<p>The President Hotel is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation, and we are creating a <strong>newly established role of Catering Technician</strong>. This pivotal position ensures the <strong>safe, efficient, and hygienic operation of all kitchen equipment</strong> in our high-volume kitchen, which serves up to <strong>580 breakfasts daily</strong>.</p><p>This hands-on role is critical to the smooth running of our culinary operations, combining <strong>technical expertise, preventative maintenance, procurement management, and compliance oversight</strong>. The successful candidate will work closely with the <strong>Executive Chef, kitchen teams, and engineering department</strong>, reporting directly to the <strong>Chief Engineer</strong>, to ensure all kitchen systems are fully operational, safe, and compliant with manufacturer and food hygiene standards.</p><h3><strong>About the Role</strong></h3><p>The Catering Technician is responsible for the <strong>maintenance, servicing, repair, and commissioning of all kitchen equipment</strong>gas, electrical, and electronic. The role involves <strong>preventative maintenance, stock and procurement management, emergency response, compliance with food safety and manufacturer requirements, and detailed reporting</strong> to the Chief Engineer.</p><p>The ideal candidate is <strong>hands-on, detail-oriented, and highly skilled in mechanical, electrical, and electronic kitchen systems</strong>, with a proactive approach to <strong>ensuring operational efficiency and safety</strong> in a high-pressure, high-volume kitchen environment.</p><h3><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></h3><p><strong>Equipment Maintenance & Servicing</strong></p><ul><li><p>Inspect, service, and repair all kitchen equipment, including ovens, stoves, fryers, grills, dishwashers, coffee machines, and other appliances.</p></li><li><p>Diagnose and repair <strong>mechanical, electrical, and electronic faults</strong>, including control boards, sensors, timers, wiring, and components.</p></li><li><p>Perform <strong>preventative maintenance</strong> to avoid breakdowns and extend equipment lifespan.</p></li><li><p>Manage <strong>new equipment under 2-year manufacturer warranty</strong>, ensuring compliance with manufacturer requirements.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Procurement & Stock Management</strong></p><ul><li><p>Monitor and maintain <strong>adequate stock levels of spare parts, consumables, and materials</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Procure parts and materials as required, in consultation with the Engineering Department.</p></li><li><p>Ensure timely procurement to prevent downtime and maintain operational efficiency.</p></li><li><p>Keep accurate records of <strong>stock usage and replenishment</strong>.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Compliance & Food Safety</strong></p><ul><li><p>Ensure all work adheres to <strong>health, safety, and food hygiene regulations</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Conduct <strong>risk assessments</strong> prior to maintenance or repair work.</p></li><li><p>Maintain equipment in a <strong>clean, sanitized, and safe state</strong> for food preparation.</p></li><li><p>Comply with <strong>manufacturer guidelines, local regulations, and hotel policies</strong>.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Installation & Commissioning</strong></p><ul><li><p>Assist with <strong>installation, commissioning, and testing of new kitchen appliances</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Integrate new equipment into the kitchen workflow while ensuring <strong>warranty compliance and operational safety</strong>.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Emergency Response & Reliability</strong></p><ul><li><p>Respond promptly to <strong>equipment breakdowns</strong> to minimize downtime.</p></li><li><p>Provide <strong>interim solutions</strong> when immediate repair is not possible.</p></li><li><p>Keep tools, spare parts, and technical knowledge ready for urgent situations.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Communication & Collaboration</strong></p><ul><li><p>Liaise with the <strong>F&B department and Executive Chef</strong> to schedule maintenance without disrupting service.</p></li><li><p>Work with kitchen staff to ensure operational requirements are met while maintaining <strong>safety, hygiene, and compliance</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Provide guidance to <strong>junior technicians</strong> where required.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Reporting & Documentation</strong></p><ul><li><p>Maintain detailed records of all maintenance, inspections, repairs, and warranty work.</p></li><li><p>Provide <strong>weekly updates</strong> to the Chief Engineer on ongoing repairs, equipment status, and procurement needs.</p></li><li><p>Submit <strong>monthly reports</strong> detailing maintenance activities, completed repairs, preventative maintenance, stock levels, and compliance with food safety and safety standards.</p></li><li><p>Use <strong>CMMS or similar systems</strong> for tracking, reporting, and ensuring warranty compliance.</p></li></ul><h3><strong>Skills & Experience</strong></h3><ul><li><p>Minimum <strong>3 years experience as a catering technician or in a high-volume kitchen maintenance role</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Expertise in <strong>electrical, electronic, and gas kitchen equipment</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Skilled in <strong>fault-finding, servicing, and repairing appliances</strong> while ensuring food safety and warranty compliance.</p></li><li><p>Experience in <strong>preventative maintenance, procurement, stock management, and documentation</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Ability to <strong>read manuals, schematics, and technical drawings</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Strong communication skills for liaising with <strong>chefs, kitchen staff, and engineering teams</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Computer literate; experience with <strong>CMMS or similar systems</strong>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Gas certification</strong> is highly advantageous.</p></li></ul><h3><strong>Personal Attributes</strong></h3><ul><li><p>Hands-on, practical, and detail-oriented.</p></li><li><p>Strong problem-solving skills with <strong>mechanical, electrical, and electronic aptitude</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Flexible, professional, and able to respond promptly to <strong>emergencies</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Committed to <strong>safety, hygiene, food compliance, and warranty adherence</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Team player with excellent <strong>communication and collaboration skills</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Able to perform effectively in a <strong>fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment</strong>.</p></li></ul><h3><strong>Role Matters</strong></h3><p>The Catering Technician ensures that <strong>all kitchen appliances, including new equipment under warranty, operate safely, efficiently, and hygienically</strong>. By managing <strong>procurement of parts and stock, performing repairs, and providing weekly updates and monthly reports</strong>, you enable the kitchen to function seamlessly, protect staff and guests, and support chefs in delivering an <strong>exceptional dining experience</strong>.</p><h3><strong>Package on Offer</strong></h3><ul><li><p><strong>Competitive gross package with benefits</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Medical aid contribution.</p></li><li><p>Pension/provident fund contribution.</p></li><li><p>Performance-based incentives.</p></li></ul><p>This is a <strong>newly created, hands-on technical role</strong> with significant responsibility for <strong>maintenance, safety, and operational reliability</strong> in one of Cape Towns most iconic luxury hotel kitchens.</p>