Arno van Zyl

I am actively seeking my next senior leadership role in Cape Town's hospitality sector. With over 25 years of progressive experience across fine dining restaurants, boutique luxury hotels, and owner-operated properties, I am looking for a General Manager, Assistant General Manager, or F&B Director position where I can bring immediate operational impact and commercial performance.

What I bring to the table:

• Proven track record of revenue growth, operational excellence, and cost control (consistently maintained 30-32% cost of sales)
• Deep expertise in team development, training program design, and building strong service cultures
• Guest experience obsessive – comfortable with both high-volume operations and intimate, high-touch luxury environments
• Strong commercial acumen with full P&L ownership experience
• Modern digital fluency (website development, online reputation management, SEO, social media strategy)
• Calm, grounded leadership style that thrives under pressure
• Intimate knowledge of Cape Town's hospitality market and guest expectations

Restaurant Leadership:

• General Manager at Sevruga Restaurant (V&A Waterfront) – achieved highest revenue per square meter in the Waterfront precinct, managing R200k+ daily turnover across 500+ covers with a 150+ person team, and awarded the highest GM performance bonus in company history
• General Manager at Manna Epicure & The Deckhouse (Kloof Street) – opened and operated dual-venue fine dining concepts
• General Manager at Kloof Street House – managed high-volume urban restaurant operations
• Director of National Operations at Coco Safar – led multi-site restaurant operations across Cape Town and Gauteng

• Owner/Operator of Maison Normandie Boutique Guesthouse (Fresnaye) – achieved 5-star guest ratings across all platforms and 100% pre-booked occupancy before COVID closure
• Head Concierge at Newbury Mansions Hotel (5-star, UK)
• Concierge at The Vineyard at Stockcross (Relais & Châteaux, 2 Michelin Stars, UK)
• Hotel Restaurant Manager at Cape Royale (5-star, Cape Town)

25+ years experience.