Project Manager (Corporate Sector: Food)

Empact Group; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Empact Group in Midrand is seeking a skilled Project Manager to oversee catering and hospitality projects across industrial sites and centralized kitchens serving 2000+ people. You will drive execution, optimize processes, and manage stakeholder relationships in a high-demand environment.

The role requires a tertiary qualification in Hospitality or related fields, at least 5 years in catering project management, and strong financial planning, budgeting and workforce management skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of catering project management experience, preferably in commercial/industrial settings.
• Experience managing large-scale kitchen operations serving 2000+ individuals.
• Strong cost control, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting capabilities.
• Experience adhering to brand guidelines and driving operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee catering and hospitality projects from initiation to completion, aligned with objectives.
• Manage unit mobilization, change programs and large-scale food production processes.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental standards; maintain records.
• Monitor procurement, stock levels and supply chain efficiency; lead workforce planning and payroll activities.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Operational leadership

Data analysis

Education

Hospitality / Food & Beverage / Culinary Arts qualification

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.

If you have a proven track record in delivering large-scale catering projects and driving operational excellence, we invite you to apply!

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”).