Senior Restaurant Manager

Job Description

Senior Restaurant Manager | Luxury Wine Farm

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Restaurant Manager to join a luxury wine farm in Stellenbosch. This high-level role is responsible for leading the hotel’s Food & Beverage operations, maximising performance and profitability while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Purpose: Direct operations within the hotel’s Food & Beverage outlets to create a positive and productive work environment, ensuring superior guest service and compliance with quality, hygiene, and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the hotel restaurant team with service excellence while maintaining operational standards and driving innovation.
• Maintain overall responsibility for F&B service across restaurants, bars, and room service.
• Oversee daily operations, creating a proactive and engaging environment for team members.
• Plan and execute concepts for group functions and special events, maximising stock utilisation.
• Conduct mid-month and monthly beverage stock counts.
• Prepare and monitor annual Operating, Capex, and OE budgets, ensuring cost control and efficiency.
• Maximise revenue opportunities, monitor cash flow, and oversee stock, credit, and debtors management.
• Apply consistent and effective performance management, providing guidance, feedback, and fostering a culture of discipline.
• Perform HR-related administration, working closely with HR and other support functions to ensure compliance with procedures.
• Champion staff training and development programmes to build high-performance teams.
• Maintain positive working relationships with team members and other operational/support areas.

Knowledge, Skills and Qualities:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in F&B operations in a supervisory role, with at least 3 years at management level.
• Degree/Diploma in Hospitality Management desirable.
• WSET/CWA certification advantageous.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a hands-on management approach.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with flexibility for shifting dynamics.
• Creative, innovative thinker with a passion for inspiring teams and exceeding guest expectations.
• Strong knowledge and passion for wines.
• Competent in restaurant administration, financial oversight, and cost control.
• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays, and long hours as required.
• Vibrant, professional, and service-orientated outlook.

Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate will have a strong background and focused experience in Food & Beverage operations, rather than having rotated through multiple unrelated departments. A genuine passion for guest service and experience is essential, along with the ability to lead and inspire a team while managing back-of-house operations with exceptional organisational skills. Candidates with prior experience in 5-star hotels, luxury properties, or premium game lodges will be considered, provided they demonstrate excellence and attention to detail.

Key Requirements:

• Proven track record in delivering high standards of service and operational efficiency in upscale restaurants.
• Experience managing high-volume operations in fast-paced, quality-driven settings.
• Minimum of 6 years in a managerial role across at least two recognized high-end restaurants.
• Strong operational oversight, ideally managing multiple outlets including restaurants, bars, in-room dining, and pool service.
• Skilled in HR functions including recruitment, training, team development, and employee relations.
• Competent in inventory control, stock takes, and F&B cost management.
• Highly structured with excellent planning, scheduling, and organisational skills.
• Hands‑on leadership approach, proactive and energetic in operational management.
• Meticulous attention to detail, maintaining high standards of quality and consistency.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated and experienced hospitality professional to lead Food & Beverage operations at a luxury wine farm, driving both operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences.