Kitchen & Food Operations Controller & Manager

The Talent Room; George; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in George, Western Cape, seeks a Kitchen/Food Operations Controller/Manager responsible for daily operations and compliance in a high-volume food service environment. Key responsibilities include overseeing food preparation, managing stock control, ensuring food safety compliance, and supervising staff. Proven experience in kitchen management and knowledge of HACCP principles are essential. This role offers an opportunity to lead a dynamic team and ensure excellent food service quality.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a kitchen management or food controller role.
• Experience in high-volume food production environments.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene.
• Basic stock control, costing, and reporting experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily food preparation and service activities.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
• Manage ordering, receiving, and storage of food ingredients.
• Supervise and train kitchen and food service staff.
• Monitor food cost percentages and production costs.

Skills

Kitchen management experience

Food safety knowledge

HACCP principles

Strong organizational skills

Staff training and supervision

Job description

Kitchen/Food Operations Controller | Manager The Talent Room•George, Western Cape, ZA

The Kitchen / Food Operations Controller / Manager is responsible for the daily control, compliance, and performance of the in-store kitchen or food service operation. This role ensures consistent food quality, strict adherence to food safety standards, effective stock and cost control, and efficient staff management within a high-volume retail convenience environment.

Food Production & Operations

• Oversee daily food preparation, cooking, and food service activities.
• Ensure all products are prepared according to approved recipes, portion controls, and quality standards.
• Plan daily and weekly production levels based on sales forecasts and demand.
• Monitor food displays to ensure freshness, presentation, and availability throughout trading hours.
• Control wastage, shrinkage, and production losses within set targets.

Stock Control & Ordering

• Manage ordering, receiving, and storage of food ingredients, packaging, and consumables.
• Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly stock counts and investigate variances.
• Ensure FIFO stock rotation and expiry-date controls are strictly followed.
• Liaise with suppliers regarding deliveries, shortages, pricing, and quality issues.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and HACCP standards.
• Maintain up-to-date health certificates, temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and audit documentation.
• Conduct regular food safety and hygiene inspections and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure staff adhere to PPE, hygiene, and cleanliness requirements at all times.

Staff Supervision & Training

• Supervise, train, and schedule kitchen and food service staff.
• Ensure staff are trained on food safety, hygiene, and operational procedures.
• Monitor staff attendance, performance, and productivity.
• Enforce company policies, discipline, and operational standards.

Financial Control & Reporting

• Monitor food cost percentages, production costs, and labour efficiency.
• Complete daily production, waste, and sales reports.
• Assist store management with budgeting, forecasting, and cost‑control initiatives.

Equipment & Facility Management

• Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained, clean, and in good working order.
• Report equipment faults, maintenance requirements, or safety risks promptly.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a kitchen management, food controller, or similar role.
• Experience in high-volume food production, retail, or supermarket kitchens.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and HACCP principles.
• Basic stock control, costing, and reporting experience.

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

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