Job Description

An opportunity has arisen for a highly experienced Senior Restaurant Manager to lead the launch of a prestigious new 280-seater restaurant, lounge and bar in Sea Point, Cape Town, on behalf of an established premium hospitality group.

This is the venue's senior operational leadership role. Reporting to the General Manager / Directors, you will own the complete front-of-house operation, command high-volume service, lead and develop a team of 40-plus, and carry full financial and commercial responsibility for labour, food and beverage costs and profitability. You will be visible on the floor, lead by example and set the standard for world-class service.

As this is a launch venue, the successful candidate will first complete a structured three-month training programme in Johannesburg before taking up the role in Cape Town.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete front-of-house operation and lead service during peak trading, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and presentation-perfect standards.
• Coordinate seamlessly with the Executive Chef and Bar Manager and drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Lead, mentor and inspire a team of supervisors, floor managers, hosts, bartenders and waitrons; recruit, train, develop and manage scheduling and productivity.
• Enforce company policies and disciplinary procedures and build a culture of accountability, teamwork and excellence.
• Operate the GAAP POS system; perform accurate daily cash-ups, reconciliation and banking, and maintain financial controls.
• Analyse daily sales and operational reports; monitor labour cost against budget; manage food and beverage cost percentages and maximise profitability.
• Manage stock ordering, receiving, weekly and monthly counts and inventory control; investigate variances immediately.
• Build relationships with regular and VIP guests and handle complaints professionally, driving repeat business.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, food-hygiene and liquor-licensing regulations and company operating procedures.

Requirements

• Minimum 5–8 years' management experience in a high-volume restaurant (250+ seats preferred), including premium or luxury venues.
• Proven leadership of teams exceeding 40 employees.
• Advanced GAAP POS knowledge, with proven competence in daily cash-ups, banking and financial reconciliation.
• Strong understanding of stock management and cost control.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Valid driver's licence is advantageous.
• Willingness to work a six-day week, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Able to complete a three-month training programme in Johannesburg and to be based in Cape Town.
• Must hold the right to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Salary: ZAR 50,000–60,000 per month, depending on experience.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Structured three-month training programme in Johannesburg ahead of the Cape Town launch.
• Career growth within a dynamic, expanding hospitality group.
• Further benefits to be confirmed during the recruitment process.

Additional Information

Start date: as soon as possible. The role begins with a three-month training programme in Johannesburg before relocating to the Sea Point, Cape Town venue. This is a senior six-day-per-week leadership role that includes evenings, weekends and public holidays. Candidates must hold the right to work in South Africa.

Disclaimer

We appreciate your interest in this vacancy. Due to the high number of applications we receive, only candidates selected to move to the next stage of the recruitment process can be contacted. Radiant does not charge any fee to candidates – all costs are always covered by the client.