Job Overview:
Zimbali Lodge, a 4-star resort located just 5 minutes' drive from Ballito, is seeking a Food and Beverage Lead to join our team. As the leader of our food and beverage operations, you will play a crucial role in ensuring our guests have a phenomenal dining experience. This position is ideal for someone with a passion for the hospitality industry, exceptional management skills, and a drive to continuously improve our offerings.
Company Overview:
Zimbali Lodge is one of the newest additions to Dream Hotels & Resorts, a mixed-use accommodation group focused on making a positive impact in the community. At Dream Hotels & Resorts, our team is guided by 8 core values that prioritise sustainability, trust, dynamism, excellence, joy, diversity, integrity, and creativity. We strive to create a joyful work environment that connects people with our surroundings and each other.
Key Responsibilities:
- Menu Planning and Development: Collaborate with chefs and culinary team to create menus that align with our establishment's concept, meet budgetary requirements, and comply with food safety regulations.
- Purchasing and Inventory Management: Source and purchase food, beverages, and supplies, negotiate with vendors, manage inventory levels, and ensure cost-effective purchasing practises while maintaining quality standards.
- Team Management: Recruit, train, schedule, lead, and motivate food and beverage service team members, including waiters, bartenders, kitchen teams, and other personnel, to provide excellent customer service.
- Customer Service: Ensure high standards of customer service are maintained by interacting with guests, addressing feedback and complaints, and resolving any issues that may arise during service.
- Quality Control and Compliance: Monitor food preparation, presentation, and service to ensure quality and consistency, as well as compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
- Financial Management: Develop and manage budgets, analyse financial reports, track expenses, and implement cost-control measures to maximise profitability and achieve financial targets.
- Event Planning and Catering: Coordinate and oversee food and beverage services for events, conferences, weddings, and other special occasions, ensuring that client expectations are met and that events run smoothly.
- Marketing and Promotions: Collaborate with the Resort Custodian, marketing and sales team to develop strategies to promote food and beverage offerings, drive sales, attract customers, and enhance the overall dining experience.
- Vendor and Supplier Relations: Build and maintain relationships with food and beverage suppliers, negotiate contracts, monitor performance, and seek opportunities for partnerships that benefit the establishment.
- Trends and Innovation: Stay informed about industry trends, new technologies, and innovations in food and beverage service to continuously improve offerings, stay competitive, and meet customer preferences.
Requirements:
- Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management or related field.
- Proven food and beverage leadership experience of more than 3 years in a 4-star establishment.
- Proficiency in MS Office - Word, Excel & Outlook, Restaurant management software, POS, Preferably HTI with Plus Point, Plus Central and Apex.