Location: Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, Northern Drakensberg

Job Type: Full-Time, live-in

 

Job Description:

Overview:

We need an experienced Food & Beverage Manager to lead our food & beverage operations at Witsieshoek, a rural mountain lodge, catering to hikers. As the Food & Beverage Manager, you will play a pivotal role in creating a great dining experience while ensuring a high-quality of food and beverage service.

Key Responsibilities:

 F&B Operations:

  • Oversee all aspects of food and beverage operations, including the restaurant and bar.
  • Design and curate menus that cater to the lodge’s target audience, incorporating seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
  • Manage inventory, order goods, and maintain cost-effective purchasing practices.
  • Conduct regular stock takes before placing orders and obtain management approval for high-value orders.
  • Ensure food and beverage service standards are consistently met and exceeded.

Team Leadership and Development:

  • Lead, recruit, train, and motivate a talented kitchen and service staff team.
  • Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
  • Emphasize teamwork, excellence, and guest satisfaction.

Quality Assurance:

  • Maintain compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe and clean kitchen and dining area.
  • Enforce adherence to food safety standards and quality control measures.
  • Handle customer feedback and complaints promptly and professionally.

Financial Management:

  • Assume responsibility for budgeting, cost control, and monitoring expenses. This includes both management of the process as well as capturing information into the Property Management System.
  • Work to maximize revenue, profit margins, and overall profitability in F&B operations.

Menu Innovation:

  • Stay updated with culinary trends and create innovative menu offerings to enhance guest experiences.
  • Collaborate with the lodge management team to develop pricing strategies for food and beverages.

Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in food and beverage management, preferably in a remote or rural setting.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Culinary and menu planning expertise.
  • Knowledge of F&B cost control and inventory management.
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills.
  • Familiarity with health and safety regulations and food handling practices.

Additional Information:

  • This position requires flexible working hours, including weekends and holidays, to accommodate lodge guests.
  • Candidates with a passion for culinary excellence, creative menu development, and a flair for hospitality will be highly regarded.

 

If you are an experienced Food & Beverage Manager with a passion for food and meet the qualifications for this role, please submit your resume and a cover letter to IWantToWork@Witsieshoek.co.za detailing your relevant experience. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated Food & Beverage Manager to our team, dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our lodge guests in the heart of the mountains.