Vania Lock
Stellenbosch
Summary
At Precious Hidden Valley, I serve as a Restaurant Manager, focusing on providing exceptional fine dining experiences and fostering strong customer engagement. My current role builds on significant management experience, including contributing to the successful launch of TERRA at MERTIA Restaurant, where I collaborated with a skilled team to manage operations and deliver quality service.
My responsibilities have ranged from overseeing daily restaurant operations to managing bar service, administrative tasks, and supplier relations. Recognized for service excellence with the Restaurant Voice of South Africa award, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of hospitality and ensuring memorable dining experiences.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Manager
Precious Hidden Valley
Stellenbosch
12.2025 - Current
- Trained newly hired employees on service techniques, company procedures and safety processes.
- Worked closely with chef and cooks to determine menu plans for special events or occasions.
- Demonstrated leadership with hands-on approach in completing daily tasks and motivating team through pre-shift briefs.
- Trained Front of House (FOH) staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to ensure positive experience.
- Analysed customer feedback, initiating changes in service and menu offerings to address concerns and boost repeat business.
- Guaranteed compliance with food safety procedures and quality control guidelines.
- Managed conflict resolution among staff and with customers, diplomatically addressing issues to maintain a positive atmosphere.
- Balanced cash registers, reconciled transactions and deposited establishment's earnings.
- Educated staff members on procedural and menu changes.
- Directed staff in daily work assignments to help each achieve goals and uphold restaurant reputation.
- Championed 100% guest satisfaction by providing excellent dining experience.
- Ran operations successfully according to industry best practices and owner standards.
General Manager
TERRA Stellenbosch
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Oversaw the successful opening and establishment of TERRA, sister restaurant to MERTIA, managing all front-of-house operations.
- Lead a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and hospitality excellence.
- Implemented operational systems, service standards, and training structures to ensure consistency and guest satisfaction.
- Collaborated with ownership on menu development, brand positioning, and strategic direction to align with TERRA's identity as a refined, ingredient-driven dining destination.
- Developed and maintained cost controls, stock systems, and supplier relationships to optimise profitability and efficiency.
- Drive service training and team development, focusing on wine knowledge, table service, and guest engagement.
- Manage daily financials, staff scheduling, and performance tracking, ensuring smooth execution across all service periods.
General Manager
MERTIA Restaurant
Stellenbosch
09.2024 - 12.2025
- As the Manager at MERTIA Restaurant, I oversee daily operations and ensure exceptional service delivery in a high-pressure, customer-focused environment.
- Since joining the team, I have played a pivotal role in driving the restaurant's success, contributing to multiple prestigious awards, and recognition for excellence in the local culinary scene.
- Operations Management: Supervise front-of-house and back-of-house teams to ensure seamless service delivery, while maintaining high standards of food quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Staff Training and Development: Recruit, train, and mentor staff to foster a collaborative, motivated team culture, improving service quality and team performance.
- Customer Relationship Management: Cultivate strong customer relationships by ensuring personalised service and addressing customer feedback, and concerns.
- Award Achievement: Contributed to the restaurant's success in winning several industry awards through consistent focus on quality, innovation, and guest satisfaction.
- In addition to my primary responsibilities, I have recently taken on the management of administrative functions including: Accounting and Invoicing: Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including invoicing, processing payments, and monitoring cash flow.
- Admin Oversight: Handle the restaurant's administrative duties, such as supplier coordination, inventory management, and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
- My role has evolved significantly, and I continue to drive operational improvements while ensuring that MERTIA maintains its reputation for excellence.
General Manager
Mont Marie Restaurant
09.2023 - 08.2024
- Supervise staff of over 25 employees to include training, recruiting, and performance appraisal toward promotion.
- Responsible for all daily operations including schedule creation in order to provide the highest customer service and product available.
- Implemented inventive marketing strategies to drive increased sales with minimal impact on labor budgeting.
- Consistently control profits and losses by following company guidelines for labor and inventory management.
- Worked closely with cooks and management to establish inventory levels, resulting in a 20% decrease in food costs.
- Increased customer satisfaction from less than 50% to over 90%, by developing individual training plans for all employees.
- Maintained exceptional customer service.
Accounts Assistant
Procon Labels
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Processed vendor invoices for payment through accounting software within the company compliance process.
- Maintained all records, information, and documentation current to ensure the availability of timely answers to concerned parties.
- Performed administrative duties as assigned and assisted the Financial Controller on various projects.
- Achieved the deadline of clearing a 3 months backlog of work within a month with utmost efficiency and accuracy.
Sales Representative
Procon Labels
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Responsible for sales activities and meeting sales targets.
- Assisted with client management and contributed to team efforts.
- Negotiated long-term contracts with major clients, resulting in a 20% increase in repeat business and improved customer loyalty.
Front of House Manager
Mont Marie Restaurant
08.2021 - 07.2022
- Identify all issues in the team and provide continuous support to all members according to operating standards.
- Supervise the effective working of production personnel and prepare effective production schedules and ensure compliance to all company policies.
- Coordinate with equipment and process teams ensuring compliance to all protocols and maintain quality.
- Prepared necessary paperwork and administered all invoices on spreadsheet and maintain records of all documents.
- Analyzed staffing requirements and ensured efficient compliance to production schedules and budget for all production process.
- Supervised all areas of restaurant to keep it clean and well-maintained.
Waitress
The Fat Butcher
07.2018 - 08.2021
- Working with the kitchen team to ensure a high service standard and drive food and beverage sales in line with customer service standards.
- Reported to management.
- Consistently adhered to quality expectations and standards.
Head Hostess
The Fat Butcher
04.2021 - 07.2021
- Overseeing all front desk operations to ensure a perfect flow to the restaurant service.
- Providing high levels of customer engagement by giving outstanding hospitality services, and ensuring accurate bookings capture for restaurant guests.
Skills
- First Aid & Emergency Care
- Restaurant Management
- Budgeting
- Event planning
- Business networking
- Data-driven decision-making
- Policy development
- Financial analysis
- IT Proficiency
- Decision making
- Technical troubleshooting
- Product knowledge
- Customer engagement
Custom Section
- Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Two Star Award, 2025-03-01, MERTIA Restaurant
- Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Service Excellence Award, 2025-03-01, MERTIA Restaurant
- Luxe Awards 2025: Two Luxe Stars, 2025-02-01, MERTIA Restaurant
- Luxe Awards 2025: Service Excellence Award, 2025-02-01, MERTIA Restaurant
- Restaurant Voice of South Africa: Award for Service Excellence, 2024-12-01, MERTIA Restaurant
- Outstanding Dining Experience, 2024-12-01, Steve Steinfeld, MERTIA Restaurant
- JHP Gourmet Guide 2025: One Plate, 2024-11-01, MERTIA Restaurant
- JHP Gourmet Guide 2025: Service Excellence, 2024-11-01, MERTIA Restaurant
References
- The Fat Butcher, Gerhard Janse van Vuren, General Manager, +27 81 758 4234
- Procon Labels, Constant Visser, Owner & Director, +27 82 566 5555
- Mont Marie Restaurant, Pieter Vlok, Executive Chef & Owner, +27 72 307 0750
- MERTIA Restaurant, Marais Kirsten-Uys, Owner, +27 83 536 1733
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
Precious Hidden Valley
12.2025 - Current
General Manager
TERRA Stellenbosch
09.2025 - 12.2025
General Manager
MERTIA Restaurant
09.2024 - 12.2025
General Manager
Mont Marie Restaurant
09.2023 - 08.2024
Accounts Assistant
Procon Labels
08.2022 - 08.2023
Sales Representative
Procon Labels
08.2022 - 08.2023
Front of House Manager
Mont Marie Restaurant
08.2021 - 07.2022
Head Hostess
The Fat Butcher
04.2021 - 07.2021
Waitress
The Fat Butcher
07.2018 - 08.2021