Food and Beverage Manager – Serengeti - Must have extensive high end safari experience

Location

East Africa, Tanzania, Mara

Job Type

Permanent, Full-Time

Industry

Travel, Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality

Job Description

The Food and Beverage Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of food and beverage operations within the Serengeti lodge environment. This role ensures the delivery of exceptional dining experiences while maintaining high standards of quality, hygiene, and customer service. The manager directs and coordinates activities related to food preparation, service, inventory management and team leadership to meet guest expectations and operational targets.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, organise and manage all food and beverage services, ensuring compliance with company standards and local regulations.
• Lead, train and motivate the food and beverage team to deliver outstanding customer service and maintain professional conduct at all times.
• Monitor food and beverage quality, presentation and portion control to uphold brand standards and guest satisfaction.
• Manage inventory control, procurement and supplier relations to ensure cost-effective purchasing and minimise waste.
• Develop and implement menus in collaboration with the culinary team, considering guest preferences, dietary requirements and seasonal availability.
• Maintain rigorous health, safety and hygiene standards in accordance with relevant legislation and company policies.
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecast sales and control costs to optimise profitability.
• Conduct regular inspections of service areas to ensure cleanliness, functionality and compliance with operational guidelines.
• Handle guest feedback and resolve any food and beverage-related issues promptly and professionally.
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure smooth operational flow and enhance the overall guest experience.
• Maintain accurate records of daily operations, including sales reports, incident logs and staff performance.

Required Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Hospitality Management, Food and Beverage Management or a related discipline.
• Certification in food safety and hygiene management.

Experience

• Minimum of five years’ experience in food and beverage management within the hospitality or tourism sector.
• Proven track record of managing operations in a remote or lodge environment is highly advantageous.
• Experience working in East Africa or similar regions is desirable.

Knowledge and Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of food and beverage operations, including service standards and inventory control.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• Sound financial acumen, including budget management and cost control.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with guests from diverse backgrounds.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Competence in relevant computer software for reporting and inventory management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced hospitality management qualifications or professional membership with recognised industry bodies.
• Multilingual skills, particularly in Swahili or other regional languages.
• Experience in luxury hospitality or boutique lodge settings.

Working Conditions

The role requires working full-time hours in a remote safari lodge setting within the Serengeti region of Tanzania. The environment can be physically demanding with exposure to outdoor weather conditions and wildlife. Flexible working hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays, are necessary to meet operational requirements. Accommodation and meals are typically provided as part of the employment package. The position involves travel within the region and occasional extended periods away from urban centres.

Contact information

Megan