Chef Manager - Umhlanga

Thorburn Security Solutions (Pty) Ltd; Durban; On-site; ZAR 446,000 - 837,000; Full time

Job summary

TsAfrika is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to oversee the full catering operation at a client site in Durban. You will manage food production, maintain top quality, control costs and lead a high-performing kitchen and service team. The role requires strong leadership and a customer-centric approach.

You will drive service excellence, uphold food safety standards, and nurture client relationships while delivering TsAfrika's commitment to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Relevant culinary qualification or professional cookery diploma.
• 3–5 years’ experience as Chef Manager or catering manager.
• Experience managing large-scale catering operations.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and health and safety standards.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Proficient in budgeting and food cost controls.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operation of the kitchen and catering service.
• Plan and oversee food preparation, production, and presentation.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety.
• Manage food costs, budgets, stock control, and wastage.
• Lead, coach, and develop kitchen and service staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food safety regulations.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Monitor operational performance and implement continuous improvements.
• Ensure all services are delivered in line with TsAfrika and client requirements.

Skills

Planning

Delivering results

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Commercial awareness

Financial acumen

Relationship management

Technical expertise

Education

Culinary Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

TsAfrika is seeking an experienced and results-driven Chef Manager to oversee the full catering operation at a client site. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing food production, maintaining exceptional quality standards, controlling costs, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and leading a high-performing team. This role requires strong culinary expertise, leadership capability, and a customer-centric approach to deliver outstanding dining experiences while achieving operational and financial objectives. The Chef Manager will foster positive client relationships, drive service excellence, and uphold TsAfrika's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

As a leading African Integrated Workplace Management Solutions Provider, Tsebo Solutions Group offers clientsreduced costs, risk and complexitiestogether withincreased quality, efficiency and productivity. We specialise inCatering,Facilities Management,Cleaning and Hygiene,Pest Control,Protection,Energy,Procurement,Workspace Design,Engineering, Remote Camps, and more. Developing our people– the heart of Tsebo – is the foundation of our purpose. The result is a knowledgeable workforce that is in touch with every nuance of our clients’ needs. DOWNLOAD OUR ONE-PAGER to find out more about who we are in a nutshell.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operation of the kitchen and catering service.
• Plan and oversee food preparation, production, and presentation.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety.
• Manage food costs, budgets, stock control, and wastage.
• Lead, coach, and develop kitchen and service staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food safety regulations.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Monitor operational performance and implement continuous improvements.
• Ensure all services are delivered in line with TsAfrika and client requirements.

Skills and Competencies

• Planning and organising
• Delivering results and meeting customer expectations
• Leadership and team development
• Communication and relationship management
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Commercial awareness and cost management
• Strong financial acumen
• Relationship management and Interpersonal skills
• Technical expertise

Qualifications

• Relevant Culinary Qualification or Professional Cookery Diploma.
• At least 3-5 years' experience in a Chef Manager or similar Catering management role.
• Experience managing large-scale catering operations.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and health and safety standards.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Office).
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and food cost controls.
• Must be able to do a full set of menutec books
• Must be strong in functions and administration
• Valid drivers license a must