
Kitchen Manager (KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg)
- Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
- Permanent
- Full-time
Minimum Requirements
- Completed diploma in Professional Cookery
- 5 Years Experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager
- The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with team members and clients
- Good knowledge of plus point system.
- Great knowledge of food cost and menu planning
- Strong management skills
- Strong conferencing experience is essential.
- Coach, mentor, train, and supervise kitchen staff including sous chefs, cooks, and kitchen assistants
- Schedule shifts and delegate tasks effectively to optimize productivity
- Monitor staff performance and provide constructive feedback
- Conduct performance evaluations and development planning
- Implement training programs for culinary skills and safety protocols
- Foster a positive and collaborative kitchen environment
- Manage disciplinary actions when necessary
- Build team morale and maintain high engagement levels
- Ensure consistent food quality and presentation standards
- Maintain compliance with health and safety regulations
- Oversee food preparation and cooking processes
- Apply all Brand Standards as per SOPs
- Monitor kitchen workflow and efficiency
- Implement quality control systems
- Coordinate with restaurant management for service excellence
- Maintain recipe standardization and portion control
- Manage inventory levels and order supplies as needed
- Monitor food costs and minimize waste through effective controls
- Work within budget constraints and optimize kitchen efficiency
- Negotiate with suppliers for optimal pricing and quality
- Track key performance indicators for cost management
- Implement inventory rotation systems
- Analyse usage patterns and adjust procurement accordingly
- Prepare cost analysis reports
- Enforce cleanliness and hygiene standards throughout kitchen operations
- Conduct regular inspections and maintain comprehensive records
- Ensure proper food storage and labelling protocols
- Implement HACCP principles and food safety management systems
- Coordinate equipment maintenance and cleaning schedules
- Monitor temperature controls and food safety procedures
- Train staff on safety protocols and emergency procedures
- Ensure compliance with local health department regulations
- Coordinate with front-of-house staff for smooth service delivery
- Communicate effectively with vendors and suppliers
- Report to upper management on kitchen performance metrics
- Support special events and catering requirements
- Participate in management meetings and strategic planning
- Implement new recipes and cooking techniques
- Monitor food trends and guest preferences
- Conduct cost analysis for menu items
- Support promotional activities and special events
- Ensure menu compliance with dietary requirements
- Maintain recipe documentation and specifications
- Maintain accurate records and documentation systems
- Prepare operational reports and performance metrics
- Manage kitchen equipment and maintenance schedules
- Ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness
- Monitor labor costs and productivity measures
- Implement standard operating procedures
- Coordinate with other hotel departments
- Proven experience as a Kitchen Manager or similar role (minimum 5 years)
- Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
- Excellent leadership and organizational skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under pressure
- Culinary expertise and cooking techniques knowledge
- Financial management and cost control abilities
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
- Technology proficiency for inventory and reporting systems
- Physical stamina for kitchen operations
- Food quality consistency scores
- Food cost percentage targets
- Kitchen productivity measures
- Staff turnover and retention rates
- Health and safety compliance ratings
- Waste reduction achievements
- Guest satisfaction scores for food service
- Training completion rates
- Budget adherence
- Brand standards compliance
- Inventory accuracy levels
- Equipment maintenance standards