Restaurant Night jobs

Nestled under the historic camphor trees at the Montebello Design Centre in Newlands, Cape Town, The Gardener’s Cottage is a beloved local institution. Known for our rich family heritage, exceptional service, and community-driven atmosphere, we pride ourselves on delivering a warm, seamless dining experience. We are looking for an energetic, dedicated, and highly organized Restaurant Manager to join our leadership team and uphold our high standards of hospitality.

As the Restaurant Manager, you will work closely with the General Manager (GM) to oversee daily front-of-house operations, manage staff, and ensure absolute guest satisfaction. This role requires flexibility, as our operating hours shift dramatically between the vibrant summer season and cozy winter months. You will be expected to step up and run the restaurant independently when the GM is off

A strong understanding of both front-of-house hospitality and back-of-house kitchen mechanics is vital for this role.

Key ResponsibilitiesOperational & Quality Control

• Daily Cash-Ups: Take full responsibility for opening and closing cash-ups, balancing floats, managing speedpoint machines, and resolving any financial discrepancies at the end of shifts.
• Quality Control: Maintain high standards of food, beverage, and service presentation. Ensure every plate and drink leaving the pass meets restaurant standards.
• Kitchen Synergy: Maintain a strong working relationship with the kitchen team. You must understand how the kitchen runs to ensure seamless timing, flow, and communication between front and back-of-house.

Stock Control & Administration

• Ordering & Supplier Relations: Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering daily and weekly inventory (F&B, consumables) from suppliers.
• Stock Control: Assist with regular stocktakes, minimize wastage, track variances, and ensure proper stock rotation (FIFO).
• Financial Awareness: Apply basic food costing principles to help manage margins and minimize operational losses.

Staff Leadership & HR Assistance

• Assist with human resources duties, including monitoring staff performance, training, and addressing daily staff queries or issues.
• Motivate, mentor, and supervise floor staff (waitrons, baristas, and runners) to maintain high morale and exceptional service.(red =Absolutely non negotiable skill)
• Enforce company policies, dress codes, and operational checklists.

Guest Relations

• Maintain a strong, warm presence on the floor, building rapport with our loyal Southern Suburbs regulars and new visitors alike.
• Handle guest feedback, complaints, and special requests with grace, efficiency, and a solution-oriented mindset.

Working Hours & Schedule

• The restaurant is strictly closed on Mondays.
• Time Off: 4 additional days off per month (enjoying a structured 5-day work week most weeks).
• Seasonal Shift Patterns:
• Winter (6 Months): 07:30 AM – 17:00 PM (Focus on daytime, breakfast, and lunch service).
• Summer (6 Months): Mainly dinner shifts, 14:00 PM – Close.
• Note: Flexibility is required to work double shifts as demanded by seasonal rushes and events.

Requirements & Qualifications Experience & Core Skills:

• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in a supervisory or shift-lead role within a busy, high-volume restaurant environment.
• Culinary Knowledge: Strong food and beverage knowledge, including an understanding of food costing and menu pricing.
• Back-of-House Insight: A solid understanding of kitchen operations, prep flows, and kitchen management dynamics.
• Admin Proficiency: Confident with daily cash-ups, stock management software and reservation systems. Must be computer literate: able to work POS and windows (Simple Pay and Xero knowledge is an advantage).

Attributes:

• Resilient, adaptable to seasonal changes, highly organized, and naturally hospitable.
• Logistics: Must have reliable transport to and from Newlands (especially for late-night summer finishes).
• Legal: Valid South African ID or work permit and own transport

What We Offer

• A supportive, long-standing team environment within a beautiful, iconic Cape Town setting.
• Structured time off with guaranteed closure on Mondays.
• Excellent opportunity for career growth and hands-on mentorship into senior restaurant management.

Pay: From R18 000,00 per hour

Experience:

• hospitality: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• drivers licence (Required)

Work Location: In person