Hiring Now | Catering Manager | Cape Town, Western Cape | Fixed-Term Contract Available

Empact Group, one of South Africa’s foremost food solutions providers, is seeking an experienced and capable Catering Manager to join their Food Solutions division in Cape Town. This is a fixed-term contract opportunity for a seasoned hospitality professional with a strong background in kitchen management, food production, and high-volume foodservice operations — offering the chance to lead a dedicated catering unit within a company that sets the standard for professional food service delivery across the country. Don’t miss this opportunity — vacancies are filling fast. Apply today.

Detail	Information
Job Title	Catering Manager
Division	Empact Group Food Solutions
Industry	Food & Beverages – Catering & Hospitality Management
Job Type	Fixed-Term Contract
Salary	Negotiable (with Benefits available)
Location	Cape Town, Western Cape
Posted	09 June 2026
Closing Date	30 June 2026
Application Status	Open – Accepting Applications Now

About the Role

Empact Group Food Solutions operates at the forefront of professional catering and food service management in South Africa, delivering everything from high-volume institutional catering to fine dining and complex events management. The Catering Manager role in Cape Town sits at the heart of this operation — carrying full accountability for the daily running of an assigned catering unit, from kitchen production and food safety compliance through to labour management, budget control, and stakeholder engagement. This is a leadership role that demands both operational precision and the interpersonal skill to inspire a team under pressure.

The successful candidate will bring a relevant tertiary qualification in hospitality or catering management, a minimum of three years of progressive kitchen management experience, and a demonstrated ability to deliver results within budget guidelines. Exposure to high-volume, complex foodservice environments is highly desirable, as is a broad understanding of the catering landscape — from everyday restaurant-style service through to fine dining and large-scale functions. Empact Group is a company that takes compliance seriously, and a thorough working knowledge of HACCP principles and relevant South African food industry legislation is essential to performing this role effectively.

This is a fixed-term contract position. The contract duration and specific terms will be confirmed with shortlisted candidates during the recruitment process.

Empact Group is committed to Employment Equity in line with South African legislation. First preference will be given to candidates in accordance with the company’s equity requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Unit Operations Management

• Take full accountability for the daily operations of the assigned catering unit, ensuring smooth, efficient, and compliant service delivery
• Oversee all kitchen activities including food preparation, service, and post-service procedures in line with production standards
• Monitor operational workflows and intervene proactively to resolve service disruptions or quality shortfalls
• Ensure all equipment, facilities, and workspaces are maintained to the required standards of hygiene and functionality
• Report on unit performance, challenges, and improvements to divisional management on a regular basis

Production Process & Food Safety

• Implement and manage the production process from raw ingredient intake through to plated service, maintaining consistency and quality at every stage
• Enforce full compliance with HACCP principles and food safety legislation across all kitchen functions at all times
• Conduct regular food safety audits, temperature checks, and hygiene inspections to ensure standards are upheld without exception
• Train and coach kitchen staff on food safety procedures, correct handling practices, and personal hygiene requirements
• Maintain accurate production records, HACCP documentation, and any other compliance registers required by the unit or client

Food & Labour Cost Management

• Manage food and labour costs in line with approved budget guidelines, identifying and acting on variances without delay
• Monitor portion control, wastage, and procurement adherence to protect the unit’s food cost percentage
• Compile and manage staff rosters to optimise labour deployment against production demands and budget constraints
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising food quality, service standards, or team welfare
• Prepare and submit cost reports and financial summaries to management as required by the unit’s reporting cycle

Events & Functions Management

• Plan, coordinate, and execute catering functions and events to the highest standard, from initial brief through to service and post-event review
• Liaise with clients and internal stakeholders to confirm event requirements, dietary needs, and service expectations well in advance
• Manage the procurement, preparation, and presentation of food and beverage offerings for events of varying scale and complexity
• Ensure all event setups comply with health, safety, and food handling regulations applicable to the venue and service style
• Debrief after each event to capture learnings and apply improvements to future function planning and execution

People Management & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead, develop, and motivate the kitchen and service team through clear communication, regular feedback, and a supportive management style
• Apply people management skills to handle recruitment, performance, disciplinary matters, and team development within the unit
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders through professional and responsive communication
• Foster a positive team culture where accountability, pride in quality, and continuous improvement are shared values
• Represent Empact Group Food Solutions with professionalism in all client-facing and stakeholder interactions

Minimum Requirements

Educational Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Hospitality and Catering Management — compulsory; applications without this qualification will not be considered

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of progressive kitchen management experience — compulsory
• Demonstrated experience working within budget guidelines to deliver measurable results — compulsory
• Experience in high-volume, complex foodservice operations — highly desirable

Technical Skills

• Computer literate with proficiency in standard office and reporting software
• Working knowledge of HACCP principles and food safety management systems
• Familiarity with production planning, menu costing, and food procurement processes

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of the catering environment ranging from fine dining to restaurant dining
• Sound knowledge of South African food industry legislation and applicable compliance requirements
• Understanding of labour cost management and staff scheduling within a catering unit

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent customer service skills with a client-focused approach to service delivery
• Excellent people management skills with experience leading and developing kitchen teams
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
• Exceptional functions and events management skills
• Strong ability to balance budgets and identify cost savings without compromising quality

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and calm under pressure during peak service periods
• Professional in conduct and appearance, with a genuine commitment to food quality and service excellence

Empact Group is committed to Employment Equity in terms of South African legislation. First preference will be given to candidates who meet the company’s equity requirements. Candidates are encouraged to indicate their equity status clearly in their application.

By applying for this role, candidates consent to their personal information being stored securely by Empact Group (Proprietary) Limited for recruitment purposes, in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

Core Values

Customer Commitment

Empact Group Food Solutions exists to deliver exceptional food experiences, and the Catering Manager is the custodian of that promise at unit level. From the quality of a daily meal service to the seamless execution of a high-profile function, your commitment to the customer’s experience must be unwavering — reflected in every dish that leaves the kitchen and every interaction your team has with the client.

Continuous Learning

The South African food service industry is dynamic, regulatory expectations evolve, and client expectations grow year on year. Empact Group’s culture of professional development means that Catering Managers are expected to stay current — in food safety legislation, culinary trends, cost management techniques, and people leadership practices — and to pass that learning culture on to the teams they lead.

Integrity

Managing food costs, labour rosters, and procurement budgets demands a Catering Manager who operates with complete transparency and financial honesty. Empact Group holds its managers to the highest standards of ethical conduct — in client relationships, supplier dealings, and internal reporting — because the company’s reputation is built on trust at every level of the operation.

Teamwork

A catering unit only functions when its people work in genuine concert. As Catering Manager, you set the tone for the team’s cohesion, morale, and mutual accountability. Empact Group values leaders who know that their own success is inseparable from the success of the people around them — and who invest accordingly in building strong, motivated, well-supported kitchen and service teams.

Professionalism

Empact Group Food Solutions operates across some of South Africa’s most demanding catering environments, and the standard of professionalism expected of its Catering Managers reflects that positioning. Consistently high presentation, precise communication, rigorous compliance, and a leadership presence that commands respect from team and client alike are the hallmarks of a Catering Manager who belongs at Empact Group.

Career Growth Opportunities

Empact Group Food Solutions offers motivated catering professionals a structured pathway from unit-level management through to senior leadership within a major national food solutions business.

• Catering Manager → Senior Catering Manager
• Senior Catering Manager → Area / Multi-Unit Manager
• Area / Multi-Unit Manager → Regional Operations Manager
• Regional Operations Manager → Divisional Director – Food Solutions

Your career path is in your hands.

FAQ

Is the tertiary qualification in hospitality or catering management truly non-negotiable? Yes — a relevant tertiary qualification in hospitality and catering management is listed as compulsory. Applications that do not include this qualification will not be progressed. Candidates with equivalent professional certifications are encouraged to clearly outline their credentials when applying so that they may be evaluated on their merits.

What does “fixed-term contract” mean for this role and how long is the contract? This is a fixed-term contract position, meaning the appointment is for a defined period rather than an indefinite permanent tenure. The specific contract duration will be confirmed with shortlisted candidates during the recruitment and offer process. Candidates should be available to commit to the full contract term from the agreed start date.

How does Empact Group apply its Employment Equity policy to this vacancy? Empact Group is legally committed to Employment Equity in line with South African legislation. For this vacancy, first preference will be given to candidates who meet the company’s equity targets. Candidates are encouraged to indicate their equity status clearly in their application to ensure it is properly considered during the shortlisting process.

What level of HACCP knowledge is expected in this role? A thorough and practical understanding of HACCP principles is essential — not merely theoretical awareness. The Catering Manager is responsible for implementing and maintaining food safety compliance across the entire unit, including conducting audits, maintaining records, and training staff. Candidates should be able to demonstrate hands-on HACCP management experience gained in a professional catering or foodservice environment.

What kinds of catering environments has Empact Group Food Solutions operated in? Empact Group operates across a wide spectrum of catering environments, ranging from fine dining and restaurant-style service through to high-volume institutional and corporate foodservice. The Catering Manager role in Cape Town may involve elements across this spectrum, and candidates with broad exposure to different service styles and volumes will be particularly well regarded during the selection process.

When does this vacancy close and what is the application process? This vacancy closes on 30 June 2026. Candidates should apply as early as possible given the tight window. Details on how to submit your application are provided below. Should you not receive a response within a reasonable period following the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

How to Apply

To apply for the Catering Manager position with Empact Group Food Solutions in Cape Town, submit your application through the Empact Group careers portal or the platform on which this vacancy is advertised. Ensure your CV clearly reflects your tertiary qualification, kitchen management experience, HACCP knowledge, and any relevant equity information.

👉 Apply Online at Empact Group Careers

Should you not receive feedback within a reasonable period after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Empact Group is committed to Employment Equity. First preference will be given to candidates who meet the company’s equity requirements in terms of applicable legislation.

By applying, you consent to your personal information being processed and stored securely by Empact Group (Proprietary) Limited in accordance with POPIA.

Apply early — this vacancy closes on 30 June 2026.

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