Rupert and Rothschild Vignerons, an iconic brand in the global wine industry, based in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley is currently recruiting. Join the R&R team where excellence is crafted, respect is cherished, and integrity is our hallmark. We are looking for a Hospitality Excellence Manager who shares our commitment to these values.
The successful candidate will report directly to the Global Sales and Marketing Manager.
Key areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, tasting centre and kitchen, ensuring a seamless and consistent guest experience across the hospitality department;
• Lead, schedule, support and evaluate the hospitality team, including front-of-house, tasting room and kitchen employees;
• Recruit and train employees in accordance with company standards and ensure ongoing coaching and development;
• Maintain high standards of service, food quality, wine presentation, cleanliness and overall facility appearance;
• Ensure effective communication and coordination between the restaurant, tasting centre, kitchen and relevant internal departments;
• Manage reservations, guest flow and daily operational requirements to ensure efficient service;
• Build strong guest relationships and handle queries, feedback and complaints professionally and timeously;
• Manage stock levels, purchasing and supplier relationships for food, beverages, operating supplies and equipment;
• Monitor stock controls, wastage, breakages and cost of sales, and implement corrective action where required;
• Assist with menu, tasting and experience development, pricing and seasonal offerings in collaboration with the relevant teams;
• Prepare and manage the hospitality budget, monitor expenditure and support the achievement of revenue and profitability targets;
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, health and safety, liquor licence and other applicable statutory requirements;
• Maintain accurate operational, financial, staff and compliance records and prepare reports for management;
• Support hospitality events, special functions, trade visits and VIP experiences as required;
• Work with the Sales and Marketing team to promote the hospitality offering and ensure that it is aligned with the Rupert & Rothschild brand.
Skills and competencies:
• Sound understanding of restaurant, tasting room and kitchen operations;
• Strong organisational, leadership and people-management skills;
• Hands-on management approach and the ability to work effectively in a small team;
• Excellent guest relations, communication and conflict-resolution skills;
• Commercial awareness, including budgeting, stock control and cost management;
• High attention to detail and a commitment to consistent service and quality standards;
• Ability to prioritise, solve problems and remain calm in a fast-paced hospitality environment;
• Proficient in point-of-sale and reservation systems (Pilot advantageous);
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office.
Knowledge and Experience:
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Hospitality Management, Food and Beverage Management or a related field;
• At least 5 years’ hospitality experience, including experience in a supervisory or management position;
• Practical experience overseeing restaurant or food-and-beverage operations, including kitchen coordination;
• Experience in a wine estate, tasting room or premium hospitality environment would be advantageous;
• Good local and international wine knowledge would be advantageous;
• Working knowledge of food safety, health and safety and liquor legislation;
• Valid driver’s licence and own reliable transport.
Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons is committed to Employment Equity. Preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups, in line with the Company's Employment Equity Policy.
If you meet the above requirements, please submit your application, together with contactable references, to the HR Department at recruitment@rupert-rothschildvignerons.com by no later than 21 August 2026.
Should you not receive feedback within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.