Project Manager

Main purpose of the Role:
We are seeking a skilled Project Manager to oversee and drive the successful execution of catering and hospitality projects in alignment with sector strategy, contractual obligations, and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have strong experience managing large-scale catering operations, particularly in industrial sites and centralized kitchens serving 2000+ individuals. This role requires expertise in project execution, process optimization, and stakeholder management within a high-demand environment.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Hospitality, Food and Beverage Services, or Culinary Arts (preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in catering project management, preferably within commercial and or industrial catering.
• Experience overseeing large-scale kitchen operations catering to 2000+ individuals.
• Industrial site exposure is highly advantageous.
• Proven ability to manage unit mobilization and change implementation programs.
• Strong background in competitive and sensitive markets.
• Experience in costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with working within brand guidelines to drive successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in managing teams and optimizing operational efficiencies.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage catering and hospitality projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Oversee unit mobilization, change programs, and large-scale food production processes.
• Ensure successful execution of catering operations within industrial and high-volume environments.
• Optimize workflow efficiencies, ensuring high-quality service delivery to clients.
• Develop and implement standardized menus, costing strategies, and process improvements.
• Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and profit optimization.
• Monitor stock levels, procurement, and supply chain efficiency.
• Implement and maintain electronic meal ordering systems.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards, maintaining accurate records.
• Lead workforce planning, payroll administration, and performance management.
• Enhance customer experience by gathering feedback and making data-driven improvements.
• Ensure strict adherence to client service level agreements and operational excellence.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of catering operations in industrial and hospital environments.
• Knowledge of South African industry regulations and compliance standards.
• Exceptional project management, organizational, and operational leadership skills.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and communication abilities.
• Expertise in financial planning, cost management, and process optimization.
• Ability to analyse data and reports for continuous improvement.
• Strong problem-solving and strategic planning skills.

If you have a proven track record in delivering large-scale catering projects and driving operational excellence, we invite you to apply!

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

By applying for a role within Empact Group (Proprietary) Limited, all Personal Information that you provide to the Company will be held and/ or stored securely for the purpose of recruitment. Your Personal Information will be stored electronically in a database. Where appropriate, some information may be retained in hard copy. In either event, storage will be secure and audited regularly regarding the safety and security of the information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (“POPI”).

Welcome to Empact

With over 30 years of experience in South Africa and a range of seasoned professionals, Empact Group is a partner that you can count on. We specialise in providing quality food services and support solutions in catering, cleaning, hygiene and pest control. Empact Group aims to create a positive impact with our expertise that is as vast and varied as the needs of our clients. Our teams put all of their knowledge and experience into delivering professional bespoke solutions whilst providing services of the highest standard. We give you absolute quality every-single-time.

We design and implement innovative service solutions to ensure that our clients can concentrate on their core business, knowing that all other activities are being managed in the safest and most cost-efficient manner.

This is all underpinned by an intrinsic Health and Safety culture which has been honoured and developed by working with some of the world’s most demanding clients, including oil and energy companies in remote or difficult environments.

We envision ourselves to be the African market leader in contract food and support services. We pride ourselves on doing our job so that you can do yours better.

As of March 2019, Compass Group Southern Africa has been changed to Empact Group. Thebe Investment Corporation (Pty) Ltd (TIC), unconditionally acquired the shareholding of Compass Group Holdings PLC in Compass Group Southern Africa. TIC now owns the entire shareholding in CGSA and its subsidiary companies including Supercare Cleaning and Supercare Hygiene.