Red Ember Recruitment is seeking to hire an Area Operations Manager for our client based in Durban.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational performance of multiple restaurants within an assigned portfolio, ensuring operational excellence, compliance, profitability, and strong leadership across all stores.

Operational Management

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  Oversee the smooth daily running of all restaurants within the assigned area.
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  Ensure all operational procedures and company standards are consistently executed.
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  Monitor industry and market trends that may impact the business.
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  Drive accountability and continuously improve restaurant operating standards.
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  Identify under performing restaurants and implement corrective action plans to improve operational performance and profitability.

Standards & Compliance

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  Conduct routine restaurant inspections to ensure compliance with operational standards.
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  Work closely with internal audit teams to maintain strong audit results and implement corrective measures where required.
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  Ensure strict adherence to occupational health and safety regulations and all relevant legislation.

Financial & Reporting Responsibilities

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  Identify operational and financial risks and implement corrective action plans.
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  Monitor restaurant adherence to financial policies, budgets, and operational processes.
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  Analyse restaurant profitability and support General Managers in achieving budgeted targets.
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  Monitor and manage restaurant P&L performance.
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  Submit daily, weekly, monthly, and ad hoc reports accurately and timeously.

Leadership & People Management

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  Provide leadership, coaching, and strategic guidance to restaurant management teams.
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  Support and manage employee relations in line with company policies and procedures.
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  Ensure labour costs are effectively managed while maintaining service standards.
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  Promote strong employee engagement and maintain high morale within teams.
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  Ensure training, retraining, succession planning, and employee development initiatives are implemented effectively.
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  Conduct weekly GM meetings to discuss results, opportunities, challenges, and operational performance.

Monthly Operational Tasks

The successful candidate will be required to complete the following monthly tasks across all assigned restaurants:

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  Safe audits, including petty cash checks.
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  Maintenance walk-through inspections.
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  Monthly employee engagement meetings.
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  Waste analysis.
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  Variance analysis.
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  P&L projections and expenditure management in line with company financial plans.

Store Visits

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  Work shifts aligned to operational requirements, including evenings where necessary.
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  Conduct regular restaurant visits across varying trading periods.
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  Perform additional operational duties as required by management.

Requirements

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  Proven multi-site restaurant or hospitality operations management experience.
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  Strong understanding of restaurant financials, budgeting, and P&L management.
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  Excellent leadership and people management skills.
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  Strong operational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
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  Sound knowledge of labour legislation, health & safety regulations, and operational compliance.
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  Ability to work flexible hours and travel between restaurants as operationally required.
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  Strong communication and reporting skills.

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  Leadership and coaching.
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  Operational strategy and execution.
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  Financial acumen.
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  Audit and compliance management.
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  Employee relations and labour management.
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  Performance improvement and profitability management.