on dining and accommodation.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Potential for relocation assistance for exceptional candidates outside Pietermaritzburg .