Restaurant and Gastropub General Manager

Cape Town CBD | New Restaurant Opening

We’re looking for a dynamic, experienced and hands-on Restaurant General Manager to lead the team at an exciting new restaurant and gastropub opening in the Cape Town CBD.

This is an opportunity to join a new hospitality concept from the beginning and play a key role in establishing the restaurant’s culture, service standards, operational systems and guest experience.

The ideal candidate is a confident hospitality professional who is passionate about food, service, people and performance, and who thrives in a busy, high-energy environment.

You will be responsible for leading the front-of-house operation, managing the team, driving service standards and ensuring the restaurant operates efficiently and profitably.

YOU SHOULD BE:

• A natural leader with a strong, people-first management style.
• Passionate about hospitality, food, drinks and exceptional service.
• Confident and decisive, with the ability to make quick and informed operational decisions.
• Highly organised and comfortable managing staff, rosters, stock, cash-ups and administration.
• Commercially minded, with an understanding of restaurant performance and cost control.
• Energetic, positive and solutions-focused.
• Comfortable leading a team through busy services and high-pressure periods.
• Hands-on and willing to get involved wherever required.
• Professional, well-presented and an excellent communicator.
• Passionate about creating an atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Restaurant Operations

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the restaurant.
• Lead and manage front-of-house operations during service.
• Maintain consistently high standards of food, service, cleanliness and guest experience.
• Ensure smooth communication between front and back of house.
• Manage opening, service and closing procedures.
• Identify operational issues and implement practical solutions.

People & Leadership

• Recruit, train, manage and motivate the restaurant team.
• Establish clear service standards and hold the team accountable.
• Manage staff performance, attendance and conduct.
• Prepare and manage weekly staff rosters.
• Build a positive, professional and high-performing team culture.

Financial & Stock Management

• Monitor daily sales and restaurant performance.
• Manage cash-ups and daily financial controls.
• Assist with budgets and cost control.
• Manage stock levels, ordering and receiving.
• Monitor wastage and stock variances.
• Work closely with the kitchen team to maintain food and beverage cost controls.

Guest Experience

• Be visible and engaged on the floor.
• Build relationships with regular guests.
• Handle guest feedback and complaints professionally.
• Ensure the restaurant consistently delivers an energetic, welcoming and memorable experience.
• Help develop initiatives to drive repeat business and sales.

Launch & Growth

As this is a new opening, the successful candidate will also be involved in:

• Preparing the restaurant for opening.
• Developing and implementing operational procedures.
• Training the team before opening.
• Conducting trial services and identifying operational improvements.
• Establishing service standards and systems.
• Helping build the restaurant's reputation and customer following from day one.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 4–5 years' experience in restaurant management, preferably in a busy, high-quality restaurant, gastropub or similar hospitality environment.
• Previous experience as a Restaurant Manager, General Manager or senior FOH manager.
• Strong understanding of both front and back of house operations.
• Proven experience managing and leading a restaurant team.
• Strong knowledge of restaurant service, stock control and operational procedures.
• Excellent communication, presentation and leadership skills.
• Strong administrative and organisational ability.
• Computer literate.
• Must be comfortable working night shifts, weekends and public holidays.
• Must be available to work a 6-day working week, according to the restaurant's operational requirements.
• Must be able to reliably commute to Cape Town CBD.

WHAT WE OFFER

Salary: R20,000 – R25,000 per month, depending on experience and suitability for the role.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced restaurant manager to take on a key leadership position in a new hospitality concept, with significant opportunity to grow alongside the business.

Location: Cape Town CBD
Position: Restaurant General Manager
Salary: R20,000 – R25,000 per month
Working hours: 6 days per week, including evenings, weekends and public holidays
Start date: September 2026

TO APPLY

Please submit:

• Your CV
• A recent photograph
• A brief cover letter
• Contactable references

Due to the high volume of applications, if you have not heard from us within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Job Types: Full-time, Temp to perm

Pay: R20 000,00 - R25 000,00 per month

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Cape Town, Western Cape: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Education:

• High School (matric) (Preferred)

Experience:

• General Management: 4 years (Preferred)

Location:

• Cape Town, Western Cape (Required)

Work Location: In person