Assistant General Manager

We are looking for an experienced, energetic, and hands-on Assistant General Manager to join our busy restaurant team. The successful candidate will support the General Manager in overseeing the day-to-day operation of the restaurant, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, strong team performance, operational efficiency, and consistently high standards.

This is a fast-paced leadership role suited to someone who thrives under pressure, enjoys working with people, and is confident taking ownership of the restaurant when the General Manager is not present.

Key ResponsibilitiesOperations & Service

• Assist the General Manager with the overall day-to-day running of the restaurant.
• Ensure smooth and efficient service during busy periods and peak trading times.
• Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, service, cleanliness, presentation, and hospitality.
• Monitor restaurant operations and proactively resolve issues as they arise.
• Take responsibility for the restaurant in the General Manager's absence.
• Ensure opening, closing, cash-up, and daily operational procedures are completed correctly.
• Monitor table flow, reservations, wait times, service standards, and guest satisfaction.
• Work closely with the kitchen and front-of-house teams to maintain effective communication and service delivery.

Team Leadership & Staff Management

• Lead, motivate, coach, and develop restaurant staff.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Prepare and manage staff schedules in line with business requirements and labour budgets.
• Conduct pre-shift briefings and ensure the team understands daily priorities.
• Hold staff accountable for performance, attendance, appearance, conduct, and service standards.
• Promote a positive, professional, and respectful working environment.
• Identify training needs and provide ongoing coaching and development.

Guest Experience

• Deliver an exceptional level of hospitality and ensure guests receive prompt, friendly, and professional service.
• Handle guest complaints and difficult situations calmly and effectively.
• Follow up on guest feedback and identify opportunities to improve the customer experience.
• Build strong relationships with regular guests and contribute to customer retention.

Financial & Stock Control

• Assist with achieving sales, profitability, and cost-control targets.
• Monitor labour costs and ensure appropriate staffing levels throughout each shift.
• Assist with stock management, ordering, receiving, storage, and stock counts.
• Help control food, beverage, and operating costs while minimising waste and loss.
• Monitor cash handling and ensure all financial procedures are followed.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

Compliance, Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, health and safety, and licensing requirements.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the restaurant.
• Ensure staff follow company policies, procedures, and responsible service practices.
• Complete and maintain required operational and safety records.
• Report maintenance, equipment, safety, or compliance issues promptly.

Requirements

• Previous management or supervisory experience in a busy restaurant, hospitality, or food-service environment.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm, organised, and solution-focused under pressure.
• Strong understanding of restaurant operations and service standards.
• Good commercial awareness and understanding of labour, stock, and cost control.
• Excellent customer-service skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• A hands-on approach and willingness to lead from the front.
• Food safety and/or hospitality management qualifications would be advantageous.

Key Attributes

The ideal candidate will be:

• A natural leader who earns the respect of the team.
• Hands-on and willing to jump in wherever needed.
• Calm under pressure in a high-volume environment.
• Guest-focused and passionate about hospitality.
• Commercially minded with an eye on sales, costs, and profitability.
• Organised and accountable, with excellent attention to detail.
• Positive and energetic, with the ability to motivate others.
• A problem solver who takes initiative rather than waiting to be told what to do.

Key Performance Areas

Success in this role will be measured through:

• Guest satisfaction and service standards.
• Restaurant sales and profitability.
• Labour and stock cost control.
• Staff performance, retention, and engagement.
• Food safety, hygiene, and operational compliance.
• Efficient restaurant operations.
• Achievement of company standards and targets.

Working Conditions

This is a hands-on, full-time management position in a busy restaurant environment. The Assistant General Manager should expect to spend significant time on the restaurant floor, particularly during peak service periods.

The role requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, public holidays, and extended hours when required by the business.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: General Manager / Restaurant General Manager

Directly supports: Restaurant Supervisors, Front-of-House Team, Back-of-House Leadership and Restaurant Staff

Pay: R15 000,00 - R20 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person