Food and Beverage Manager | Luxury Safari Camp | Hoedspruit

Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and passionate Food and Beverage Manager for a luxury safari camp in Hoedspruit. This exciting role requires a dynamic hospitality professional with strong leadership abilities, excellent culinary and beverage management knowledge, and a genuine passion for delivering world-class guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Kitchen & Cuisine

• Oversee the preparation and consistent delivery of Pan-African cuisine to the highest standards

• Collaborate with the Lodge Manager and Head Chef to develop new menus in line with the camps food philosophy

• Ensure all recipes, preparation lists, and food styling guidelines are followed

• Manage portion control, food usage, and leftover food processes

• Supervise staff meals, training, and ongoing kitchen standards

• Maintain creativity and introduce innovative culinary ideas in line with current trends

Food Stock Control

• Maintain monthly food cost per guest within budget allocations

• Conduct monthly stock takes and manage seasonal price adjustments

• Ensure accurate ordering, storage, and rotation of food supplies

• Source and negotiate with suppliers to achieve the best quality at the best price

Guest Experience

• Oversee the smooth running of dining services, including tea, breakfast, lunch, high tea, dinner, and special bush events

• Build strong guest relationships through interaction and personalised service

• Tailor experiences to accommodate dietary needs and special requests

• Instil a culture of guest care and exceptional service across the team

Beverage Management

• Oversee stock control systems for beverages with the Guest Delight Manager

• Manage daily stock issues, reconciliations, and administration of invoices and GRVs

• Ensure adequate beverage stock levels, storeroom organisation, and cellar management

• Monitor sales, charges, and usage to meet or exceed sales targets

Team Leadership

• Inspire, train, and lead the Food & Beverage team to deliver consistently high standards

• Recognise positive guest feedback and address challenges constructively

• Manage staff performance, training schedules, and leave cycles

• Develop a learning culture and motivate the team to go the extra mile

Other Duties

• Assist at Front of House during guest arrivals, departures, and lodge inspections

• Foster strong relationships with local communities, suppliers, and stakeholders

Candidate Profile & Skills:

• Energetic, proactive individual with a strong focus on guest delight

• Creative thinker with the ability to introduce new ideas and concepts

• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and people management skills

• Strong financial, stock control, and IT skills

• Highly organised with attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure

• Strong interpersonal skills with a positive, enthusiastic personality

Qualifications & Experience:

• Diploma in Hospitality or Lodge Management (advantageous)

• 35 years Food & Beverage management experience in a 5-star lodge or boutique operation

• Culinary background or professional kitchen experience an advantage

• Proven experience in menu development, purchasing, stock control, and service training

• In-depth knowledge of food hygiene, safety, and hospitality operations

• Valid Code 8 Drivers Licence

Package Offered:

• Salary: R30,000 R33,000 per month (negotiable, dependent on experience)

• Live-in position with accommodation provided

This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven and creative hospitality professional to join a leading safari camp, where food, beverage, and guest experience are at the heart of operations.