General Manager

Introduction

Location: Lower Sabie, Kruger National Park

Position Overview: Reporting to the Area Manager

The Restaurant General Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of restaurant operations to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, profitability, and efficiency. This role requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Oversee daily operations to ensure smooth functioning and adherence to company standards and policies

• Manage front-of-house and back-of-house activities, including food preparation, customer service, inventory and stock management.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Staff Management

• Recruit, train, and develop all restaurant staff, including managers

• Schedule and supervise staff to ensure adequate coverage and optimal performance.

• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback and support.

• Scheduling staff according to a well planed roster, and also keeping weather in mind

Customer Service

• Ensure exceptional customer service by addressing and resolving customer complaints promptly and professionally.

• Develop and implement guest loyalty programs to enhance customer retention and satisfaction.

• Engage with customers to gather feedback and improve service quality.

Financial Management

• Monitor and manage the restaurant’s financial performance, including budgets, sales targets, and profitability.

• Analyse financial reports and implement strategies to achieve revenue and cost targets.

• Oversee inventory control to minimize waste and optimize stock levels.

• Making sure all daily variances are accurate and explainable

Marketing and Promotion

• Plan and execute marketing strategies to attract new customers and increase brand awareness.

• Coordinate promotional activities and special events 4 weeks in advance to drive sales and enhance the restaurant’s reputation.

• Collaborate with the marketing team to create and distribute promotional materials including Instagram

Quality Assurance

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

• Implement and monitor standard operating procedures to ensure consistency across all operations.

• Conduct regular inspections and audits to identify and address areas for improvement.

Reporting and Communication

• Prepare and present regular reports on operational performance, financials, and key aspects to the Area Manager

• Communicate effectively with staff, customers, and senior management to ensure alignment and address any issues.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Essential Requirements

• 3–5+ years’ experience in restaurant/hospitality management , ideally at General Manager, Restaurant Manager or Senior Operations Manager level.

• Proven experience managing both front-of-house and back-of-house operations .

• Strong staff management and leadership experience, including recruitment, training, performance management and rostering.

• Experience managing restaurant financials , including budgets, sales targets, cost control and profitability.

• Strong understanding of stock control, inventory management, wastage and daily variance reporting .

• Experience working with POS systems, cash-ups and daily financial reports .

• Strong knowledge of health, safety, hygiene and food safety standards .

• Proven ability to handle customer complaints and guest relations professionally.

• Experience planning promotions, events and marketing initiatives , including social media/Instagram.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan staffing according to expected business levels and weather conditions .

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with staff at all levels.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced restaurant environment .

• Willingness to live and work in a remote location at Lower Sabie, Kruger National Park.

• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays and varying shifts .

Advantageous

• Previous experience working in a lodge, game reserve, safari lodge or remote hospitality environment .

• Experience managing a high-volume restaurant .

• Hospitality management qualification or relevant formal training.

• Experience with Instagram/social media marketing and promotional campaigns .

• Experience working with tourists, international guests or luxury hospitality clients .

• Valid driver's licence.