General Manager - Fine Dining, High-End Restaurant

SUMMARY:
General Manager – High-End Restaurant

POSITION INFO:

General Manager – High-End Restaurant

Our client, a well-established, high-end restaurant in Sandton, Johannesburg has an opportunity for an experienced GM to join their team.

This role is suited to a strong, hands-on hospitality professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experience while leading high-performing teams.

You will play an active role in maintaining the restaurant’s reputation, assisting with marketing initiatives, and ensuring the team is motivated, well-trained, and aligned with service standards. This is a high-pressure role requiring strong leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to think on your feet.

Description: General Manager – Ultra-Luxury Fine Dining | Johannesburg

This is a rare opportunity to lead a fine dining restaurant in Sandton.

You’ll step into a flagship leadership role within a prestigious, high-end establishment, shaping the guest experience, leading a world-class team, and setting the benchmark for excellence.

We’re looking for a visionary operator who thrives in high-performance environments and takes pride in delivering exceptional service, unforgettable dining experiences, and flawless execution. If you’re driven by standards, detail, and impact, this is your platform to build something remarkable.

What You’ll Own

Operational Excellence

• Lead day-to-day restaurant operations, ensuring seamless execution across departments
• Implement and manage operational and maintenance action plans
• Oversee systems, troubleshoot issues, and ensure smooth functionality
• Maintain back-of-house security and compliance protocols

Guest Experience & Front of House Leadership

• Set and uphold exceptional service standards across all customer-facing areas
• Oversee FOH teams to ensure efficient, polished, and timely service
• Manage reservations and coordinate high-end events
• Ensure presentation, plating, and service delivery meet fine dining expectations

Commercial & Administrative Control

• Take ownership of cost of sales and drive profitability (GP%)
• Manage stock, ordering, and inventory control with precision
• Oversee cash handling, deposits, and financial procedures
• Ensure alignment between kitchen operations and menu availability

Team Leadership & Culture Building

• Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing team of 50+ staff
• Drive training, development, and continuous improvement across all roles
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and staff scheduling
• Foster a positive, disciplined, and high-accountability culture
• Lead from the front—setting the standard for professionalism, energy, and attention to detail

What You Bring

• Minimum 10 years experience; of which 5 years’ experience as a General Manager in a high-end or fine dining environment
• Proven track record managing large teams (50+ staff)
• Strong commercial acumen with hands-on cost and stock control experience
• Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to inspire and elevate teams; knowledge of LRA and BCEA. A flexible style, able to cope with the pressure of this role
• Deep commitment to customer experience and service excellence

If you’re ready to build, lead, and leave your mark on a truly premium dining experience, this role offers the platform to do it.