Job Summary
Duties & Responsibilities An Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at a luxury 5-star game lodge supports the Food & Beverage Manager in overseeing all dining, bar, guest service, and hospitality operations to ensure an exceptional guest experience. Operational Management Assist in managing the daily operations of restaurants, bars, bomas, lounges, and bush dining experiences. Ensure all food and beverage outlets operate according to 5-star lodge standards. Supervise breakfast, lunch, dinner, high tea, and special events service. Coordinate smooth service between kitchen, bar, housekeeping, and front-of-house departments. Monitor service quality and guest satisfaction throughout all dining experiences. Assist with duty management shifts when required. Staff Supervision & Training Supervise waiters, bartenders, hosts, and other F&B staff. Assist with staff scheduling, shift planning, and attendance control. Train staff on: Fine dining service Wine and beverage knowledge Guest interaction and etiquette Health and safety procedures Lodge standards and SOPs Conduct staff briefings and performance monitoring. Mentor junior staff to maintain high service standards. Guest Relations Welcome and interact with guests professionally. Handle guest complaints and resolve issues efficiently. Ensure personalized guest experiences and attention to detail. Assist with special requests, dietary requirements, celebrations, and private dining arrangements. Maintain a warm and professional hospitality presence. Stock & Cost Control Assist with stock takes and inventory management. Monitor beverage stock levels and ordering. Control breakages, wastage, and spoilage. Support cost control measures and budget management. Ensure correct billing and POS procedures are followed. Administration Assist with daily reports and operational checklists. Maintain hygiene and safety records. Support procurement and supplier coordination. Ensure compliance with food safety and liquor regulations. Health; Safety & Hygiene Ensure HACCP and food safety standards are maintained. Monitor cleanliness of dining and bar areas. Ensure compliance with lodge health and safety policies. Maintain excellent grooming and hygiene standards among staff. Qualifications & Requirements Minimum Qualifications Grade 12 / Matric. Diploma or Degree in: Hospitality Management Food & Beverage Management Hotel Management Tourism Management Experience Required 2–5 years’ experience in Food & Beverage operations within: 4-star or 5-star lodges Luxury hotels Fine dining establishments Previous supervisory or assistant management experience preferred. Experience in remote lodge environments is advantageous. Skills & Competencies Strong leadership and people management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. High attention to detail and guest service excellence. Knowledge of wines, cocktails, and fine dining service. Strong organizational and multitasking abilities. Ability to work under pressure and flexible hours. Financial awareness and stock control knowledge. Computer literacy (POS systems, Microsoft Office). Personal Attributes Professional and well-presented. Guest-focused and service-driven. Energetic and hands-on. Reliable and trustworthy. Passionate about hospitality and wildlife/lodge environments. Ability to work in a remote bush environment.