Job Description

Assistant Manager: Food Services (Grade 13)
Food Services Section
Division of Residential Operations
The Food Services Section of the Division of Residential Operations at Rhodes University invites suitably qualified candidates to join their team.
The Department
The Division of Food Services is an in-house operated catering service that creates a home away from home by providing a hospitable and welcoming environment in our dining rooms. We provide a social environment in which students can interact while they eat, learn, and live. We support local and credible suppliers and ensure the nutritional well-being of our students. We are a team of 196 managers, caterers, and food services staff.
Food Services, as part of the Residential Operations Division, provides a support service that complements and enriches the students' educational experience and, in doing so, strives to ensure an environment in which students can reach their full potential.
Daily, Food Services provides convenient and flexible access to a variety of value-for-money, nutritious, tasty, and well-balanced meals in an environment that is friendly, hospitable, and hygienic.
Main Objectives
To assist the Manager: Food Services in the running of Food Services operations, particularly as regards the management of staff and the implementation of food services procedures and standards to ensure high quality service delivery. The post will contribute to the Residential Operations Division Vision & Mission Statement which in turn contributes to Rhodes Universitys overall objective of being a world class institution where leaders learn.
The Requirements
A degree/diploma (NQF Level 7) in Hospitality Management with approximately 4 years relevant experience, where such experience includes: -

• At least 3 years experience working with staff who are at the supervisory level.
• At least 2 years experience supervising staff.
• Approved practical training (on-the-job training in an Industrial Catering Facility) With hands-on practical industrial cooking experience, physical stock-take, and on-the-job training of catering staff.
• Previous experience working with up-to-date Food Services practices with high-volume food production at multiple sites.
• A valid Drivers license.

Application Process
It is essential that prospective candidates read the for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.
The following documents are required:

• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications, which should include the following: -

• Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
• Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct motivation outlining your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job

Please note that no hand-written applications will be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system. Failure to submit all documentation and respond to all the questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.
Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application can be submitted to hrrecruitment@ru.ac.za.
Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change):

• Short-listing meeting - to be confirmed
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum (Grade 13):
Basic Pensionable Salary per annum:R539 568
Cost to Company per annum (Approximately):R710 658
All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three-years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.
Closing Date: 29 September 2025
This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible
If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.
These values are:
Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion
Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.
Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act of 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2022 and the University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Skills Required