Deli Manager / Head Chef (Pietermaritzburg)

Isilumko Staffing (JHB); Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 150,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a passionate Deli Manager & Head Chef to lead the deli division within a convenience store. This pivotal role involves overseeing daily operations, ensuring high standards of food quality and hygiene, and creating appealing meal options to attract customers. The ideal candidate will have strong culinary skills, leadership experience, and a commitment to exceptional service. Join a dynamic team where your contributions will enhance customer satisfaction and drive profitability. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are ready to make a significant impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in a supervisory role in food services.
• Relevant culinary qualification or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee deli operations, ensuring quality and hygiene.
• Train and motivate food services team for exceptional service.
• Develop menus and manage inventory to minimize wastage.

Skills

Culinary Skills

Leadership

Inventory Management

Communication Skills

Food Preparation Techniques

Cost Control

Education

Culinary Qualification

Matric

Food Safety Certification

Tools

Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems

Arch Software

Job description

The Deli Manager & Head Chef is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the deli division within the convenience store. This role includes managing cost centres, pricing strategies, food preparation, ensuring quality control, minimizing wastage of perishable products, and creating attractive, affordable meal options to draw in customers. The Deli Manager & Head Chef will also lead, train, and motivate the food services team to deliver exceptional service and maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Comply with requests from group management and assist with tasks outside of the ordinary day-to-day roles and responsibilities as reasonably requested.
2. Supervise and manage all aspects of the deli division, including food preparation, service, and cleanliness.
3. Develop and implement menus that incorporate perishable products into prepared or frozen meals, minimizing wastage.
4. Create affordable, appealing lunch options to attract weekday customers.
5. Ensure high standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene are maintained at all times.
6. Oversee the daily operations of the food services team, including Food Services Staff, Barista, and Cleaner.
7. Train, mentor, and motivate team members to deliver exceptional customer service and maintain high operational standards.
8. Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as needed, ensuring cost control and minimizing wastage.
9. Conduct regular stocktakes and manage the ordering process to ensure adequate stock levels are maintained.
10. Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback professionally and efficiently.
11. Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations and company policies related to food services.
12. Collaborate with the General Manager and Group Management Team to develop strategies for increasing sales and profitability of the deli division.
13. Consistently maintain order and ensure smooth operations at the forecourt and convenience store.

Qualifications:

1. Relevant culinary qualification or equivalent experience
2. Food safety and hygiene certification (advantageous)
3. Matric
4. Valid driver’s license

Experience:

1. 3 to 5 years of experience in a supervisory role within a food services environment
2. Proven experience as a chef or cook, with strong culinary skills

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Excellent culinary skills and knowledge of food preparation techniques
2. Strong leadership and team management abilities
3. Knowledge of inventory management and cost control
4. Basic computer literacy and experience with point-of-sale (POS) systems
5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
6. Retail knowledge and experience (advantageous)
7. Experience with speed points and Arch software (advantageous)

Attributes:

1. Honest, loyal, reliable, and trustworthy
2. Team player
3. Self-motivated
4. Operationally a hands-on person
5. Ability to work under pressure and deliver accurate work within a deadline-driven environment
6. Ability to multitask
7. Be independent and proactive
8. Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills
9. Ability to work with individuals at all levels of the organisation