Stellenbosch: Senior Restaurant Manager posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Restaurant Manager to join a luxury wine farm in Stellenbosch. This high-level role is responsible for leading the hotels Food & Beverage operations, maximising performance and profitability while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Purpose:
Direct operations within the hotels Food & Beverage outlets to create a positive and productive work environment, ensuring superior guest service and compliance with quality, hygiene, and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the hotel restaurant team with service excellence while maintaining operational standards and driving innovation.

• Maintain overall responsibility for F&B service across restaurants, bars, and room service.

• Oversee daily operations, creating a proactive and engaging environment for team members.

• Plan and execute concepts for group functions and special events, maximising stock utilisation.

• Conduct mid-month and monthly beverage stock counts.

• Prepare and monitor annual Operating, Capex, and OE budgets, ensuring cost control and efficiency.

• Maximise revenue opportunities, monitor cash flow, and oversee stock, credit, and debtors management.

• Apply consistent and effective performance management, providing guidance, feedback, and fostering a culture of discipline.

• Perform HR-related administration, working closely with HR and other support functions to ensure compliance with procedures.

• Champion staff training and development programmes to build high-performance teams.

• Maintain positive working relationships with team members and other operational/support areas.

Knowledge, Skills and Qualities:

• Minimum 5 years experience in F&B operations in a supervisory role, with at least 3 years at management level.

• Degree/Diploma in Hospitality Management desirable.

• WSET/CWA certification advantageous.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a hands-on management approach.

• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with flexibility for shifting dynamics.

• Creative, innovative thinker with a passion for inspiring teams and exceeding guest expectations.

• Strong knowledge and passion for wines.

• Competent in restaurant administration, financial oversight, and cost control.

• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays, and long hours as required.

• Vibrant, professional, and service-orientated outlook.

Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will have a strong background and focused experience in Food & Beverage operations, rather than having rotated through multiple unrelated departments. A genuine passion for guest service and experience is essential, along with the ability to lead and inspire a team while managing back-of-house operations with exceptional organisational skills. Candidates with prior experience in 5-star hotels, luxury properties, or premium game lodges will be considered, provided they demonstrate excellence and attention to detail.

Key Requirements:

• Proven track record in delivering high standards of service and operational efficiency in upscale restaurants.

• Experience managing high-volume operations in fast-paced, quality-driven settings.

• Minimum of 6 years in a managerial role across at least two recognized high-end restaurants.

• Strong operational oversight, ideally managing multiple outlets including restaurants, bars, in-room dining, and pool service.

• Skilled in HR functions including recruitment, training, team development, and employee relations.

• Competent in inventory control, stock takes, and F&B cost management.

• Highly structured with excellent planning, scheduling, and organisational skills.

• Hands-on leadership approach, proactive and energetic in operational management.

• Meticulous attention to detail, maintaining high standards of quality and consistency.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated and experienced hospitality professional to lead Food & Beverage operations at a luxury wine farm, driving both operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences.