Mobile Catering Unit Manager

Placements24; Graafwater; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dynamic Mobile Catering Unit Manager to lead daily operations for a fleet of mobile catering units in the Paarl region, Western Cape. You will oversee staff, inventory, and profitability while ensuring food quality and safety standards are met.

The role requires strong leadership, hands-on management, and the ability to travel between Paarl and surrounding areas, with flexibility for evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in food service management, preferably with mobile catering
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations (HACCP)
• Experience with inventory management, cost control, and basic financial reporting
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work flexible hours, including travel within Paarl and surrounding areas

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of mobile catering units, including food preparation, service, and sales
• Supervise, train, and schedule unit staff, ensuring high performance and customer service
• Oversee inventory management, including ordering, receiving, stocking, and cost control
• Ensure health and safety compliance for mobile food operations
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize sales and profitability for each unit
• Maintain cleanliness and readiness of catering units and equipment
• Develop appealing menus and specials for the mobile catering market
• Handle customer inquiries and resolve issues to ensure satisfaction
• Manage cash handling and financial reporting for the mobile units
• Coordinate with event organizers for on-site catering services when required

Skills

Food service management

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dynamic and hands-on Mobile Catering Unit Manager to lead operations for their fleet of catering units in the Paarl, Western Cape region. This exciting role involves managing the daily operations of food trucks and mobile catering services, ensuring high standards of food quality, customer service, and profitability. You will be responsible for overseeing staff, managing inventory and stock, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and driving sales and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate is a motivated individual with experience in food service management, strong leadership capabilities, and a passion for delivering excellent mobile catering experiences. This is a key role for our client's growing presence in Paarl and its surrounding areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of mobile catering units, including food preparation, service, and sales.
• Supervise, train, and schedule unit staff, ensuring a high level of performance and customer service.
• Oversee inventory management, including ordering, receiving, stocking, and controlling food and supply costs.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation regulations for mobile food operations.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize sales and profitability for each mobile unit.
• Maintain the cleanliness, maintenance, and operational readiness of the catering units and equipment.
• Develop appealing menus and specials relevant to the mobile catering market.
• Handle customer inquiries and resolve any issues to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Manage cash handling and financial reporting for the mobile units.
• Coordinate with event organizers for on-site catering services when required.

Requirements

• Proven experience in food service management, preferably with experience in mobile catering, food trucks, or quick-service restaurants.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations (e.g., HACCP).
• Experience with inventory management, cost control, and basic financial reporting.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, often involving travel to different locations within Paarl, Western Cape and nearby areas.
• Proficiency in managing operational logistics and problem-solving on the go.
• A passion for food and delivering great customer experiences.
• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record is essential.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, reflecting the responsibilities of this role, along with performance-based incentives. This position provides the opportunity to lead and grow within a vibrant segment of the catering industry. Benefits include paid time off, potential for bonuses based on unit performance, and opportunities for professional development. You will enjoy the dynamic nature of mobile catering and contribute directly to the success of our client's operations in Paarl.