Lead Chef & Kitchen Manager | Cafe & Roastery

Wine.Co.Za; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 7,700 - 10,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training

Management support

Career advancement opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Wine.Co.Za in Paarl, Western Cape seeks an experienced Commercial Kitchen Sanitation Manager to uphold the highest hygiene standards across all kitchens and service areas.

You will develop sanitation plans, train staff, conduct inspections, maintain records, and ensure HACCP compliance. The role requires flexible hours, leadership, and a proactive approach to risk management.

Join a respected hospitality group committed to guest safety and culinary excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a management or supervisory role focused on sanitation and hygiene within commercial kitchens or the food service industry.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety principles, HACCP, and relevant health regulations.
• Strong understanding of cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and commercial cleaning equipment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to conduct thorough inspections and implement corrective actions effectively.
• Experience in managing staff, scheduling, and inventory control.
• Certification in Food Safety (e.g., ServSafe Manager) is highly preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and strictly enforce comprehensive sanitation and hygiene protocols for all commercial kitchens and associated areas.
• Supervise, train, and schedule kitchen cleaning staff, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality standards.
• Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly inspections of kitchen equipment, surfaces, storage areas, and waste disposal systems.
• Ensure compliance with all local health codes, food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP), and company policies.
• Manage inventory of cleaning chemicals, supplies, and equipment, ensuring cost-effectiveness and proper usage.
• Oversee the proper cleaning and maintenance of all kitchen machinery and utensils.
• Implement and monitor effective pest control measures in coordination with external providers.
• Maintain accurate records of cleaning schedules, staff performance, inventory, safety checks, and incident reports.
• Respond promptly to any sanitation concerns or potential health risks identified.
• Conduct regular training sessions for kitchen staff on food safety, hygiene practices, and safe chemical handling.

Skills

Sanitation management

HACCP knowledge

Cleaning chemicals

Leadership

Inspection

Education

Food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe Manager)

Job description

Our client, a highly-regarded hospitality group operating several popular restaurants and event venues in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced and meticulous Commercial Kitchen Sanitation Manager. This crucial position ensures that all food preparation and service areas adhere to the strictest hygiene standards, food safety regulations, and operational efficiency. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing comprehensive sanitation plans, managing a team of cleaning staff, conducting regular inspections, and maintaining all necessary documentation. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of commercial kitchen environments, foodborne illness prevention, and best practices in cleaning and disinfection. This role is essential to maintaining our client's reputation for culinary excellence and guest safety in the vibrant Paarl culinary scene.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and strictly enforce comprehensive sanitation and hygiene protocols for all commercial kitchens and associated areas.
• Supervise, train, and schedule kitchen cleaning staff, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality standards.
• Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly inspections of kitchen equipment, surfaces, storage areas, and waste disposal systems.
• Ensure compliance with all local health codes, food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP), and company policies.
• Manage inventory of cleaning chemicals, supplies, and equipment, ensuring cost-effectiveness and proper usage.
• Oversee the proper cleaning and maintenance of all kitchen machinery and utensils.
• Implement and monitor effective pest control measures in coordination with external providers.
• Maintain accurate records of cleaning schedules, staff performance, inventory, safety checks, and incident reports.
• Respond promptly to any sanitation concerns or potential health risks identified.
• Conduct regular training sessions for kitchen staff on food safety, hygiene practices, and safe chemical handling.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a management or supervisory role focused on sanitation and hygiene within commercial kitchens or the food service industry.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety principles, HACCP, and relevant health regulations.
• Strong understanding of cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and commercial cleaning equipment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to conduct thorough inspections and implement corrective actions effectively.
• Experience in managing staff, scheduling, and inventory control.
• A proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.
• Certification in Food Safety (e.g., ServSafe Manager) is highly preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by kitchen operations.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary of 9000 ZAR per annum , commensurate with your experience and expertise in commercial kitchen sanitation. This role provides the opportunity to be a key player in maintaining the high standards of a respected hospitality group in Paarl . You will receive ongoing training, support from management, and opportunities for professional advancement within the company. We foster a collaborative work environment where your contributions to food safety and operational excellence are highly valued. Enjoy the satisfaction of ensuring a safe and hygienic dining experience for patrons.