Cape Town City Centre: Restaurant Manager posted by Karen Tupper Recruitment

An experience Restaurant Manager is sought to lead and manage the restaurant operations to ensure exceptional guest experiences, seamless service delivery, and alignment with the hotel’s brand, culture, and food & beverage offerings. The Restaurant Manager plays a critical role in team leadership, operational excellence, financial oversight, and fostering a high-performance, guest-centric environment. Key Responsibilities Gain a thorough understanding of the restaurant’s concept, brand positioning, and F&B offerings. Develop and execute strategies that bring the restaurant vision to life. Clearly communicate the concept and expectations to the team for alignment and buy-in. Ensure all service and operational standards reflect the hotel’s values and etiquette. Manage the delivery of memorable brand-aligned food experiences, special events, and seasonal promotions. Train, lead, and coach the service team to deliver outstanding guest service. Conduct training on SOPs, menus, wine service, and operational systems. Foster a respectful, motivated, and high-performing team culture. Provide regular, constructive performance feedback. Conduct daily team briefings and maintain consistent internal communication. Ensure adherence to grooming and uniform standards. Oversee the use and accuracy of key operational systems: Micros Symphony – for POS and daily operations reporting. Dineplan – for managing bookings, guest communications, and table availability. Timekeeping system – for managing attendance and scheduling compliance. Liaise with guests to handle bookings, special requests, and bespoke dining experiences. Create and manage detailed function sheets for group reservations and events in coordination with other departments. Lead bi-monthly beverage stock takes (including wine) and ensure accurate reporting. Conduct monthly Operating Equipment (OE) stock takes and reconciliations. Support budgeting processes with operational insights and proposals. Collaborate with the F&B Manager to manage expenses, implement cost control measures, and maintain effective financial processes. Identify and escalate FOH/BOH operational issues to the F&B Manager for timely resolution. Coordinate and document weekly F&B meetings, ensuring follow-up on key action points. Ensure all Health & Safety protocols are consistently practiced. Monitor hygiene, cleanliness, and safety across all FOH operations. Core Competencies Operational Expertise: Deep understanding of restaurant systems, daily operations, and service delivery. Wine Knowledge: Strong knowledge of wine varieties, food pairings, service standards, and cellar practices. Leadership & Team Development: Ability to lead, coach, and inspire a team to perform at their best. Communication Skills: Clear, assertive, and respectful communicator, especially in performance management. Systems Proficiency: Skilled in Micros Symphony, Dineplan, timekeeping, and stock management platforms. Financial Acumen: Experience with budgeting, expense tracking, and cost control. Planning & Organization: Strong organizational skills with a meticulous eye for detail. Guest Focused: Passionate about creating exceptional guest dining experiences. Professionalism: Highly responsible, reliable, and aligned with brand etiquette and culture. Preferred Qualifications & Experience SA Citizen Matric / Grade 12 qualification 3–5 years’ experience in a similar leadership role within a high-end or boutique hospitality environment. Formal training or certification in hospitality management or a related field (preferred). Wine service or sommelier training (advantageous). Must be able to work shifts.