We are seeking a visionary, highly strategic, and guest-focused Food & Beverage Manager to take full ownership of our front-of-house dining team and culinary operations. As the department head, you will oversee all food and beverage outlets across multiple unique locations, including formal dining rooms, traditional outdoor bomas, and bush dinners beneath our historic fig tree. You will drive financial profitability, craft world-class beverage programs, mentor a high-performing team, and ensure our 5-star service standards consistently exceed international guest expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Team Management
Departmental Oversight: Lead, inspire, and manage the entire F&B front-of-house team, including assistant supervisors, sommeliers, baristas, and waitstaff.
Talent Development: Standardize recruitment, implement rigorous 5-star service training programs, and create staff rosters optimized for seasonal occupancy.
Performance Management: Establish performance benchmarks and conduct regular evaluations to maintain an impeccable hospitality environment.
Guest Experience & Operations
Elevated Guest Delight: Personally engage with high-net-worth local and international guests to ensure a seamless, bespoke dining experience.
Dietary Logistics: Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to manage complex dietary restrictions, allergies, and VIP culinary requests across all locations.
Event Coordination: Design and execute spectacular theme nights, bush breakfasts, boma dinners, and private site events.
Financial Control & Administration
Budgeting & Cost Control: Manage the annual F&B budget, monitor labor costs, and implement tight cost-control measures to maximize profitability.
Procurement & Stock Control: Oversee the entire inventory lifecycle, including ordering, strict stock rotation, monthly stock takes, and variance reporting.
Supplier Relations: Negotiate contracts with premium beverage suppliers, local artisan producers, and estate wineries to secure competitive pricing.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
Curated Beverage Programs: Curate and maintain an award-winning wine list, premium cellar collection, and bespoke cocktail menu aligned with global luxury trends.
Hygiene & Compliance: Enforce strict occupational health, safety, and food hygiene standards (HACCP) across all bars, cellars, and dining service areas.
Executive Reporting: Compile and present comprehensive weekly and monthly financial reports regarding sales, margins, labor costs, and operational challenges to Lodge General Management.
Experience: Minimum of 5–8 years of progressive F&B management experience, with at least 3 years as a full F&B Manager inside a verified 5-star luxury safari lodge or boutique hotel environment.
Product Expertise: Deep knowledge of international fine dining standards, advanced wine pairing, premium spirits, cellar management, and contemporary culinary trends. South African wine certification (e.g., Cape Wine Academy or WSET Level 3+) is highly preferred.
Technical Skills: Proficient in high-end hospitality POS systems, inventory software (e.g., Pilot, Apex, or similar), and advanced Microsoft Excel for financial forecasting.
Attributes: Exceptional crisis-resolution skills, highly organized, polished communicator, and deeply passionate about the remote luxury safari lifestyle.
Benefits
Package & Benefits
Salary: R 25 000 – R 35 000 per month (market-related and strictly dependent on qualifications and luxury track record).
Accommodation: live-in single accommodation within the secure,
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