Kitchen Assistant

KITCHEN ASSISTANT

Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Department: Operations (On-site):
Food and Beverage
Reports to: Food and Beverage Manager / Property Manager

At Totalstay™️, we’re not just in hospitality; we’re shaping its future. Over the last decade, we’ve redefined what it means to stay local, building one of South Africa’s most dynamic aparthotel brands. Today, with over 700+ keys across multiple properties, we blend design‑forward spaces, technology, and unforgettable guest experiences to create stays worth telling stories about.

We are seeking a to support both back-of-house and front-of-house operations, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, efficient service flow, and positive guest experiences.

• Wash and sanitise all dishes, cutlery, crockery, pots, and kitchen equipment
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the scullery, kitchen floors, drains, and work areas
• Dispose of waste and recycling in line with health and safety procedures
• Ensure cleaning equipment and chemicals are used safely and correctly
• Adhere to all food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations

• Transport food, beverages, equipment, and supplies between kitchen and service areas
• Assist chefs during service to ensure smooth operational flow
• Clear service items promptly and return them to the kitchen
• Assist with service setup and breakdown as required
• Support high‑volume service periods

• Assist with serving food and beverages to guests in a professional manner
• Clear and reset tables efficiently and in accordance with service standards
• Assist guests with basic menu queries and relay requests to the kitchen or supervisor
• Maintain cleanliness and presentation of front‑of‑house service areas
• Provide friendly, courteous, and guest‑focused service at all times

• Follow all Totalstay policies, SOPs, and operational procedures
• Work collaboratively with kitchen, service, and management teams
• Report any maintenance, hygiene, or safety issues to management
• Perform additional reasonable duties aligned to operational needs

• Support the wider Food & Beverage team during high‑volume periods, including breakfast service, peak trading hours, happy hours, and events.
• Assist colleagues when occupancy levels or operational demands require additional support.
• Follow all reasonable and lawful instructions from supervisors and management.
• Participate in training sessions, SOP refreshers, and operational briefings.

• Comply with all Occupational Health & Safety (OHSA) requirements.
• Follow food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards at all times.
• Use equipment, tools, and chemicals responsibly and according to safety guidelines.
• Identify and report hazards, incidents, or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Adhere to fire safety, emergency procedures, and incident reporting protocols.

• Adhere to approved rosters, shift times, and clocking procedures.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality in line with BCEA and Sectoral Determination 14 (Hospitality).
• Participate in performance discussions, coaching sessions, and operational audits.
• Meet performance expectations and KPIs associated with the role.

• Previous kitchen or hospitality experience advantageous
• Strong work ethic and attention to hygiene
• Team player with positive attitude
• Reliable and punctual
• Able to work shifts, weekends and public holidays

• Be part of a growing hospitality brand
• Structured training and development
• Exposure to a premium guest environment
• Performance‑driven culture
• Opportunity for internal growth

We do everything we can to process applications as quickly as possible and respond individually, but it's not always possible given the number of applicants received daily across the various vacancies. While we understand answering pre‑screening questions may be tedious, it also helps to ensure your application stands out. If you do not receive a response from us within 3-4 weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.