Job Description

Closing Date: 2026-01-01
Job Type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled
Experience: Between 3 - 5 Years
EE/AA: No
Summary
Senior Catering Manager - Healthcare Facility - Newcastle, KZN
We are recruiting an experienced Senior Hospital Catering Manager to oversee and lead catering operations at a busy healthcare facility in Newcastle, KZN. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership ability, solid catering management experience within healthcare, and a deep understanding of the demands and sensitivities of a hospital environment.
Salary: R23 000 - R27 000 Basic + Provident Fund
Staff Complement: 53 | Multi-Outlet: Main Kitchen + Coffee Shop
Description

• Manage daily operations in line with sector strategy, contract standards, and statutory regulations
• Oversee and implement the full food production process
• Ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery to clients and patients
• Manage creative catering functions and special events
• Menu planning, standardisation, adoption, and costing
• Maintain recipe compliance and ensure the team follows standardised methods
• Daily Worksmart bookkeeping: issues, sales, stock, banking, etc.
• Manage and drive Food GP to meet monthly budget targets
• Oversee unit budgets and ensure achievement of financial objectives
• Ensure proper stock controls with minimum/maximum stock levels implemented
• Ensure the Electronic Meal Ordering System is fully functional and optimised
• Maintain and monitor HSE compliance daily and ensure all records are up to date
• Full people management: workforce planning, payroll administration, leave, and performance management
• Enhance Customer Experience using survey data and continuous improvement practices

Minimum Requirements
Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Food & Beverage Services, Hospitality, or Culinary Arts (Compulsory)
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a similar Catering Management role
• Private hospital experience advantageous
• Experience in highly commercial and sensitive environments is compulsory
• Project management experience in hospitality/catering is advantageous
• Experience with costing, budgets, forecasts, and invoicing advantageous
• Proven ability to manage large teams (50+ staff)
• Valid driver's license
• Clear criminal record

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of the catering environment (fine dining to institutional catering)
• Knowledge of South African and industry-specific legislation
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Strong management, leadership, and delegation abilities
• Ability to coordinate exceptional functions and client events
• Strong financial acumen -- ability to balance budgets and manage soft costs
• Ability to compile, extract and interpret operational reports

Benefits
R23 000 - R27 000 Basic + Provident Fund

Skills Required