Food Journey Consultant / Evening Dining Host

SUMMARY:
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Food Journey Consultant / Evening Dining Host to become an integral part of the guest dining experience.
This is a unique hybrid food, kitchen and guest-facing role and is not a traditional Kitchen Manager position. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of food and kitchen operations while also possessing the personality, communication skills and confidence to engage directly with guests.
The Food Journey Consultant will act as the important link between the kitchen, food, F&B team, lodge management and guests, ensuring that the evening dining experience is informative, engaging and memorable.
The ideal candidate will understand that food is an important part of the overall safari experience and will be able to bring the story, concept and journey behind each meal to life for guests.
Key Responsibilities

• Host and oversee the evening dining experience, ensuring guests receive a warm, engaging and memorable experience.
• Act as the link between the kitchen and guests, ensuring effective communication and understanding.
• Explain the food journey, menu concepts, ingredients and preparation methods to guests where appropriate.
• Share the story and inspiration behind the food being served.
• Engage with guests and build genuine relationships around the dining experience.
• Gather meaningful guest feedback regarding food, service and the overall dining experience.
• Identify opportunities to enhance and improve the guest dining experience.
• Communicate guest feedback and relevant observations to the Lodge Chef Consultant, F&B Manager and management team.
• Work closely with the Lodge Chef Consultant and F&B Manager on menu concepts, implementation and food standards.
• Assist with menu rollouts and ensure that the kitchen team understands and consistently implements agreed menus and concepts.
• Monitor and support consistency in food presentation, quality and service.
• Oversee and monitor kitchen OHS, hygiene, cleanliness and operational standards.
• Support the kitchen team when required, using strong practical food and kitchen knowledge.
• Assist with maintaining high food quality and operational standards.
• Serve as an additional communication link between the kitchen, F&B department, lodge management and guests.
• Ensure that the food experience aligns with the overall luxury safari offering.
• Assist with creating a dining environment that reflects the lodge's values and guest experience standards.
• Provide guidance and support to team members where required.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and attention to detail at all times.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements

• Previous professional experience within a kitchen, culinary, food or F&B environment.
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations and food preparation.
• Knowledge of food quality, presentation and menu execution.
• Understanding of food hygiene, health and safety and kitchen OHS standards.
• Previous experience working closely with chefs and/or F&B teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong guest-facing and interpersonal skills.
• Confident engaging with guests from different backgrounds.
• Ability to explain food, ingredients and menu concepts in an interesting and approachable manner.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small lodge team.
• Professional, well-presented and hospitable manner.
• Genuine passion for food, hospitality and guest experiences.

• Culinary qualification or relevant hospitality qualification.
• Previous experience in a luxury lodge, safari lodge, boutique hotel or high-end restaurant.
• Experience in a guest-facing culinary or F&B role.
• Experience with menu development or menu implementation.
• Strong knowledge of local and seasonal ingredients.
• Experience with food storytelling or culinary guest experiences.
• First Aid certification.
• Valid driver's licence.

• Passion for Food
• Guest Engagement
• Strong Hosting Ability
• Kitchen Knowledge
• Excellent Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Leadership & Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Initiative
• Professionalism
• Food Quality Awareness
• OHS & Hygiene Awareness
• Adaptability
• Relationship Building

• Live-in position
• 3 weeks on / 1 week off cycle
• Meals included
• Package dependent on the candidate's experience, skills and overall value they can bring to the product.