Project Manager

Empact Group; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A catering and food service company is seeking a seasoned operational manager to lead hospital catering services in Stellenbosch. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years in the industry, manage quality food production, and ensure compliance with regulations. Responsibilities include financial oversight, menu planning, and team leadership, aiming to enhance service excellence and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in hospital catering.
• Proven experience in competitive and sensitive markets.
• Project management experience within the hospitality or catering industry.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily unit operations in accordance with strategy and requirements.
• Oversee food production processes and client service.
• Lead menu planning and costing processes.

Skills

Operational management

Financial management

Leadership

Customer service

Event planning

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Food and Beverage Services, Hospitality, or Culinary Arts

Job description

Purpose of the Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the assigned unit in alignment with the sector’s strategic objectives, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements. This role involves overseeing food production processes, ensuring the delivery of high-quality food services to clients, and managing the execution of creative events and functions.

Education And Experience Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Food and Beverage Services, Hospitality, or Culinary Arts (preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in hospital catering (essential).
• Proven experience operating in competitive and sensitive markets (mandatory).
• Project management experience within the hospitality or catering industry (advantageous).
• Demonstrated experience in implementing change programs and unit mobilization (beneficial).
• Familiarity with brand guideline compliance and delivering outcomes within established frameworks.
• Experience in costing, budgeting, forecasting, and invoicing (advantageous).
• Demonstrated ability in leading and managing successful teams or departments.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Operational Management

• Manage daily unit operations in accordance with sector strategy, contractual obligations, and statutory requirements.
• Oversee the implementation of efficient and compliant food production processes.
• Deliver exceptional, high-quality food services to clients.
• Coordinate and manage the execution of creative events and functions.

Menu and Food Production Oversight

• Lead menu planning, standardization, adoption, and costing processes.
• Ensure kitchen teams adhere to standardized recipes and maintain consistent food quality.
• Drive innovation while maintaining operational efficiency and profitability.

Financial and Administrative Control

• Oversee daily bookkeeping, including sales capture, stock management, and banking.
• Monitor and manage gross profit margins to meet budgetary targets.
• Maintain optimal stock levels and ensure effective stock control practices.
• Ensure proper use and functionality of the electronic meal ordering system.

Compliance and Governance

• Oversee health, safety, and environmental compliance, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records.
• Always ensure adherence to food safety and hygiene regulations.

People Management

• Lead workforce planning, payroll administration, performance management, and leave management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the unit.

Client and Service Excellence

• Enhance the customer experience through continuous improvement initiatives informed by feedback and data analysis.
• Ensure full adherence to client service level agreements (SLAs) to maintain exceptional service standards.

Knowledge, Skills, And Competencies

• Strong understanding of the hospital catering environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of South African laws and industry regulations.
• Proven customer service and operational management skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to plan and execute high-quality events.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, and cost-control expertise.
• Skilled in report writing, data analysis, and performance tracking.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize profit and drive operational efficiency.