The President Hotel is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation, and we are creating a newly established role of Catering Technician. This pivotal position ensures the safe, efficient, and hygienic operation of all kitchen equipment in our high-volume kitchen, which serves up to 580 breakfasts daily.

This hands-on role is critical to the smooth running of our culinary operations, combining technical expertise, preventative maintenance, procurement management, and compliance oversight. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Chef, kitchen teams, and engineering department, reporting directly to the Chief Engineer, to ensure all kitchen systems are fully operational, safe, and compliant with manufacturer and food hygiene standards.

About the Role

The Catering Technician is responsible for the maintenance, servicing, repair, and commissioning of all kitchen equipment—gas, electrical, and electronic. The role involves preventative maintenance, stock and procurement management, emergency response, compliance with food safety and manufacturer requirements, and detailed reporting to the Chief Engineer.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and highly skilled in mechanical, electrical, and electronic kitchen systems, with a proactive approach to ensuring operational efficiency and safety in a high-pressure, high-volume kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Maintenance & Servicing

• Inspect, service, and repair all kitchen equipment, including ovens, stoves, fryers, grills, dishwashers, coffee machines, and other appliances.

• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and electronic faults, including control boards, sensors, timers, wiring, and components.

• Perform preventative maintenance to avoid breakdowns and extend equipment lifespan.

• Manage new equipment under 2-year manufacturer warranty, ensuring compliance with manufacturer requirements.

Procurement & Stock Management

• Monitor and maintain adequate stock levels of spare parts, consumables, and materials.

• Procure parts and materials as required, in consultation with the Engineering Department.

• Ensure timely procurement to prevent downtime and maintain operational efficiency.

• Keep accurate records of stock usage and replenishment.

Compliance & Food Safety

• Ensure all work adheres to health, safety, and food hygiene regulations.

• Conduct risk assessments prior to maintenance or repair work.

• Maintain equipment in a clean, sanitized, and safe state for food preparation.

• Comply with manufacturer guidelines, local regulations, and hotel policies.

Installation & Commissioning

• Assist with installation, commissioning, and testing of new kitchen appliances.

• Integrate new equipment into the kitchen workflow while ensuring warranty compliance and operational safety.

Emergency Response & Reliability

• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns to minimize downtime.

• Provide interim solutions when immediate repair is not possible.

• Keep tools, spare parts, and technical knowledge ready for urgent situations.

Communication & Collaboration

• Liaise with the F&B department and Executive Chef to schedule maintenance without disrupting service.

• Work with kitchen staff to ensure operational requirements are met while maintaining safety, hygiene, and compliance.

• Provide guidance to junior technicians where required.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain detailed records of all maintenance, inspections, repairs, and warranty work.

• Provide weekly updates to the Chief Engineer on ongoing repairs, equipment status, and procurement needs.

• Submit monthly reports detailing maintenance activities, completed repairs, preventative maintenance, stock levels, and compliance with food safety and safety standards.

• Use CMMS or similar systems for tracking, reporting, and ensuring warranty compliance.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a catering technician or in a high-volume kitchen maintenance role.

• Expertise in electrical, electronic, and gas kitchen equipment.

• Skilled in fault-finding, servicing, and repairing appliances while ensuring food safety and warranty compliance.

• Experience in preventative maintenance, procurement, stock management, and documentation.

• Ability to read manuals, schematics, and technical drawings.

• Strong communication skills for liaising with chefs, kitchen staff, and engineering teams.

• Computer literate; experience with CMMS or similar systems.

• Gas certification is highly advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, practical, and detail-oriented.

• Strong problem-solving skills with mechanical, electrical, and electronic aptitude.

• Flexible, professional, and able to respond promptly to emergencies.

• Committed to safety, hygiene, food compliance, and warranty adherence.

• Team player with excellent communication and collaboration skills.

• Able to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment.

Role Matters

The Catering Technician ensures that all kitchen appliances, including new equipment under warranty, operate safely, efficiently, and hygienically. By managing procurement of parts and stock, performing repairs, and providing weekly updates and monthly reports, you enable the kitchen to function seamlessly, protect staff and guests, and support chefs in delivering an exceptional dining experience.

Package on Offer

• Competitive gross package with benefits.

• Medical aid contribution.

• Pension/provident fund contribution.

• Performance-based incentives.

This is a newly created, hands-on technical role with significant responsibility for maintenance, safety, and operational reliability in one of Cape Town’s most iconic luxury hotel kitchens.