Chief Operating Officer jobs in South Africa

National Restaurant Group is looking for a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) responsible for the overall operational performance; strategic execution and sustainable growth of the restaurant portfolio. This role provides executive oversight of all restaurant operations across the group, ensuring the consistent delivery of exceptional guest experiences; strong financial performance and operational excellence across corporate restaurants and franchise operations. The COO will drive operational strategy; oversee expansion initiatives both locally and internationally and ensure that the division continues to grow responsibly while protecting the integrity and reputation of the restaurant brands. The COO is also responsible for building scalable operational systems; strengthening leadership capacity within the business, and ensuring that all restaurants operate efficiently; profitably and in line with brand standards.

• Operational Leadership: Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across all restaurants. Ensure operational excellence across all locations through the consistent application of policies, procedures, and service standards. Develop and implement operational frameworks, systems, and KPIs that support profitability, efficiency, and scalability. Monitor restaurant performance and ensure corrective action plans are implemented where required. Ensure a consistent and high-quality guest experience across all restaurants in the portfolio. Oversee food quality, service standards, cleanliness, and operational compliance across all sites. Support restaurant leadership teams in achieving operational excellence and sustainable performance.
• Expansion Oversight (Local and International): Play a central role in expansion and development of the restaurant portfolio. Partner with the CEO and New Business Manager to identify, evaluate, and execute expansion opportunities. Contribute to strategic planning of new restaurant developments, acquisitions, and brand expansion initiatives. Support evaluation and approval of potential locations, including feasibility studies, financial modelling, and operational readiness. Provide operational guidance in developing new restaurant concepts or adapting existing brands for new markets. Oversee operational readiness of new openings, ensuring successful launches and smooth integration into the portfolio. Identify opportunities for local, regional, and international growth aligned with the group’s objectives.
• Franchise Oversight: Oversee franchise operations, ensuring alignment with corporate standards and brand integrity. Ensure franchise partners operate in line with SOPs and operational guidelines. Support franchise partners with best practices and performance improvement strategies. Monitor franchise compliance, service delivery, and financial performance. Assist in developing and implementing franchise operating frameworks and support systems.
• Financial & Performance Management: Work with the CFO to ensure financial discipline and profitability across all restaurants. Review and monitor restaurant-level financial performance including revenue, cost of sales, labour costs, and profitability. Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and operational financial planning. Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies and margins without compromising service quality. Provide operational insights to support capital investment decisions and expansion planning.
• People & Talent Leadership: Provide leadership and mentorship to the operations management team, including Area Managers and General Managers. Foster accountability, teamwork, and high performance. Collaborate with HR and Training Managers to develop training, leadership development, and succession planning. Promote a positive and inclusive working environment aligned with the group’s values and culture.
• Strategic Planning & Execution: Support the CEO in developing and implementing the long-term strategic direction of the Restaurants. Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans and execution frameworks. Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies. Lead change initiatives to improve performance, innovation, and scalability. Ensure operational systems and structures support future growth.
• Governance, Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure full compliance with regulatory, labour, health, safety, and hygiene standards across the restaurant portfolio. Maintain strong operational controls and reporting standards. Keep restaurants audit-ready and compliant with industry regulations. Uphold corporate governance principles across corporate and franchise operations. Promote accountability, safety, and ethical conduct.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Achieve operational targets across all restaurants. Drive revenue growth and profitability. Deliver successful expansion projects and new openings. Maintain high guest satisfaction and strong health, safety, and regulatory compliance. Foster employee engagement, retention, and leadership development. Provide effective operational support to franchise partners.

• A qualification in Hospitality Management, Restaurant Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years senior leadership experience in multi-site restaurant or hospitality operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex restaurant portfolios or hospitality operations.
• Proven experience in restaurant expansion, franchise operations, or multi-unit growth strategies is highly advantageous.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and operational financial analysis.
• Strong strategic and operational leadership capability with deep understanding of restaurant operations, service standards, and guest experience management.
• Excellent financial acumen and analytical decision-making ability; strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience in franchise management and brand compliance frameworks; ability to manage complex operations across multiple locations.
• Strong project and expansion management capabilities; high integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Strong leadership presence capable of inspiring and motivating teams; passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Strategic thinking combined with practical operational execution; adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, growth-focused environment; collaborative leadership style.