Project Manager

Empact Group; Limpopo; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Empact Group is seeking a skilled Project Manager to drive catering and hospitality projects on large industrial sites and centralized kitchens serving 2000+ people. You will manage from initiation to completion, optimize workflows, and ensure high-quality service delivery in a demanding environment.

The role demands extensive experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, plus strong leadership and stakeholder engagement to meet client SLAs and safety standards.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Hospitality, F&B services, or Culinary Arts is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in catering project management, preferably in commercial/industrial catering.
• Experience overseeing large-scale kitchen operations for 2000+ individuals.
• Industrial site exposure is advantageous; strong change management track record.
• Capability in budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting; adherence to brand guidelines.
• Proven leadership of teams and optimization of operational efficiencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead catering and hospitality projects from initiation to completion, aligned with objectives.
• Oversee unit mobilization, change programs, and high-volume food production processes.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards and maintain records.
• Monitor procurement, stock levels, and supply chain efficiency for projects.
• Develop standardized menus, costing strategies, and process improvements.
• Manage financial performance including budgeting, forecasting, and profit optimization.
• Lead workforce planning, payroll administration, and performance management.
• Enhance client experience with data-driven improvements and SLA adherence.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting

Forecasting

Process optimization

Team leadership

Health & safety compliance

Education

Hospitality / F&B / Culinary Arts degree

Job description

Main purpose of the Role:

We are seeking a skilled Project Manager to oversee and drive the successful execution of catering and hospitality projects in alignment with sector strategy, contractual obligations, and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have strong experience managing large-scale catering operations, particularly in industrial sites and centralized kitchens serving 2000+ individuals. This role requires expertise in project execution, process optimization, and stakeholder management within a high-demand environment.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Hospitality, Food & Beverage Services, or Culinary Arts (preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in catering project management, preferably within commercial and or industrial catering.
• Experience overseeing large-scale kitchen operations catering to 2000+ individuals.
• Industrial site exposure is highly advantageous.
• Proven ability to manage unit mobilization and change implementation programs.
• Strong background in competitive and sensitive markets.
• Experience in costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with working within brand guidelines to drive successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in managing teams and optimizing operational efficiencies.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage catering and hospitality projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Oversee unit mobilization, change programs, and large-scale food production processes.
• Ensure successful execution of catering operations within industrial and high-volume environments.
• Optimize workflow efficiencies, ensuring high-quality service delivery to clients.
• Develop and implement standardized menus, costing strategies, and process improvements.
• Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and profit optimization.
• Monitor stock levels, procurement, and supply chain efficiency.
• Implement and maintain electronic meal ordering systems.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards, maintaining accurate records.
• Lead workforce planning, payroll administration, and performance management.
• Enhance customer experience by gathering feedback and making data-driven improvements.
• Ensure strict adherence to client service level agreements and operational excellence.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of catering operations in industrial and hospital environments.
• Knowledge of South African industry regulations and compliance standards.
• Exceptional project management, organizational, and operational leadership skills.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and communication abilities.
• Expertise in financial planning, cost management, and process optimization.
• Ability to analyse data and reports for continuous improvement.
• Strong problem-solving and strategic planning skills.

Empact Group is committed to Employment Equity in line with legislation and will give first preference to candidates as per Equity requirements.

By applying for a role within Empact Group (Proprietary) Limited, all Personal Information that you provide to the Company will be held and/ or stored securely for the purpose of recruitment. Your Personal Information will be stored electronically in a database. Where appropriate, some information may be retained in hard copy. In either event, storage will be secure and audited regularly regarding the safety and security of the information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (“POPI”).