Operations Manager-Dining Halls / Catering (AD07) at University of the Witwatersrand

The main purpose of this position/job is: 

• To assist the Deputy Director: Commercial Services by taking delegated responsibility for the operational, contractual, and commercial management of the relationship between the University and its Service Providers and Retail Operators across designated areas, ensuring financial sustainability, governance compliance, and value-driven service delivery, while delivering a high-quality service that supports the University’s academic activities, support staff, and students.

Brief Description        
Finance & Commercial Performance

• Take operational accountability for the financial performance and cost sustainability of Dining Hall operations in line with the approved Commercial Services strategy.
• Draft, implement, and control multi-site Dining Hall budgets, including forecasting, variance analysis, and corrective action planning
• Exercise delegated authority over operational expenditure, labour deployment, and resource optimisation
• Drive commercial controls including portion control, waste minimisation, productivity optimisation, and cost recovery measures
• Lead the operational execution of approved Dining Hall commercial plans, ensuring alignment to pricing models, meal structures, and service frameworks
• Develop and implement financial risk mitigation and contingency plans to protect service continuity and budget integrity

Customers & Stakeholder Value

• Ensure Dining Hall services deliver consistent, reliable, and value-driven service that supports the University’s academic programme and student experience
• Balance service quality with commercial sustainability and operational efficiency
• Act as the senior operational interface for students, residence management, internal departments, and service providers
• Resolve escalated service delivery, contractual,and operational issues with authority and accountability
• Implement service improvement initiatives aligned to Commercial Services customer experience objectives

Business Processes, Contracts & Commercial Governance

• Exercise delegated responsibility for the contractual and commercial performance management of Dining Hall service providers, ensuring compliance with approved SLAs, pricing structures, and performance standards.
• Lead operational input into procurement and sourcing processes for Dining Hall services, including service specifications, Tender Working Committee inputs, and contract implementation.
• Formulate, implement, and monitor the Dining Halls Operational and Commercial Execution Plan to ensure consistent, high-quality, and value-driven service delivery.
• Take operational responsibility for catering and food service activities within the Dining Halls, ensuring effective coordination of kitchen and service operations.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation, OHSA, institutional policies, and governance requirements, including the implementation of risk assessments and Food Safety Management Systems.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures, policies, and service guidelines applicable to Dining Hall operations
• Drive operational innovation and technology adoption to improve efficiency, data accuracy,and service performance.

People Management/Growth

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary Dining Hall operational teams across multiple sites, ensuring consistent service delivery and operational control
• Take accountability for labour planning, payroll inputs, attendance management, rostering, and productivity optimisation in line with operational and budget
• requirements.
• Manage labour relations within a unionised environment, including grievance handling and disciplinary processes, in accordance with institutional policies and labour legislation.
• Drive performance management, skills development, training, and succession planning to build operational capability and leadership depth
• Ensure effective workforce deployment across extended and peak service cycles
• Embed a culture of accountability, service excellence, safety compliance, and commercial awareness within Dining Hall operations

Ad-Hoc Duties

• Support, facilitate, and assist with the implementation of new innovations, initiatives, and service delivery improvements within Dining Hall operations
• Remain informed of industry trends, best practice, and emerging innovations relevant to food service and institutional catering
• Support and participate in effective change management initiatives aligned to operational and commercial objectives.
• Identify and implement opportunities for increased operational efficiency and continuous improvement
• Contribute innovative ideas and solutions that enhance service quality, efficiency, and commercial sustainability

Required  Academic Qualification/s (and Professional Registration/Trade where applicable):

• Grade 12 
• Food Service/Hotel Management Degree
• 5 years’ experience in diverse Catering Operations, covering kitchen, culinary, and service operations within high-volume environments.
• Valid Driver’s License (Code 08 or 10)

Technical Competencies

• Contract and SLA Management
• Monitoring of pricing structures, meal management, and consumption controls
• Budget accountability exceeding a defined annual financial threshold
• Food Preparation, Culinary Services and Service Operations
• Oversight of multiple Dining Halls and/or high-volume food service operations
• Participation in procurement processes, including specifications, evaluations, and supplier engagement
• Management of operations within a Unionized Labor environment
• Application of innovation and technology in food service operations (systems, equipment, process improvement)
• Payroll processes and operations, including timekeeping, roster management, payroll inputs, and labor cost control

Compliance/Statutory Requirements (Knowledge, Understanding and or Training)

• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) 
• HACCP
• Foodstuff, Cosmetics & Disinfectant Act
• Any other relevant legislation, regulations, or standards.

Closing Date: 27 January 2026