Food & Beverage Manager.

Food & Beverage Manager. Luxury Game Lodge Sabi Sands Game Reserve Mpumalanga Experienced and dynamic Food & Beverage (F&B) Manager to oversee and elevate our dining experience to meet and exceed five-star standards. The F&B Manager will work closely with our independent Food Consultant, ensuring that their strategic vision is effectively implemented on the ground. The role demands a strong leader who can establish and maintain systems, optimise operations, and drive development to enhance service excellence. Key Responsibilities: 1. Culinary & Beverage Operations Management Collaborate with the strategic dining consultant to implement menu concepts, food preparation guidelines, and seasonal updates. Ensure that all meals, snacks, and beverages are served promptly and to the highest standards, aligning with the lodges luxury positioning. Maintain high levels of food presentation, portion control, and consistency across all dining services. Oversee special dietary requirements and personalised guest preferences. Stay informed on industry trends to enhance the guest dining experience and introduce innovative F&B offerings. 2. Procurement & Supplier Management Establish and maintain relationships with high-quality suppliers, ensuring that only the best ingredients are sourced. 3. System Development & Operational efficiency Design and implement F&B systems and workflows to improve operational efficiency in a remote lodge setting. Develop clear SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for kitchen operations, service protocols, stock management, and supplier coordination. 4. Team Leadership & Staff Development Lead; motivate, and develop the kitchen and service teams, most of whom are from surrounding communities. Work closely with the Food Consultant to implement structured staff training programmes, focusing on culinary skills, service excellence, and hygiene standards. 5. Guest Experience & Service Excellence Ensure that waiters and bar staff are well-trained, professionally presented, and deliver warm, engaging service. Proactively engage with guests to personalise their dining experience and anticipate their needs. Address and resolve guest feedback effectively, striving for consistently high guest satisfaction scores. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Guest Satisfaction: Measured through guest reviews, feedback forms, and direct interactions. Cost Control & Yield Management: Monitoring food cost percentages, stock e?iciency; and waste reduction. Supplier & Stock Management: E?ective cost negotiation, inventory accuracy; and sourcing of high-quality ingredients. Operational Systems & Compliance: Implementation and adherence to structured F&B systems. Team Performance & Development: Sta? training frequency, skill improvement; and retention rates. Candidate Profile: Required Skills Candidate Profile: Required Skills & Experience: Proven experience as an F&B Manager or Executive Chef in a luxury lodge, boutique hotel, or fine-dining establishment. Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills, with experience in staff training and development. Exceptional organisational and system-implementation capabilities to bring structure to F&B operations. Proficiency in cost control, procurement, and stock management. Hands-on experience in menu planning, food presentation, and beverage pairings. Passion for creating memorable guest dining experiences and a deep understanding of five-star hospitality standards. Ability to work in a remote location, adapt to a dynamic environment, and foster community-based sta? development. Preferred Qualifications: Diploma/Degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or Food & Beverage Management. Experience working in luxury safari lodges or remote high-end properties. Strong knowledge of South African and international cuisine trends. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management systems. Compensation & Benefits: Salary: Based on experience and qualifications. Accommodation: On-site accommodation provided due to the lodges remote location. Meals & Benefits: Included as part of employment. Growth Opportunities: Professional development and mentorship within a prestigious lodge environment. Please Note - While all applications are valuable, well reach out directly to candidates who best meet the clients requirements.