South Africa: Food & Beverage Manager posted by Career Pathfinders

Food & Beverage Manager. 4★ Luxury Game Lodge Big 5 Game Reserve – Border Gauteng / Limpopo Province Capacity: ±80 Guests | Weddings & Events Venue Reports to: General Manager Job Purpose To oversee and manage all Food & Beverage operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, high service standards, efficient cost control, and seamless execution of daily dining, bush/boma dinners, bar service, and large-scale weddings and events. Key Responsibilities Operational Management Oversee all F&B outlets including: Main restaurant & viewing deck Bar & lounge Bush / Boma dinners Wedding & banqueting events Ensure consistent delivery of 4★ luxury service standards Manage daily service schedules, guest counts, and event requirements Coordinate closely with the Head Chef on menus, service flow and special dietary needs Conduct daily briefings and pre-service checks Weddings, Events & Banqueting Plan, coordinate and execute weddings, private functions and corporate events Liaise with wedding coordinators, clients and suppliers Oversee event setup, service timing, staffing and breakdown Ensure flawless execution of plated, buffet and cocktail-style events Staff Management & Training Recruit, train, schedule and manage F&B staff Lead by example with hands-on floor management Conduct regular performance evaluations Enforce grooming, hygiene and service standards Manage disciplinary procedures in line with labour legislation Guest Experience Maintain a visible presence during service Handle guest feedback, complaints and special requests professionally Ensure personalised service for VIPs, honeymooners and wedding guests Maintain strong attention to detail and service excellence Financial & Stock Control Manage budgets, food & beverage cost percentages and gross profit Control stock, ordering, receiving and issuing procedures Conduct monthly stock takes and variance investigations Manage bar controls, beverage costing and wastage Prepare reports for management Health, Safety & Compliance Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations Maintain HACCP and food safety standards Ensure liquor licensing compliance Enforce hygiene, cleanliness and safety standards across all outlets Requirements & Qualifications Minimum 4–5 years’ experience as an F&B Manager or Senior F&B Supervisor in: 4★ / 5★ lodge, hotel or luxury hospitality environment Proven experience in weddings, banqueting and events Strong operational knowledge of: Restaurant service Bar operations Bush/Boma dining setups Excellent leadership and staff management skills Strong financial acumen and cost-control experience Excellent communication and guest-relation skills Computer literate (POS systems, stock systems, MS Office) Preferred Hospitality Management qualification Wine, spirits or sommelier knowledge Experience in remote lodge environments Valid driver’s license First Aid certification Key Competencies Strong leadership & people management Exceptional organizational & planning skills High attention to detail Calm under pressure Guest-centric mindset Hands-on, flexible and solution-driven Excellent time management Working Conditions Live-in position (depending on lodge) Shift work including weekends, evenings and public holidays High-pressure environment during events and peak seasons Please Note – While all applications are valuable, we’ll reach out directly to candidates who best meet the client’s requirements. Salary R 22 000 – R 25 000 live/in