Restaurant Manager – Premium Dining (Durban)

About the role

We are looking for a dynamic, hands‑on Restaurant Manager to lead a premium dining venue in Durban. The role combines guest‑focused service excellence with strong operational and financial oversight.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver a consistently exceptional and personalised dining experience, engaging with VIP guests and building lasting relationships.
• Lead front‑of‑house operations, overseeing service flow, reservations, seating and coordination with kitchen and bar teams.
• Recruit, train, coach and mentor staff, conducting daily briefings, service training and performance reviews.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, presentation, compliance and overall operational efficiency.
• Manage budgets, cost controls, daily revenue, stock control and waste, driving profitability and upselling of premium food and beverage offerings.
• Support special dining events, functions and initiatives that enhance the restaurant’s reputation.

Required profile

• Minimum 5 + years’ experience managing a restaurant, preferably in fine‑dining or high‑end hospitality.
• Strong leadership presence with a detail‑driven, hands‑on approach.
• Excellent knowledge of restaurant service, food, beverage and wine.
• Proven track record in team leadership, operational excellence and financial performance.
• Ability to work flexible hospitality hours, including weekends, public holidays and peak periods.