The Food & Beverage Supervisor is responsible for supervising the daily Food & Beverage operations of the lodge and ensuring that guests receive a consistently high standard of service. The position provides hands-on leadership to the F&B team, coordinates meal services and assists with maintaining luxury hospitality standards. The successful candidate should be a confident and enthusiastic hospitality professional with strong guest relations skills, attention to detail and the ability to lead a team in a busy lodge environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise the daily Food & Beverage operations of the lodge.
- Ensure all meals, beverages and guest services are delivered to luxury standards.
- Lead; motivate and supervise the F&B team.
- Conduct daily staff briefings and allocate duties according to operational requirements.
- Coordinate breakfast, lunch, dinner, high tea, bush meals and special dining experiences.
- Ensure dining areas, bars and service areas are correctly prepared before each service.
- Welcome guests and provide attentive, personalised service throughout their dining experience.
- Take food and beverage orders and ensure they are communicated accurately to the relevant departments.
- Monitor service standards and ensure efficient and professional service.
- Ensure tables are correctly set and dining areas are maintained to a high standard.
- Assist with coordinating special occasions, private dinners and guest celebrations.
- Maintain good communication between the kitchen, lodge management and front-of-house teams.
- Ensure food and beverage stock is handled correctly and assist with stock control.
- Monitor beverage levels and assist with ordering and receiving stock.
- Ensure correct handling, storage and rotation of F&B products.
- Assist with controlling wastage and monitoring portion and stock usage.
- Handle guest requests, feedback and complaints professionally.
- Ensure guest preferences and dietary requirements are communicated to the relevant departments.
- Train and mentor junior F&B staff.
- Monitor staff performance, grooming and professional conduct.
- Ensure all hygiene, health and safety standards are maintained.
- Assist with maintaining accurate operational records and reports.
- Assist management with cost control and maintaining departmental budgets.
- Ensure equipment, crockery, cutlery and glassware are properly maintained and stored.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation throughout all F&B areas.
- Assist with opening and closing procedures.
- Take responsibility for the F&B operation in the absence of the F&B Manager or Lodge Manager when required.
Qualifications & Experience
- Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage Management or related qualification is advantageous.
- Minimum 2–3 years' experience in a Food & Beverage supervisory role.
- Previous experience in a luxury hotel, lodge, safari lodge or 5-star hospitality environment is highly advantageous.
- Strong knowledge of restaurant and bar operations.
- Experience supervising and training F&B staff.
- Experience with guest hosting and luxury service standards.
- Knowledge of stock control and basic cost control.
- Computer literate with good administrative skills.
- Knowledge of Point of Sale systems is advantageous.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent guest service and communication skills.
- Strong leadership and team-management abilities.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Good knowledge of food and beverage service.
- Strong problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Strong sales and upselling abilities.
- Ability to maintain high service standards.
- Good knowledge of food safety and hygiene procedures.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Personal Attributes
- Warm; friendly and approachable.
- Professional and well presented.
- Confident and outgoing.
- Passionate about hospitality and guest service.
- Energetic and enthusiastic.
- Hands-on and willing to assist the team.
- Reliable and responsible.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Strong work ethic.
- Calm and professional when dealing with difficult situations.
- Naturally service-oriented.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be comfortable working in a remote safari lodge environment .
- Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and public holidays.
- Willingness to work extended hours when operational requirements dictate.
- Must be comfortable assisting with different lodge operations when required.
- Previous safari lodge experience is highly advantageous.
- Knowledge of wines and beverages would be advantageous.
- A valid driver's licence is advantageous.
- Accommodation may be provided depending on the lodge's requirements.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
- Reports To: Lodge Manager / Food & Beverage Manager
- Supervises: Waiters, bartenders and other Food & Beverage staff as delegated by management.
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
The ideal candidate will be an experienced and hands-on Food & Beverage professional with previous supervisory experience in a luxury hospitality or safari lodge environment. They must have a passion for guest service, the ability to lead a team confidently and the flexibility to assist wherever required. The successful candidate should be comfortable working in a remote lodge environment and have a strong understanding of luxury dining, guest interaction, staff supervision, service standards and F&B operations .