AA19936 - An Upmarket busy 39 Roomed Game Lodge situated in Mpumalanga seeks an Operations Manager with F&B background. The Lodge caters for weddings and conferences for up to 60 delegates and 100 pax Weddings. The candidate must have the following Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in Food & Beverage, Chef Training or Hotel Management Diploma. Duties will include the following: The Operations manager must have a food and beverage background/experience. The Operations Manager will report directly to the General Manager and will oversee the running of the lodge when the GM is on leave. MAIN PURPOSE: Daily management the housekeeping, food and beverage venues and operations at Bongani Mountain Lodge, of both current and future lodges through Head Chef and waitrons as well as barmen, preparing accurate monthly reports for the General Manager and liaising directly with General Manager and other heads of department as operations dictate. DUTIES / TASKS: Management of day-to day lodge operations in current and future lodges through service staff and head of department for support, Head Chef and restaurant staff, ensuring that the Lodges hospitality experience far exceeds guest expectations, in keeping with internationally accepted norms and standards. Ensuring that all food and beverage service to guest is of the highest standard. Must be driven to meet budgets and revenues without compromising the product at all times. Liaising with other Heads of Department as needs arise to ensure smooth hospitality operations, communicating via HOD meetings, Lodge morning meetings, general lodge meetings, email and internal memoranda. Daily liaison with Head Ranger, Head Housekeeper, Lodge Managers, Chefs and service staff to ensure flawless guest management. Checking daily the Opera reservations for any events, special requests, dietary requirements and other relevant information to ensure flawless guest service. Planning and coordinating any upcoming events such as weddings, conferences and group requests, and preparing and circulating itineraries. Managing Housekeeping & F&B suppliers and negotiating favorable terms, ensuring that the companys interests are upheld. Managing housekeeping & F&B stock deliveries, ensuring cold chain, management, accurate goods received schedules & FI-FO principles. Keeping abreast of price changes and alerting senior management to any alterations. Managing lodge stock budgets and implementing necessary control mechanisms. Ensuring that the necessary par levels for all operating stock, equipment and assets are kept up-to-date. Assisting with the compilation of annual operations and capital budgets. Coordinating weekly and monthly stock counts and asset audits and reporting timeously in the prescribed format. Preparation of accurate monthly financial reports for the General Manager and liaising directly with the FM on matters arising from the reports. Daily capture of stock issues and invoices onto Pastel. Accepting deliveries. Mentoring staff on a daily basis to attain high service standards. Month end stock counts within the food and beverage departments. Designing, implementing and improving financial and other reporting systems, ensuring maximum staff productivity. Communicating lodge financial reports to subordinates and formulating remedial strategies in line with adaptive management principles. Reporting on and following up on any outstanding maintenance issues. Implementing the necessary investigations and remedial actions to correct financial discrepancies timeously in accordance with Lodges financial reporting protocols. Assisting the Head Chef with the design, costing, chef training and implementation of menus, ensuring cost efficiency, quality consistency, in keeping with the desired African Safari style and 5-star standards. Planning menus 7-days in advance and order accordingly in conjunction with Head Chef and Lodge Managers. Ensuring that lodge managers and staff shift rosters are well planned and implemented, ensuring maximum staff productivity while on duty. Ensuring punctuality and accurate time keeping. Sign off Subordinates time books weekly. Ensuring that high standards of lodge service are met, in line with 5-star norms. Continuously developing Bongani Mountain Lodges hospitality as a product in keeping with changing trends and exploiting new opportunities. Recruitment of hospitality junior staff in coordination with HR & Training manager. Identifying annual training needs in coordination with HR & Training Manager Housekeeping, Food & Beverage service training of all lodge managers and junior service staff. Implementing Lodges disciplinary code and policies at all times. Promoting company interests at all times. Wearing the correct uniform and safety apparel when on duty. Being neat and presentable at all times. Being flexible and willing to assist other departments when necessary. Management of the operations and lodge when General manager is on leave. The candidate must have the following skills: Someone who is passionate about service, works well with staff from a rural background and is driven to achieve set goals is required. Must be a peoples person and want to interact with Guests on a daily basis. Must lead by example. Willing to work long hours when necessary. Must be able to achieve set budgetary and cost goals. KNOWLEDGE: Good knowledge of 4 or 5-star food and beverage operations, restaurant management and catering. Good knowledge on South African Wines Excellent knowledge of food and beverage management in a 4 or 5-star luxury lodge or hotel environment. Events coordination skills. Menu planning and costing skills. Good knowledge of cookery, wines and market trends within the lodge industry. Good knowledge of supply & cold chain management and stock rotation. Excellent food and beverage service skills in a 5-star lodge environment. Strong at designing, implementing lodge administration and financial control systems. Computer literate Microsoft Office, Opera, Micros POS and Pastel. Good understanding of Health & Hygiene, BCEA, Employment Equity Act & OH&S Act. Human Resources and Basic Terms of Employment Act of South Africa labour law. Costing of menus and beverages. Budget and financial practices within a lodge / hotel. EXPERIENCE: Three years experience in a 4 or 5-star hospitality environment at management level. Critical Communication Lines: General Manager daily lodge operations and monthly written management reports. Financial Manager weekly and monthly financial reports & stock sheets. HR & Training manager HR & Training matters arising & relevant paper work. Head Chef and service staff - daily lodge operations, stock management, and guest service. Food and Beverage daily weekly and monthly purchases. Guests regular hosting of meals and ad-hoc interaction to ensure optimal service. Head Ranger Guest activities & daily programmes, operational issues arising. Maintenance Manager maintenance issues arising. JOB REQUIREMENT: Physically fit and in good health. Neat & Presentable. Willing to be flexible and work in a team. Willing to work as part of the team. Outgoing and enjoys interacting with guests. Excellent organizational skills. Must be able to work well under pressure. Must be able to work and interact with people from all walks of life. Must be able to converse with guests in a comfortable and warm, welcoming manner. Must be committed to the operations at all times and not a clock watcher. Good interpersonal and training skills. Benefits will include Accommodation and Meals are provided when on duty. Provident Fund.