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