Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Job Bela Bela Limpopo South Africa,Hospitality / Hotel / Catering

Location: Bela Bela

Position Overview
The Assistant Food & Beverage Manager supports the Food & Beverage Manager in overseeing the daily operations of all food and beverage outlets within the lodge. This includes ensuring exceptional guest service, maintaining luxury hospitality standards, managing staff, controlling costs, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and contributing to a memorable dining experience for guests.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Food & Beverage Operations

Assist in the management of all food and beverage outlets, including restaurants, bars, bush dining experiences, boma dinners, room service, and special events.
Ensure all outlets operate efficiently and in accordance with 5-star luxury standards.
Supervise daily service periods, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional guest experiences.
Monitor food and beverage presentation, quality, and consistency.
Assist with planning and executing private dinners, weddings, conferences, and special functions.

Guest Service

Deliver exceptional guest service at all times.
Engage with guests during meal services to ensure satisfaction.
Handle guest complaints professionally and resolve issues promptly.
Anticipate guest preferences and personalise service where possible.
Maintain excellent knowledge of menus, wines, cocktails, and lodge experiences.

Staff Supervision

Assist in recruiting, training, coaching, and mentoring Food & Beverage staff.
Conduct daily staff briefings and shift handovers.
Allocate duties and monitor staff performance.
Ensure adherence to lodge grooming and uniform standards.
Assist with staff performance evaluations and disciplinary processes where necessary.

Stock Control & Cost Management

Monitor food and beverage stock levels.
Assist with ordering supplies from approved suppliers.
Conduct regular stock takes.
Minimise wastage through effective stock rotation and portion control.
Monitor beverage cost percentages and food cost controls.
Assist in achieving departmental budget targets.

Financial Administration

Assist in preparing departmental budgets.
Monitor daily revenue and expenditure.
Ensure accurate cash handling and POS reconciliations.
Analyse sales reports and identify opportunities to improve revenue.
Support upselling initiatives.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and HACCP standards.
Maintain high levels of cleanliness throughout all food and beverage areas.
Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
Monitor alcohol service in accordance with legal requirements.
Conduct routine hygiene inspections.

Wine & Beverage Management

Assist in managing wine cellars and beverage inventories.
Ensure proper storage of wines and beverages.
Support wine pairing recommendations and premium beverage sales.
Monitor beverage quality and presentation.

Collaboration

Work closely with the Executive Chef to ensure seamless food service.
Liaise with Front Office, Housekeeping, Safari Guides, and Reservations regarding guest requirements.
Coordinate special dietary requests and guest celebrations.

Reporting

Prepare daily operational reports.
Assist with monthly stock reports and cost analyses.
Monitor guest feedback and implement service improvements.
Report maintenance issues affecting food and beverage operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Grade 12 (Matric).
Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage Management, or Hotel Management.
Wine qualification (WSET or Cape Wine Academy) advantageous.
Food Safety/HACCP certification advantageous.
Valid driver's licence preferred.

Experience Required

3–5 years' experience in a luxury lodge or 4- or 5-star hotel Food & Beverage environment.
At least 2 years in a supervisory or junior management role.
Experience managing restaurants, bars, and special dining events.
Experience with stock control and food cost management.
Experience using POS systems and hospitality management software.

Knowledge & Skills

Excellent knowledge of fine dining service standards.
Strong food and wine knowledge.
Excellent leadership and people management skills.
Financial acumen and budgeting skills.
Stock control and inventory management.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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