Pongola: Restaurant Manager posted by Lodgistics Recruitment

February 3, 2026 Jobs in Pongola

Lodgistics Recruitment

UPhongolo

Catering / hospitality

Job Description

Job Title Restaurant Manager Reports To Food and Beverage Manager Job Purpose The Restaurant Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the lodge’s restaurant operations, ensuring exceptional five-star service delivery, seamless guest dining experiences, and effective supervision of service staff. This role focuses on service excellence, staff leadership, and operational efficiency, while supporting the Food & Beverage Manager in achieving overall departmental objectives. Duties and Responsibilities Restaurant Operations  Manage daily restaurant operations including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special dining experiences (boma dinners, bush dinners, private dining).  Ensure smooth coordination between front-of-house service staff, kitchen, and bar.  Maintain consistent five-star service standards and dining presentation. Guest Experience & Service Excellence  Deliver warm, professional, and personalised dining experiences aligned with luxury safari lodge standards.  Engage with guests to understand preferences, dietary requirements, and special occasions.  Proactively resolve guest complaints and service issues to ensure guest satisfaction. Team Leadership & Supervision  Supervise, schedule, and motivate waiters, hosts, and service supervisors.  Conduct on-the-job training in service standards, etiquette, menu knowledge, and wine service.  Support performance management, discipline, and staff development in line with South African labour legislation. Quality, Hygiene & Compliance  Ensure compliance with food safety (HACCP), health & safety regulations, and lodge SOPs.  Maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and presentation standards in all restaurant and service areas.  Ensure responsible alcohol service in accordance with South African liquor legislation. Stock & Cost Control  Assist with stock control, beverage counts, breakages, and wastage reporting.  Monitor service equipment, linen, and tableware and report shortages or damage.  Support cost-control initiatives without compromising service quality. Administrative & Reporting Duties  Prepare daily service reports and provide feedback to the Food & Beverage Manager.  Assist with rosters, attendance tracking, and leave planning.  Participate in departmental meetings and training sessions. Core Competencies  Strong leadership and people-management skills.  Exceptional guest service and communication abilities.  High attention to detail and service consistency.  Good organisational and time-management skills.  Problem-solving ability and calmness under pressure.  Team-oriented with a hands-on leadership approach.  Professionalism, integrity, and accountability. Working Environment  Luxury five-star safari lodge in a remote Big Five reserve.  Guest-facing, fast-paced environment requiring professionalism and attention to detail.  Flexible working hours including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and public holidays.  Close collaboration with the Food & Beverage Manager, Executive Chef, and Operations team. Email CVs to Apply Below

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About Catering / hospitality Jobs in UPhongolo

In UPhongolo, South Africa, the catering and hospitality industry is a significant sector, often contributing to the local economy through tourism, events, and everyday food service. Typically, this field experiences fluctuating demand, with peak seasons in summer and holiday periods. As such, professionals working in this sector must be adaptable and prepared for variable workload patterns.

Generally, catering and hospitality roles in UPhongolo offer a range of salary options, often falling within the R300 000 to R600 000 per annum bracket, depending on experience, company size, and industry sector. Salaries can vary widely due to factors such as qualifications, years of service, and specific job responsibilities. However, it is essential to note that actual salaries may differ significantly from these broad estimates.

Common skills for catering and hospitality roles typically include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, ability to multitask under pressure, basic knowledge of food preparation and presentation, strong customer service skills, organisational and time management abilities, and a willingness to work flexible hours. In some cases, technical certifications or specific industry qualifications may also be beneficial for career advancement.

The catering and hospitality industry is diverse, with various sectors employing these roles. Financial services sector establishments often have large food and beverage operations, while technology companies may host corporate events requiring catering services. Manufacturing and retail industries also frequently require catering staff to manage their in-house restaurants or canteens.

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In this field, career development opportunities are common. Many professionals start as entry-level positions or trainees and progress to management roles or specialist areas such as food and beverage control or menu planning after a few years of experience. Additionally, there are various training programs and certifications available for those looking to advance their skills or transition into related fields like hotel management or culinary arts.

This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.

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