Hiring Now | Cook | Maitland, Western Cape | Fixed-Term Contract Available
Empact Group, one of South Africa’s leading contract catering and food service organisations, is urgently seeking a skilled and dedicated Cook to join its Food Solutions division in Maitland, Western Cape. This is a hands-on kitchen role within a contract catering environment, offering you the opportunity to apply your culinary skills, deliver quality food service, and grow your career with a nationally recognised food service group. If you have a minimum of 2 years’ cooking experience in a contract catering setting and a commitment to food safety and customer service, this role is for you.
🍳 Don’t miss this opportunity — vacancies are filling fast. Apply before 29 May 2026.
Cook Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Cook |
| Company | Empact Group (Pty) Ltd |
| Division | Empact Group Food Solutions |
| Industry | Food and Beverages / Contract Catering |
| Functional Area | Kitchen Operations |
| Job Type | Fixed-Term Contract |
| Salary | Market Related |
| Location | Maitland, Western Cape |
| Minimum Experience | Associate (2+ Years) |
| Closing Date | 29 May 2026 |
| Application Status | ✅ Open – Accepting Applications Now |
About the Role
Empact Group Food Solutions is looking for a reliable, food-passionate Cook to join its kitchen team in Maitland, Western Cape. In this role, your primary responsibility is the preparation of food for daily kitchen production, ensuring that every meal served meets the company’s quality standards and satisfies client and customer expectations. You will work as part of a team in a structured contract catering environment, following established food safety protocols and production schedules to deliver consistent, high-quality food service every day.
This role is ideal for a cook who is experienced in contract catering, comfortable working under pressure, knowledgeable about special dietary requirements, and committed to contributing positively to a team-oriented kitchen environment. A Professional Cookery certificate will strengthen your application, though what matters most is your practical experience, your food safety knowledge, and your dedication to doing the job well.
⚠️ Please note: Empact Group is committed to Employment Equity in line with applicable legislation and will give first preference to candidates as per Equity requirements. Applicants are advised to bear this in mind when submitting their applications.
⚠️ Privacy notice: By applying for this role, you consent to Empact Group (Pty) Ltd storing and processing your personal information for recruitment purposes in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Key Responsibilities of a Cook
Food Preparation & Daily Kitchen Production
- Take full responsibility for the preparation of food for daily kitchen production, ensuring all items are prepared on time and to specification.
- Follow standardised recipes and production schedules consistently to deliver uniform quality across all meal periods.
- Ensure all food is prepared, portioned, and presented in line with the unit’s quality and presentation standards.
- Manage your prep station efficiently, maintaining cleanliness, organisation, and readiness throughout the shift.
Quality Food Service Delivery
- Provide a consistently high-quality food service to clients and customers across all service periods.
- Ensure that food is served at the correct temperature, portion size, and presentation standard at all times.
- Respond positively to feedback from supervisors and customers, making adjustments to improve service quality where required.
- Maintain a professional and service-oriented approach throughout every interaction with customers and colleagues.
Food Safety & Hygiene Compliance
- Demonstrate thorough knowledge of and strict compliance with food safety standards at all times.
- Maintain a clean, hygienic, and well-organised workstation and kitchen environment throughout every shift.
- Follow all HACCP protocols and food handling procedures to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.
- Ensure that all equipment is cleaned, sanitised, and stored correctly in accordance with hygiene standards.
Special Diets & Nutritional Awareness
- Prepare food in accordance with special dietary requirements, including allergen-aware, therapeutic, and culturally specific diets where applicable.
- Demonstrate awareness of common dietary restrictions and allergens, ensuring safe and appropriate food preparation at all times.
- Communicate any concerns regarding special diet requests to the supervisor promptly and accurately.
Teamwork & Communication
- Contribute actively and positively to effective teamwork within the kitchen, supporting colleagues during high-pressure service periods.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with kitchen colleagues, supervisors, and front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Demonstrate the ability to work efficiently under pressure, maintaining quality and composure during peak production periods.
- Participate constructively in team briefings and training sessions to support continuous improvement across the unit.
Minimum Requirements – Cook
Educational Qualifications:
- Matric / National Senior Certificate (essential)
- Professional Cookery Certificate (advantageous)
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Cook in a contract catering environment (essential)
- Customer service experience in a food service or catering setting (essential)
Knowledge Requirements:
- Sound knowledge of and compliance with food safety standards and hygiene protocols
- Practical knowledge of special diets and dietary requirements in a catering context
- Familiarity with kitchen production processes and contract catering environments
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- Ability to contribute to effective teamwork and support colleagues in a shared kitchen environment
- Ability to work under pressure during high-volume production periods without compromising quality or safety
- Practical food preparation and cookery skills developed in a contract catering environment
Personal Attributes:
- Reliable, punctual, and committed to consistent, high-quality output
- Positive, team-oriented attitude with a willingness to take direction
- Detail-conscious with a genuine pride in food quality and presentation
📢 Empact Group is committed to Employment Equity in accordance with applicable legislation. First preference will be given to candidates who meet Equity requirements.
Core Values We Look For in a Cook
✅ Pride in Food Quality & Consistency
Great contract catering is built on consistency — every dish, every service period, every day. We look for cooks who take genuine pride in the food they produce, who follow recipes and production standards with precision, and who understand that quality is not something that happens occasionally but something that must be delivered reliably, shift after shift.
✅ Food Safety as a Non-Negotiable Standard
In a contract catering environment, food safety is not optional — it is the foundation of everything. We value cooks who treat hygiene protocols, HACCP compliance, and food handling standards as professional commitments, not checklists. A cook who upholds food safety standards protects customers, colleagues, and the reputation of the entire operation.
✅ Customer Service & People Focus
Even in a kitchen role, the customer experience is central. We value cooks who understand that food is prepared for real people with real expectations — whether that means getting a meal out on time, accommodating a special dietary request, or simply ensuring that every plate looks and tastes its best. A customer-focused mindset elevates kitchen performance across the board.
✅ Teamwork & Resilience Under Pressure
Commercial kitchens are demanding environments, and performance under pressure is what separates good cooks from great ones. We value team players who remain composed, communicate clearly, support their colleagues, and maintain quality standards even during the busiest service periods — because the team’s success depends on every individual showing up fully, every day.
✅ Reliability & Professional Commitment
Contract catering operations depend on people who can be counted on. We value cooks who arrive on time, follow through on their responsibilities, take direction well, and consistently apply the same level of care and effort regardless of whether it is a quiet service or a high-pressure peak period. Reliability is the hallmark of a professional kitchen contributor.
Career Growth Opportunities in Contract Catering & Food Service
Starting as a Cook with Empact Group provides a strong foundation for a long-term career in professional catering and food service management. For motivated, skilled individuals who demonstrate consistent performance, the progression pathway is clear:
- Cook → Senior Cook / Chef de Partie
- Senior Cook / Chef de Partie → Sous Chef / Kitchen Supervisor
- Sous Chef / Kitchen Supervisor → Junior Catering Manager
- Junior Catering Manager → Senior Catering Manager
Your career path is in your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions – Cook Jobs
What experience is required for this Cook position? A minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Cook in a contract catering environment is essential. General restaurant or domestic cooking experience alone will not meet this requirement — the role specifically requires demonstrated experience within a contract catering setting, where structured production processes and food safety compliance are central to daily operations.
Is a formal cookery qualification required? No — Matric is the minimum educational requirement for this post. A Professional Cookery Certificate is listed as advantageous and will strengthen your application, but it is not a barrier to entry for candidates who can demonstrate the required experience and practical skills.
What does “special diets” experience involve? The role requires knowledge of and ability to prepare food in line with special dietary requirements. This includes allergen-aware preparation, therapeutic or medically prescribed diets (common in contract catering environments such as hospitals or care facilities), and culturally specific dietary needs. Candidates should be comfortable handling and clearly labelling special diet meals.
Is this a permanent position? No. This is a fixed-term contract position. The specific duration of the contract will be confirmed during the recruitment process. Empact Group does consider strong performers for ongoing opportunities as operational requirements evolve.
Does Empact Group have an Employment Equity preference for this role? Yes. Empact Group is committed to Employment Equity in accordance with South African legislation and will give first preference to candidates who meet Equity requirements. All qualifying candidates are encouraged to apply, and Equity status should be clearly noted in your application.
What is the closing date and how do I apply? The closing date is 29 May 2026. Submit your application via the Empact Group careers portal or through the advertised application channel. Ensure your CV clearly reflects your 2+ years of contract catering experience and any relevant food safety or cookery qualifications. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
How to Apply for This Cook Job
Ready to bring your culinary skills to one of South Africa’s leading contract catering organisations? Applications are open now. Quote Cook – Maitland in all correspondence and submit your application as directed below.
👉 Apply Online via Empact Group Careers Portal
⚠️ Closing Date: 29 May 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
⚠️ Empact Group will give first preference to candidates in line with Employment Equity requirements. Please ensure your EE status is clearly reflected in your application.
⚠️ By applying for this role, you consent to Empact Group (Pty) Ltd processing your personal information for recruitment purposes in accordance with POPIA.
Apply early — this vacancy closes on 29 May 2026.
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