Bushwise

Restuarant Manager

Bushwise  •  Knysna, ZA (Onsite)  •  2 months ago
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Job Description


Overview

We are seeking an experienced and highly hands-on Restaurant Manager to lead a vibrant, high-volume pub and grill located in the heart of Knysna. This well-established venue is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, classic pub fare, and strong local following.
The successful candidate will be a true operator at heart—someone who thrives on the floor, leads from the front, and is deeply involved in the day-to-day running of the business.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

  • Oversee daily restaurant and bar operations, ensuring smooth service across all shifts

  • Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and service delivery

  • Take a hands-on approach during service, stepping in wherever needed

  • Manage opening and closing procedures, cash-ups, and stock control

  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and licensing regulations

Team Leadership

  • Recruit, train, and manage FOH and BOH staff

  • Lead from the front with a strong, visible presence on the floor

  • Drive a high-performance, accountable team culture

  • Schedule staff effectively in line with trading patterns

  • Conduct performance management, coaching, and disciplinary processes where required

Customer Experience

  • Maintain a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere where guests feel valued

  • Handle customer feedback and resolve complaints professionally and efficiently

  • Be present and engaged during peak service periods

Financial Management

  • Manage budgets, cost controls, and profitability targets

  • Monitor food and beverage costs, wastage, and stock variances

  • Analyse sales trends and implement strategies to increase revenue

Marketing & Events

  • Support and execute promotions, specials, and events (e.g. live music, themed evenings)

  • Work with marketing initiatives to drive foot traffic and repeat business


Requirements


Requirements

  • Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a Restaurant or Pub Manager role

  • Proven experience in a busy, high-volume environment

  • A strong, hands-on operator who is not afraid to get involved at every level of the business

  • Action-oriented mindset with the ability to make quick, effective decisions

  • Willingness to work long and demanding hours, especially during peak trading periods

  • Exceptional staff management skills, with a track record of building, motivating, and managing high-performing teams

  • Solid understanding of stock control, cost management, and reporting

  • Excellent customer service and communication skills
Bushwise

About Bushwise

Your wild career starts OUT HERE!

At Bushwise, we offer professional safari, wildlife, and conservation courses designed to turn your passion for the wild into a thriving career.

We provide world-class training, real-world experience and 360-degree recruitment support to ensure you land your dream job!

🐾 97% employment rate

🐾 Only Bushwise trains to NQF4

🐾 Employment guarantee

🐾 Exclusive IFGA Southern Africa provider

🐾 Award-winning trainers

🐾 Trusted for 20+ years

*Bushwise Foundation Grants are available to cover up to 40% of course fees.

Industry
Education & Training
Company Size
51-200 employees
Headquarters
Hoedspruit, ZA
Year Founded
2006
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