Job Description

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 Towns most iconic luxury hotel kitchens.