Company: Empact Group
Location: Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
Contract Type: Contract
Date Posted: 12 September 2025
Division: Empact Group Food Solutions
Industry: Food and Beverages
Job Functional Area: Management
Minimum Experience: Associate
About the Company
Empact Group is one of South Africa’s leading providers of food, catering, and support services across a wide range of industries. With a strong footprint in hospitality, healthcare, education, and corporate catering, the company has built a reputation for quality service delivery, innovation, and client satisfaction. The Richards Bay unit forms part of the Group’s Food Solutions Division, which focuses on delivering top-tier catering solutions to large-scale and high-volume operations. By joining Empact Group, you become part of a dynamic and people-focused organisation that values growth, continuous development, and customer service excellence.
Role Overview
The Catering Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of food service operations at the Richards Bay unit. This includes supervising kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food preparation, maintaining strict cost controls, managing staff effectively, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations such as HACCP. This position is best suited to an experienced manager with strong leadership abilities, excellent customer service orientation, and proven expertise in managing large-scale catering operations within budget.
Key Responsibilities
As a Catering Manager, you will carry out a wide range of responsibilities essential for the smooth running of operations. These include:
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Managing the daily operations of the assigned catering unit with precision and attention to detail
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Implementing and monitoring the production process to ensure consistency and quality
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Managing and controlling food and labour costs to meet budgetary expectations
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Ensuring an overall understanding and implementation of HACCP standards and food safety requirements
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Coordinating events management and catering for special functions in line with client expectations
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Driving customer service excellence by creating memorable dining experiences
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Leading and motivating kitchen and service teams to achieve operational targets
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Monitoring compliance with South African food industry regulations and internal company policies
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Reporting on operational performance, budgets, and staff productivity
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Maintaining a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the catering unit
Qualifications and Experience
To succeed in this role, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
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A relevant tertiary qualification in food and beverage services or culinary arts (compulsory)
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At least 3 years of progressive experience in kitchen or catering management (compulsory)
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Experience in working with budget guidelines and successfully delivering cost-effective results
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Previous exposure to high-volume, complex food service operations (highly desirable)
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Computer literacy and proficiency in industry-related software
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A solid understanding of South African food safety laws and catering regulations
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
The role demands a professional with a comprehensive set of skills and competencies, including:
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Strong knowledge of catering environments ranging from fine dining to large-scale operations
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Excellent people management and leadership abilities
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Superior customer service orientation with a passion for client satisfaction
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Effective stakeholder management and communication skills
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Financial acumen with the ability to balance budgets and implement cost-saving measures
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Strong events and functions management skills
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Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform well under pressure
What the Company Offers
Empact Group provides a supportive environment for career growth and development. Employees benefit from:
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Exposure to a wide range of catering and hospitality operations
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Opportunities for professional training and continuous learning
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The chance to work within a respected brand known for its high standards and innovation
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A workplace culture that values teamwork, integrity, and excellence
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The ability to build a long-term career in the food and beverages industry
Equal Opportunity Statement
Empact Group is committed to employment equity and supports diversity in the workplace. The company ensures that recruitment and selection processes are fair, transparent, and inclusive, with preference given to historically disadvantaged individuals where appropriate.
How to Apply
If you meet the above requirements and believe you have the passion, skills, and drive to excel as a Catering Manager with Empact Group in Richards Bay, you are encouraged to submit your application via the official careers platform. Please ensure your CV is comprehensive and highlights your relevant qualifications and experience.
Click here to apply directly through the official Empact Group careers portal
Explore More Opportunities
If this role is not a perfect fit, explore other exciting career opportunities available on our platform. You can find related openings here:
Take the next step in your career journey with Empact Group and contribute to delivering exceptional catering solutions in one of South Africa’s most dynamic industries.
