Assistant Catering Manager

Tsebo Solutions Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Tsebo Solutions Group is seeking a capable Catering Lead in Johannesburg to support the Catering Manager in delivering high-quality food and service. You will supervise daily operations, lead staff, coordinate recruitment and training, and ensure safety, hygiene, and cost controls across the unit.

You will drive continuous improvement, manage stock and inventory, monitor budgets, and collaborate with clients to meet service expectations.

Qualifications

• Matric is essential; hospitality focus preferred.
• Relevant qualification in Hospitality Management or Catering is advantageous.
• Minimum 3 years’ catering/hospitality/food services experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist Catering Manager in overall unit performance.
• Ensure high-quality food and service as per Tsebo standards.
• Supervise daily catering operations for efficient service.
• Lead, motivate, and develop catering staff to meet targets.
• Conduct daily staff briefings and foster communication.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.
• Monitor attendance, productivity, grooming, and policies.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, HACCP, hygiene, health & safety.
• Conduct food quality and service audits; implement corrective actions.
• Monitor waste, stock usage, and profitability.
• Assist with menu planning, recipe standardization, and costs.
• Manage stock, receiving, storage, and inventory control.
• Verify supplier deliveries meet quality standards.
• Assist with budgeting and cost-saving initiatives.
• Analyze sales trends and operational reports for decisions.
• Prepare monthly operational, financial, and client reports.
• Build relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints promptly.
• Ensure dining areas, kitchens, and storage meet standards.
• Conduct routine inspections for cleanliness and compliance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and Tsebo standards.
• Assist in implementing strategic objectives and best practices.
• Manage special events and hospitality services when required.
• Safeguard and utilize company assets effectively.
• Promote customer service excellence and teamwork.
• Stand in for Catering Manager during absence.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Planning & organizing

Financial acumen

Food safety knowledge

Computer literacy

Communication

Works under pressure

Education

Matric

Hospitality/Catering qualification

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the Catering Manager in the overall management and performance of the catering unit.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality food and service standards in accordance with Tsebo and client requirements.
• Supervise daily catering operations, ensuring efficient service delivery and operational excellence.
• Lead, motivate, and develop catering staff to achieve performance standards and operational objectives.
• Conduct daily staff briefings and ensure effective communication within the team.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance management of employees.
• Monitor staff attendance, productivity, grooming, and adherence to company policies.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, HACCP, hygiene, health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct regular food quality and service audits and implement corrective actions where required.
• Monitor portion control, food wastage, and stock usage to maximize profitability.
• Assist with menu planning, recipe standardization, and food cost management.
• Manage stock ordering, receiving, storage, stock counts, and inventory control processes.
• Verify supplier deliveries and ensure products meet quality standards and specifications.
• Assist with budget control and ensure the achievement of financial targets and cost‑saving initiatives.
• Analyze sales trends, consumption patterns, and operational reports to support decision‑making.
• Support the preparation of monthly operational, financial, and client reports. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, customers, and key stakeholders.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints promptly and professionally.
• Ensure dining areas, kitchens, equipment, and storage facilities are maintained to the highest standards.
• Conduct routine inspections to ensure cleanliness, maintenance, and compliance requirements are met.
• Assist in implementing innovation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and customer experience.
• Support the implementation of Tsebo's strategic objectives, operational standards, and best practices.
• Manage special events, functions, conferences, and hospitality services when required.
• Ensure all company assets are controlled, safeguarded, and utilized effectively.
• Drive a culture of customer service excellence, teamwork, accountability, and operational efficiency.
• Stand in for the Catering Manager during periods of absence and assume full responsibility for unit operations.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent customer service orientation.
• Good planning, organizing, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Financial acumen with knowledge of budgeting and cost control.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and health and safety regulations.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Matric
• Relevant qualification in Hospitality Management, Catering Management, Food Service Management, or a related field will be advantageous.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a catering, hospitality, or food services environment.