Guesthouse Manager / Kitchen Manager

The Talent Room; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

The Talent Room is assisting a client just outside George, South Africa, in finding a hands-on Guesthouse Manager / Kitchen Manager to oversee daily guesthouse operations and kitchen activities. The role focuses on delivering excellent guest experiences, maintaining high hospitality standards and coordinating kitchen and front‑of‑house functions.

The successful candidate will manage guest enquiries, bookings, check-ins/outs, kitchen production, stock control and staff scheduling, while upholding

Qualifications

• Experience in guesthouse, lodge, hotel or hospitality management.
• Proven experience in kitchen management, food preparation or catering.
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Good leadership and problem solving abilities.
• Knowledge of food safety, kitchen hygiene and stock control.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the guesthouse and ensure a welcoming environment for guests.
• Manage guest enquiries, bookings, check-ins and check-outs.
• Handle guest requests, complaints and queries professionally.
• Ensure guest rooms, communal areas and facilities are clean, presentable and well maintained.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking and food presentation.
• Plan menus and assist with meal preparation according to the establishment’s requirements.
• Manage food stock, inventory, ordering and supplier coordination.
• Monitor food costs, portion control and wastage.
• Supervise and coordinate staff across guesthouse and kitchen operations.
• Prepare staff schedules and allocate responsibilities where required.
• Train and motivate employees to maintain consistent service standards.

Skills

Guesthouse management

Kitchen management

Leadership

Customer service

Stock control

Food safety

Organisational skills

Communication

Job description

Our client, based just outside George, is seeking a hands‑on and experienced Guesthouse Manager / Kitchen Manager to oversee the daily operations of the guesthouse and manage kitchen activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring excellent guest experiences, maintaining high hospitality standards, coordinating kitchen operations and supporting the smooth running of the establishment.

Description:

Guesthouse management

• Oversee the daily operations of the guesthouse and ensure a welcoming environment for guests.
• Manage guest enquiries, bookings, check‑ins and check‑outs.
• Handle guest requests, complaints and queries professionally.
• Ensure guest rooms, communal areas and facilities are clean, presentable and well maintained.

Kitchen management

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking and food presentation.
• Plan menus and assist with meal preparation according to the establishment’s requirements.
• Manage food stock, inventory, ordering and supplier coordination.
• Monitor food costs, portion control and wastage.

Staff and operational management

• Supervise and coordinate staff across guesthouse and kitchen operations.
• Prepare staff schedules and allocate responsibilities where required.
• Train and motivate employees to maintain consistent service standards.

Requirements:

• Previous experience in guesthouse, lodge, hotel or hospitality management.
• Proven experience in kitchen management, food preparation or catering.
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Good leadership and problem‑solving abilities.
• Knowledge of food safety, kitchen hygiene and stock control.
• Ability to work hands‑on and manage multiple operational responsibilities.
• Reliable, professional and able to work under pressure.

Please note only candidates that meet the minimum requirements will be considered.