Assistant Food and Beverage Manager

SUMMARY:
The Assistant Food & Beverage Manager supports the Food & Beverage Manager in overseeing the daily operations of all food and beverage outlets, ensuring exceptional guest service, efficient operations, and compliance with company standards. The role assists in managing restaurant, bar, banqueting, and conferencing operations while maintaining high levels of service, profitability, hygiene, and staff performance. This position is ideal for a hands-on hospitality professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering memorable guest experiences in a luxury lodge environment.
Key Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the day-to-day operations of all Food & Beverage outlets.
• Ensure exceptional guest service and prompt resolution of guest complaints.
• Supervise, motivate, and develop the Food & Beverage team.
• Assist with staff scheduling, training, induction, and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with company service standards and standard operating procedures.
• Monitor food and beverage quality, presentation, and service standards.
• Support stock ordering, receiving, issuing, and inventory control.
• Conduct regular stock counts and investigate stock variances.
• Assist in controlling food and beverage costs, wastage, and labour costs.
• Ensure accurate cash handling and end-of-shift procedures.
• Oversee POS transactions and daily sales reporting.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, hygiene, and HACCP standards.
• Coordinate conferences, functions, weddings, and special events.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef and kitchen team to ensure smooth service delivery.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Ensure all licensing and legal requirements are adhered to.
• Step into the Food & Beverage Manager role when required.
• Promote teamwork and maintain excellent communication between departments.

• Based at a luxury lodge in Bela-Bela, Limpopo.
• Hospitality hours, including weekends, public holidays, and evenings.
• Live-in accommodation may be provided depending on the employer.
• Fast-paced environment requiring a hands-on management approach.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Food & Beverage Management, or a related field.
• Food Safety or HACCP certification is advantageous.

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in Food & Beverage operations.
• At least 2 years' experience in a supervisory or assistant management role.
• Previous experience in a luxury lodge, hotel, or resort environment is highly preferred.
• Experience managing restaurants, bars, banqueting, and conferencing operations.

• Strong knowledge of food and beverage service standards.
• Excellent understanding of stock control and inventory management.
• Experience with budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of POS systems and Microsoft Office.
• Good understanding of labour legislation and health and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of wine, beverages, and menu planning is advantageous.
• Strong administrative and reporting skills.

• Leadership and team management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Guest-focused with a commitment to service excellence.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities.
• Financial acumen and commercial awareness.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and multitask.
• Attention to detail.
• Conflict resolution and complaint handling.
• Time management.

• Professional and well-presented.
• Positive and energetic attitude.
• Honest and dependable.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Hands-on management style.
• Results-driven.
• Passionate about hospitality and guest satisfaction.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.

• Valid driver's licence.
• Experience working with hospitality management systems and POS software.
• Previous experience in a luxury game lodge or resort environment.
• First Aid certification would be advantageous.