Woodridge College seeks catering and functions Manager/Chef by 16 October 2025
Woodridge College & Preparatory School, a respected ISASA registered institution located on a beautiful eco-estate between Gqeberha and Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Catering and Functions Manager / Chef. This pivotal role involves overseeing all aspects of the school’s catering operations and managing various functions, ensuring high standards of service and culinary excellence. If you are a highly organised, service-driven individual with strong leadership skills and a passion for hospitality, you are encouraged to apply by the closing date of 16 October 2025, with an immediate start preferred.
Detailed vacancy information
- Name of school: Woodridge College & Preparatory School
- Position: Catering and Functions Manager / Chef
- Location: Situated on a 365-acre multi-adventure eco-estate between Gqeberha and Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape.
- School type: ISASA registered, co-educational, Christian-based school.
- School mission: “provide a distinctive experience in a unique, natural environment, where all belong and are empowered to realise their full potential.”
- Closing date for applications: 16 October 2025
- Commencement date: As soon as possible (ASAP)
- For more details on this specific role, you can visit the original vacancy listing here.
A simple summary of the vacancy
Woodridge College & Preparatory School is looking to appoint a proactive and experienced Catering and Functions Manager / Chef to join their team. This dynamic position requires someone who can seamlessly manage all aspects of the school’s food services, from daily catering operations, including staff supervision, menu planning, and food preparation, to running the coffee shop and tuck shop. A key part of the role will be coordinating both internal and external school functions, such as events, meetings, and special occasions.
The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining exceptionally high standards across the board, covering service, presentation, customer satisfaction, and, crucially, adherence to health and safety regulations and food hygiene standards (HACCP). Strong financial acumen is essential for effective ordering, inventory management, supplier coordination, and budget management. The role also demands excellent leadership qualities to motivate and train catering staff, ensuring they deliver outstanding service. Flexibility to work outside of normal hours, including evenings, weekends, public holidays, and during school holidays, is a definite requirement for this demanding yet rewarding position. A relevant hospitality and catering service diploma, proven managerial experience in a large organisation (ideally a school), and experience with special diets are all crucial skills for this role.
How to apply for this post
- To apply for the Catering and Functions Manager / Chef position, please click on the following link: Apply Now | Woodridge College and Preparatory School Support Services Department.
- You will need to submit your comprehensive CV.
- Ensure your application includes details of two contactable references.
- Please note the application closing date is 16 October 2025.
- Woodridge College & Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right not to fill this position.
- Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.
- If you do not hear from Woodridge within three weeks of the closing date, please consider your application to have been unsuccessful.
- Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee an interview or a job appointment.
- By applying, you consent to your personal information being used for the recruitment, selection, and reporting process, in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Questions and advice for potential candidates
- What qualifications are essential for this role? A relevant hospitality and catering service diploma is a must-have.
- Is prior experience in a school environment necessary? While proven catering and managerial experience in a large organisation is essential, experience gained specifically in a school environment is considered advantageous.
- How important is experience with special diets? This is an essential requirement, so be sure to highlight any relevant experience.
- What financial skills will I need? A strong financial background, particularly in accounting, is crucial for managing budgets and stock effectively.
- Will the working hours be flexible? Yes, flexibility to work after hours, on weekends, public holidays, and during school holidays is a key requirement of the role.
- What kind of leadership is expected? The school is looking for strong leadership and team management skills to effectively lead and motivate catering staff.
- How important are health and safety regulations? Ensuring full compliance with health and safety regulations and food hygiene standards (HACCP) is a critical responsibility.
- What computer skills are required? A working knowledge of various computer software programmes, especially MS Office, is expected.
- How can I make my application stand out? Emphasise your proven managerial experience in large-scale catering, your financial acumen, and any specific experience with school catering or managing diverse functions.
- What if I don’t hear back after applying? If you haven’t received communication from Woodridge within three weeks of the closing date, it means your application was not successful on this occasion.
- What are the key customer service expectations? You will be expected to ensure excellent levels of internal and external customer service across all catering operations and functions.
Institution details
- Name: Woodridge College & Preparatory School
- Website: www.woodridge.co.za
- Address: Situated on a magnificent 365-acre multi-adventure eco-estate between Gqeberha and Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape.
