Culinary Host & Food Journey Consultant

Company Overview

Our client is an Exclusive Safari Lodge, luxury retreat situated in the northern Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Famous for its incredible wildlife viewing and unpretentious yet deeply caring hospitality, they transform dining into a central, storytelling element of the broader safari adventure.

Position Overview

The Culinary Host & Food Journey Consultant acts as the crucial, front-facing link between the lodge’s kitchen operations and the guest. This is not a traditional back-of-house Kitchen Manager role. Instead, it focuses heavily on hosting the evening dining experience, engaging directly with luxury travelers, and sharing the unique story, heritage, and regional inspiration behind every meal. The successful candidate will leverage deep technical culinary knowledge to support kitchen operations, ensure strict hygiene standards, and guarantee that guest expectations are perfectly translated into exceptional plate executions.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

Guest Hosting & Experience Management

Host and oversee the nightly dinner service to guarantee a seamless, engaging, and premium atmosphere.
Share the narrative and cultural context behind the evening’s menu concepts to enrich the overall safari immersion.
Proactively engage with international and local guests to gather immediate, constructive feedback.
Bridge communication gaps by channeling guest insights, culinary compliments, and dietary concerns directly to the kitchen and lodge management.

Kitchen Support & Operations

Liaise regularly with the Lodge Chef Consultant and Food & Beverage (F&B) Manager to roll out innovative menu variations and uphold visual standards.
Support the back-of-house team dynamically, using personal kitchen experience to help staff master and replicate standard recipes.
Provide practical, hands-on guidance during busy prep and service hours to build team confidence and maintain steady workflow patterns.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

Enforce and monitor stringent Kitchen Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations.
Audit hygiene practices, cleanliness, and storage protocols across all food preparation spaces.
Ensure consistent plate execution so that dishes exiting the pass match the lodge’s premium standards.

Candidate Requirements

Skills and Attributes

Charismatic, polished host personality with an innate passion for front-of-house client interaction.
Excellent verbal communication skills capable of captivating diverse, high-net-worth audiences.
Strong technical culinary foundation paired with deep respect for kitchen mechanics and menu design.
Meticulous attention to detail concerning plating presentation, environment layout, and safety procedures.
Collaborative attitude equipped to build cross-departmental trust between serving staff, managers, and line cooks.

Experience & Qualifications

Proven track record working in a premium professional kitchen, food production environment, or high-end lodge setting.
Demonstrated experience in public-facing hospitality, fine dining service, or premium lodge hosting.
Comprehensive knowledge of standard food safety regulations (HACCP / OHS guidelines).
Previous luxury safari lodge experience is required

To apply, forward full comprehensive CV, all supporting documentation as well as portfolio and email details of all references to ronel@cedar-wood.co.za

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, if you don’t get contacted within 7 day’s please regard your CV as not shortlisted.

Food & Beverage (F&B) Manager – 5* Private Luxury Game Lodge

Job Title: Food & Beverage (F&B) Manager

Location: Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, KNP- South Africa
Establishment: 5-Star Private Luxury Game Lodge
Reporting To: General Manager / Lodge Manager

Job Purpose

The F&B Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and elevating the entire culinary and beverage experience for high-net-worth international and local guests. This role demands a blend of 5-star fine dining standards, world-class South African wine knowledge, and the unique operational flexibility required to run bush dinners, BOMA evenings, and luxury lodge dining in a remote wilderness environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Luxury Guest Experience & Front-of-House

Tailored Service: Deliver highly personalized, intuitive service that anticipates the needs of luxury safari guests.
Specialist Dining Operations: Oversee diverse dining setups, including main lodge decks, traditional outdoor BOMA’s, private suite dining, and remote bush breakfasts or sundowner stops.
Dietary Management: Coordinate closely with the Executive Chef to manage complex international guest dietary requirements, allergies, and bespoke menu requests.
Hosting: Act as a primary host during evening meals and BOMA dinners, interacting with guests to ensure total satisfaction.

Wine, Beverage & Cellar Management

Sommelier Duties: Curate, manage, and present a premium beverage list, featuring top-tier South African and international wines, craft spirits, and signature safari cocktails.
Cellar Control: Maintain stock rotation, ideal temperature controls, and impeccable storage standards for high-value wines and spirits.
Staff Training: Conduct ongoing beverage and wine-pairing training for the service team to elevate upselling and storytelling at the table.

Financial Control & Stock Management

Remote Supply Chain: Manage beverage ordering, stock levels, and vendor relationships, accounting for the logistical challenges of a remote lodge location.
Cost Administration: Maintain strictly controlled food and beverage cost percentages without compromising on 5-star quality.
Stock Takes: Conduct accurate weekly and monthly stock audits, analyze variances, and implement immediate corrective actions.
Budgeting: Assist in compiling the annual F&B budget, forecasting revenue, and managing labor costs.

Team Leadership & Development

Staff Management: Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of field waiters, bartenders, boma staff, and scullery workers.
Scheduling: Create efficient staff rosters that accommodate fluctuating lodge occupancy and required seasonal shift changes.
Standards Enforcer: Implement and maintain strict 5-star hospitality operating procedures (SOPs) across all service teams.

Hygiene, Health & Safety

Compliance: Ensure total adherence to local health regulations, South African food safety standards, and international HACCP protocols.
Wildlife Protection: Enforce strict waste management and food storage policies to prevent baboons, monkeys, and other wildlife from entering food areas.

Candidate Requirements & Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of F&B management experience in a 5-star luxury lodge, Experience in a remote safari environment is highly advantageous.
Qualifications: A diploma or degree in Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage Management, or a related field.
Wine Knowledge: Formal wine qualification (e.g., WSET Level 2/3, Cape Wine Academy, or equivalent sommelier certification) is strongly preferred.
Skills: Outstanding communication skills, strong financial acumen, and proficiency in hospitality POS and stock-control software (e.g., Micros, Apex, or Pastel).
Attributes: High emotional intelligence, resilience for long hours on a live-in basis, excellent crisis management skills, and a genuine passion for the African bush.

Working Conditions and remuneration on offer

Live-In Position: Accommodation, utilities, and uniform provided on-site at the lodge staff village.
Cycle: Standard remote lodge roster (e.g., 3 weeks on, 1 weeks off, or similar rotational cycle).
Meals: All meals provided while on duty.
Salary: Market related depending on candidates experience on offer

To apply, forward comprehensive CV in Word Format with proof of all qualifications as well as details of all contactable references to ronel@cedar-wood.co.za

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Assistant Food and Beverage Manager, Country House and Spa-KZN Midlands

We are now recruiting for an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager for a Country House and Spa, based in the Natal Midlands

Reporting to
• Food & Beverage Manager

Salary
• Up to R10 500.00 – single live-in

Accommodation
• Provided for individual makeup of a room and shower en suite. UNFURNISHED
• Electricity is deducted based on usage.
• 15 km’s from Howick (Pick ‘n Pay, Clicks, Woolworths Foods, Hospital) and 40 km’s from
Pietermaritzburg.

Uniforms
• Uniforms provided for summer and winter. Staff to provide own stockings, shoes and belts as per
requirements.

Working Week
• Part of Management team – so Duty Manager shifts will be required in the Main Hotel
• 6 Day week – 6 days off every 4 weeks / taken each week not accumulated
• 18 days annual leave per annum

Computer Literacy
• Word, Excel, Opera and Micros required.
• Microsoft Office required.

Staff Compliment
F&B Manager
F&B Asst Managers
F&B Supervisors
Waitrons
Description of Areas
Hotel

Overview of Job
The Asst. Food and Beverage Manager will be required to manage the Food and Beverage team and ensure that standards are upheld in all areas at all times.

Specific Job Description
As a Asst. Food and Beverage Manager your role is to assist in managing the operation of the food and beverage production and service.

The role will assist in responsibility for marketing and promoting all food and beverage products to maximise sales and will participate in developing and implementing food promotions, new menus and systems.
The position will be responsible for developing budgets, sales targets, control costs and for purchasing stock with the F&B Manager.

Manage systems of control, developing and updating standards. Assist to develop and monitor staff in obtaining the highest standards of service and customer care and will take responsibility for and monitor the training and development of all staff.
As part of the role, monitor licensing laws and other legal requirements and maintain staff awareness and comply with health and safety, fire and hygiene regulations. You will ensure all administration procedures are accurately completed and will maintain a high standard of personal presentation and punctuality.

Knowledge
Quality control
Customer care
Guest facilities and products
Assist in Financial management
Maintenance procedures
Producing reports and stock control
Assist in Menu development
Sales and marketing

Attributes
Highly Developed Communication Skills
Awareness of management practices and procedures
Developing and training
Self Motivated
Physically very fit
Ability to work with multi-cultural team
Ability to work shifts
Strong attention to detail is of the utmost importance

To apply email your full updated cv with contactable references and copies of qualifications to admin1@cedar-wood.co.za

Assistant Food and Beverage Manager, North West

Join Our Team: Assistant Food and Beverage Manager

Location: Magaliesburg, North West
Salary: R11,000 – R12,000
Accommodation: Single live-in accommodation & meals provided while on shift

About Us:
We are a prestigious 4-star lodge and spa located in the scenic Magaliesburg region, offering exceptional service and unforgettable experiences to our guests.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Assistant Food and Beverage Manager to join our team. This role is essential in supporting our Food and Beverage operations and ensuring our guests receive exemplary service.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist in managing daily operations of the Food and Beverage department.
Support in training and developing team members to provide high-quality service.
Collaborate with the Head Manager to develop innovative menus and beverage offerings.
Maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene in all areas of the department.
Handle guest inquiries and feedback professionally to enhance guest satisfaction.

Requirements:

Recognizable qualifications in Hospitality Management or a related field.
Previous experience in a Food and Beverage management role, preferably in a lodge or hotel setting.
Strong leadership abilities and excellent communication skills.
Valid driver’s license.
Passion for providing superb guest experiences.

Benefits:

Competitive salary of R11,000 to R12,000.
Single live-in accommodation with ensuite bathroom provided.
Meal while on shift.
Opportunity to work in a beautiful environment with a dedicated team.

How to Apply:
If you meet the qualifications and are ready to take on this exciting role, send your CV, head and shoulder photo, contactable references and copies of qualifications and drivers license to admin1@cedar-wood.co.za

x 2 – Food & Beverage- Manager-Namibia

This position is open to both Namibian and South African citizens. South African applicants must have a valid passport and a clean criminal record.

Department: Food & Beverage

Purpose:

To direct and oversee all aspects of the culinary and beverage operations. The role will be responsible for planning and execution of Food & Beverage operations to the highest standards. It will further demonstrate leadership, creativity, integrity and consistency in performance.

Qualifications:

Min 3 Year Bachelor’s Degree Food and Beverage Management/Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management.

Experience: Min 8 Years

8 years’ experience in 4* and 5* Food & Beverage Management, with at least two years at senior management level.
Great appreciation of lodge operations, key hotel performance indicators and or Business Efficiencies/ratios.

Other:

HACCP Certification will be an added advantage
Wine courses or additional businesses courses etc. will be an added advantage.
Strong customer service ethic.

Competencies:

Strategy execution

Monitoring and controlling skills

Financial acumen for budget management and cost control

Leadership and Team Management Skills

Ability to apply and live the Breakthrough culture

Knowledge of food safety regulations, industry trends, and emerging technologies

Understanding and execution of the guest journey

Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.

Exceptional customer service orientation and ability to maintain high standards.

Key Deliverables (KPI):

Food & Beverage and Culinary Strategy Execution
Budgeting and Cost Control
Brand and Concept Development
Events and Promotions
Operational Efficiencies
Risk Management and Operational Controls
Guest Experience
Health, Risk and Safety
People Management and Leadership Duties
General and Ad hoc Duties

Salary Scale: N$449 400.00 to N$561 750.00 pa negotiable

To apply for this position, forward your comprehensive CV in Word or PDF Format as well as proof of all qualifications and all contactable references to johan@cedar-wood.co.za

Only Apply if you have a valad Passport.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 7 working days.

If you don’t receive and response, regard your CV as not shortlisted

Assistant Lodge Manager – North West

Assistant Lodge Manager – 5* Lodge near Pilanesberg – North West – R25 -R30K Live In Position

Our client is looking for an assistant Lodge Manager with strong Food & Beverage Manager experience to train staff, including sub-departmental heads, kitchen employees and front-of-house (FOH) workers.

Lead the F&B department, with a strong focus on operations, service delivery, and continuously improving standards within these areas. The position will be Assistant Lodge Manager, but the successful candidate will be expected to spend approximately 75% of their time on the floor and 25% in the office.

Create and manage budgets, negotiate with vendors and work with the Head Chef to develop regular and special event menus. The Food and Beverage Manager maintains quality and ensures quality customer service

Duties and responsibilities:

Oversee daily lodge operations and guest services
Deliver and maintain luxury hospitality standards
Coordinate between front-of-house and operational departments
Lead, train, and motivate lodge staff
Handle guest feedback and resolve issues professionally
Previous experience in luxury lodge or hotel management
Strong leadership, communication, and service skills

To apply, forward comprehensive CV in word format with proof of all qualifications and at least three contactable references to ronel@cedar-wood.co.za

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Kitchen/F&B Supervisor Mpumalanga R10,000-R30,000 DOE

Job Specification: Kitchen / F&B Supervisor

Luxury Safari Lodge – Mpumalanga

Overview

A luxury safari lodge in Mpumalanga is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Kitchen / F&B professional to oversee daily kitchen operations, food quality, procurement, staff development, and guest dining experiences.

This is a fully operational, on-the-ground role suited to someone passionate about food, guest interaction, and maintaining consistently high standards in a luxury lodge environment.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Food Quality

Oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure smooth service delivery
Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation aligned with luxury lodge standards
Ensure all dishes meet dietary requirements, allergen protocols, and guest preferences
Uphold strict hygiene, safety, and kitchen compliance standards

Procurement, Stock & Cost Control

Manage kitchen procurement, supplier relationships, and ordering
Conduct stock control, stock rotation, and monthly stock takes
Monitor and manage food cost percentages and wastage
Ensure accurate record‑keeping and adherence to budget guidelines

Staff Leadership & Development

Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff to maintain high performance
Support skills development and ensure consistent team standards
Foster a positive, collaborative, and professional kitchen culture
Work hands‑on during service periods, guiding and supporting the team

Guest Experience

Engage with guests to enhance their dining experience
Respond to special requests, dietary needs, and personalised meal planning
Maintain a warm, professional presence during guest interactions

Requirements & Beneficial Experience

Strong kitchen management experience in a luxury lodge, boutique hotel, or high-end hospitality environment
Proven ability to manage food quality, presentation, and kitchen systems
Experience with procurement, stock control, supplier management, and food cost control
Sound knowledge of dietary requirements and allergens
Strong leadership and staff development skills
Excellent communication and guest relations abilities
Hands-on, energetic, and service-driven approach
Ability to thrive in a remote bush environment

Package

Live-in position at a luxury safari lodge in the Sabi Sand
Accommodation provided
Meals provided
Uniform provided
Salary: R10,000 – R30,000 per month (dependent on experience, qualifications, and suitability)

Cluster Director of Food & Beverage, Cape Town

Cluster Director of Food & Beverage
📍 Cape Town, South Africa

We are looking for a strategic and experienced Cluster Director of Food & Beverage to oversee multiple hotel and restaurant operations within Cape Town

This role requires a strong commercial mindset, luxury hospitality experience, and the ability to drive both guest satisfaction and financial performance across large-scale operations.
Applicants must already hold South African work rights or valid permits.
Luxury hospitality experience and exposure to high-volume operations are essential across all roles.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Management

Oversee all food and beverage operations across multiple properties
Ensure consistency in service standards, food quality, and guest experience
Develop and implement operational procedures and service standards
Monitor daily operations of restaurants, bars, banqueting, room service, and catering departments
Conduct regular property visits and operational audits
Ensure compliance with company policies and hospitality standards

Financial Management

Manage departmental budgets and financial performance across all properties
Monitor food and beverage cost percentages and profitability
Analyze financial reports, forecasts, and revenue performance
Develop strategies to increase revenue and reduce operational costs
Control stock, wastage, labour costs, and supplier expenses
Approve purchasing and procurement processes

Leadership and Staff Management

Lead, mentor, and support Food & Beverage Managers and department heads
Recruit, train, and develop management and operational teams
Conduct performance evaluations and succession planning
Drive staff motivation, productivity, and service excellence
Ensure effective communication between departments and properties

Guest Experience and Service Standards

Maintain exceptional guest satisfaction levels
Handle VIP guests, complaints, and service recovery processes
Ensure luxury hospitality and fine-dining standards are maintained
Develop innovative food and beverage concepts and guest experiences
Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements

Menu and Concept Development

Work with Executive Chefs and management teams on menu planning
Assist in developing beverage programmes, wine lists, and dining concepts
Ensure menus align with market trends and guest expectations
Support promotions, events, and seasonal offerings

Compliance and Health & Safety

Ensure all outlets comply with South African health, safety, and food hygiene regulations
Implement and monitor HACCP and food safety standards
Ensure licensing and legal compliance requirements are met
Maintain occupational health and safety standards

Strategic and Commercial Responsibilities

Develop long-term food and beverage strategies
Identify market trends and business opportunities
Support brand growth and operational expansion
Collaborate with Sales and Marketing teams on promotions and events
Assist with opening new outlets or properties where required

Requirements and Qualifications

Education

Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage Management, Culinary Arts, or related field
Additional wine, beverage, or business management qualifications are advantageous

Experience

Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in Food & Beverage operations
At least 3–5 years in a senior management or multi-unit leadership role
Experience within luxury hotels, resorts, lodges, or hospitality groups preferred
Strong background in fine dining, banqueting, and high-volume operations

Technical Knowledge

Strong understanding of food costing and beverage cost control
Budgeting and financial management experience
Knowledge of South African hospitality legislation and labour laws
Experience with POS systems and stock control systems
Understanding of HACCP and food safety regulations

Skills and Competencies

Strong leadership and people management skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
Strategic thinking and commercial awareness
High attention to detail and service excellence
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple operations
Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Strong organisational and time-management skills
Guest-focused mindset

Additional Requirements

Ability to travel between properties
Valid driver’s licence often required
Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and extended hours
Strong understanding of luxury hospitality standards
Experience managing multicultural teams is advantageous

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

Revenue growth
Food and beverage profitability
Guest satisfaction scores
Staff retention and development
Cost control and budgeting
Operational consistency
Health and safety compliance
Brand standards implementation

This role requires a balance of operational excellence, financial management, leadership, and high-level guest service delivery across multiple hospitality properties.

To apply send your full updated cv with copies of all qualifications and contactable references to admin1@cedar-wood.co.za