Kitchen Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Key operational hub management

Professional development

Supportive work environment

Career advancement

Culinary excellence

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to oversee all kitchen operations, drive efficiency, quality, and safety. You will lead a kitchen team, manage inventory and costs, and ensure top culinary output for diverse clients.

The role requires at least 5 years in kitchen management, strong leadership, and a robust understanding of food safety, inventory control, and budgeting. Flexibility for varied shifts is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in kitchen management or high-volume catering.
• Proven staff leadership, training, and development experience.
• Strong HACCP and food-safety knowledge.
• Excellent inventory control, cost management, and budgeting skills.
• Outstanding organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Culinary background or certification is desirable.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage all daily kitchen operations including food preparation, cooking, and service.
• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff to foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Manage inventory: ordering, stock rotation, waste reduction.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Oversee food quality and presentation for consistency across dishes.
• Control kitchen costs: food and labor, to meet budgets.
• Maintain and service kitchen equipment in good working order.
• Develop and implement efficient kitchen workflows and procedures.
• Collaborate with sales/events for smooth service delivery.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Food safety

Inventory control

Budgeting

Time management

Communication

Problem solving

Culinary background

Education

Culinary certification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established catering company in the Mpumalanga region, operating out of Nelspruit , is seeking an experienced and highly organized Kitchen Manager. This role is critical for overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety standards are met consistently. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a comprehensive understanding of food production and inventory management, and a commitment to maintaining a clean and productive kitchen environment. You will be responsible for managing the kitchen team, controlling costs, and ensuring that all culinary output meets the high expectations of our client's diverse clientele. This is a significant opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a substantial impact within a respected catering organization in Nelspruit . We are looking for a dedicated leader focused on operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage all aspects of daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and service.
• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Manage inventory, including ordering supplies, stock rotation, and waste reduction.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Oversee food quality and presentation, ensuring consistency across all dishes.
• Control kitchen costs, including food and labor expenses, to meet budgetary goals.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure it is in good working order.
• Develop and implement efficient kitchen workflows and procedures.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as sales and events, to ensure smooth service delivery.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to kitchen staff.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in kitchen management, supervisory roles within catering, or high-volume food service operations.
• Proven experience in staff management, training, and development.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, health, and sanitation standards (e.g., HACCP certification).
• Excellent understanding of inventory control, cost management, and budgeting.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Culinary background or relevant certification is highly desirable.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• A proactive and problem-solving approach to operational challenges.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Opportunity to manage a key operational hub for a leading catering company in Nelspruit .
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• A supportive and challenging work environment.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.
• Contribution to maintaining high standards of culinary excellence.