Hiring Now | Cook | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal | Contract Available

Empact Group is currently seeking a reliable and experienced Cook to join their Empact Group Food Solutions division on a fixed-term contract basis in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. In this operational kitchen role, you will be responsible for preparing high-quality food for daily kitchen production to deliver exceptional culinary service to clients and customers. Don’t miss this opportunity — vacancies are filling fast. Apply today.

Field	Details
Job Title	Cook
Reference Number	N/A
Department/Industry	Empact Group Food Solutions / Food and Beverages
Job Type	Fixed Term Contract
Salary	Market Related
Location	Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Closing Date	As soon as filled
Application Status	Open – Accepting Applications Now

Contract Terms Notice: This position is offered as a Fixed Term Contract within the Empact Group Food Solutions division.

About the Role

The Cook plays an essential role in daily kitchen operations, ensuring that all meal preparations align with strict quality, taste, and food safety standards. Working in a fast-paced environment, the successful candidate will work alongside the catering team to ensure seamless daily production schedules and deliver exceptional customer service.

This position demands a practical professional who thrives under pressure and possesses a deep understanding of contract catering environments. The candidate must be skilled in executing daily culinary production while adhering to precise dietary requirements, hygiene controls, and safety protocols.

Important Compliance Requirements: Candidates must have a minimum of 2 years of experience as a Cook in a contract catering environment along with a completed Matric certificate. Experience in managing special diets and executing high-standard customer service in food operations is strictly required.

Employment Equity Note: Empact Group is committed to Employment Equity in line with legislation and will give first preference to candidates as per Equity requirements.

Daily Kitchen Production & Prep

• Prepare high-quality food items strictly according to established daily kitchen production schedules.

• Ensure all ingredients are prepped, measured, and cooked efficiently to maintain high culinary standards.

• Follow correct portion control methods to minimize kitchen waste and optimize stock utilization.

Food Safety & Hygiene Standards

• Maintain complete knowledge of and strict compliance with national food safety standards and regulations.

• Keep all food preparation areas, kitchen surfaces, and equipment clean, sanitized, and hygienic at all times.

• Monitor food storage temperatures and ensure proper labeling and rotation of stock according to FIFO standards.

Special Diets & Menu Execution

• Prepare specialized dietary meals accurately according to client specifications and nutritional guidelines.

• Coordinate with kitchen leadership to verify menu requirements and ensure food is served at optimal temperatures.

• Assist in maintaining kitchen safety protocols to prevent cross-contamination and food handling risks.

Customer Service & Service Delivery

• Deliver exceptional customer service during food service times to maintain high satisfaction levels.

• Maintain professional and clear communication with kitchen staff, management, and dining guests.

• Handle customer food queries promptly and courteously during daily service operations.

Teamwork & Operational Efficiency

• Contribute actively to effective teamwork across all areas of daily kitchen operations.

• Work efficiently under high-pressure service conditions to meet strict dining and meal delivery timelines.

• Assist with general kitchen duties and support colleagues during peak service periods.

Educational Qualifications

• Matric (Grade 12) certificate is essential.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Cook specifically within a contract catering environment is essential.

• Proven customer service experience in a food service environment is essential.

Technical Skills

• Practical knowledge of daily kitchen machinery, cooking tools, and commercial food preparation equipment.

Knowledge Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of and compliance with food safety standards and health regulations.

• Practical understanding and working knowledge of preparing special diets and nutritional meals.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent customer service skills and strong communication abilities.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a high-volume catering environment.

Personal Attributes

• Strong dedication to contributing positively to effective teamwork and kitchen synergy.

• Detail-oriented approach to food preparation, hygiene, and kitchen sanitation.

Advantageous / Preferred

• A recognized Professional Cookery Certificate will be an added advantage.

Culinary Excellence

We hold ourselves to high culinary standards, ensuring every meal prepared in our contract kitchens meets exceptional quality and presentation criteria.

Safety & Hygiene First

Maintaining flawless food safety standards protects our customers, builds client trust, and forms the bedrock of all catering operations.

Customer Focus

Providing friendly, efficient, and attentive service ensures an enjoyable dining experience for every guest we serve daily.

Team Synergy

Working together harmoniously allows kitchen teams to handle intense pressure and deliver consistent production quality.

Integrity & Care

We treat food preparation, client resources, and personal data with complete respect, accountability, and professional ethics.

Building a long-term culinary career within contract catering offers structured progression steps for ambitious kitchen professionals.

• Cook → Senior Cook / Chef de Partie

• Senior Cook / Chef de Partie → Sous Chef

• Sous Chef → Head Chef / Catering Unit Manager

• Head Chef / Catering Unit Manager → Regional Executive Chef

Your career path is in your hands.

What are the minimum requirements to apply for this Cook job in Durban?

Applicants must hold a Matric certificate, possess a minimum of 2 years of experience as a Cook in a contract catering environment, and demonstrate strong customer service skills along with food safety knowledge.

Is this a permanent post or a contract position at Empact Group?

This opportunity is offered on a Fixed Term Contract term within the Empact Group Food Solutions division based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Will a professional qualification improve my chances of getting hired?

Yes, while a Matric certificate and 2 years of contract catering experience are compulsory, holding a Professional Cookery certificate is considered an advantage.

Are there Employment Equity preferences applied to this position?

Yes, Empact Group is committed to Employment Equity in line with statutory legislation and will give first preference to candidates in alignment with designated Equity requirements.

How will my personal information be handled during the application process?

All personal information submitted to Empact Group is stored securely in an audited electronic database in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act for recruitment purposes.

What is the closing date for this contract post?

Applications are actively being reviewed on a rolling basis, so interested candidates should submit their details as early as possible before the post is filled.

To apply for the Cook fixed-term contract post in Durban, ensure your CV clearly highlights your contract catering experience, Matric qualification, and customer service skills. Submit your details through the official Empact Group recruitment system.

👉 Apply via the official portal: Empact Group Careers Page

Important Application Notice: Ensure your application includes accurate details regarding your catering experience and qualifications. Empact Group strictly enforces Employment Equity policies, and designated candidates will receive preference.

Contract Terms Notice: This appointment is subject to a fixed-term employment contract duration.

Apply early — this vacancy closes as soon as filled.

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Post last updated: 2026 | Keywords: Cook jobs Durban 2026, Empact Group vacancies, contract catering cook, Food Solutions jobs KwaZulu-Natal, Matric cook jobs, food safety standards, fixed term contract Durban, professional cookery vacancies, food and beverages careers, Employment Equity jobs Durban