Assistant Kitchen Manager

Grimaldi’s Group, Cotswold Downs Golf Estate
Hillcrest, Durban

Grimaldi’s Group is seeking a highly organised, hands-on Assistant Kitchen Manager to support and help oversee the entire kitchen operation across our multiple food outlets at Cotswold Downs Golf Estate.

This role covers Grimaldi’s Italian Restaurant, Churchill’s Gastro Pub, the Sushi Bar, the Golf Halfway House, and all events and conference buffet production. It is a senior operational role suited to a strong all-round kitchen leader who understands volume, systems, standards, and service execution across different concepts.

The successful candidate will work closely with ownership and senior chefs to ensure consistency, quality, efficiency, and discipline across all kitchens.

• Assist in managing daily kitchen operations across all outlets and production areas

• Support service execution in Grimaldi’s, Churchill’s, Sushi Bar, Halfway House, and event kitchens

• Ensure consistent food quality, portion control, plating standards, and service timing across all concepts

• Oversee prep planning, mise en place, and production flow for restaurants, golf service, and events

• Assist with staff supervision, training, scheduling support, and discipline where required

• Help manage stock control, ordering, FIFO rotation, and waste reduction across all kitchens

• Maintain high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, food safety, and kitchen organization

• Step into service or production roles as needed during peak periods and large events

• Support menu execution, specials, and buffet setup for conferences, functions, and estate events

• Act as a key link between kitchen teams, front-of-house, and management

• Minimum 4–6 years’ experience in a professional kitchen, with exposure to multiple service styles

• Strong background in high-volume restaurant service and production kitchens

• Confident working across different concepts including Italian, gastro pub, sushi, casual dining, and buffet service

• Proven ability to lead from the floor and support multiple teams simultaneously

• Excellent organizational skills, service awareness, and attention to detail

• Strong understanding of kitchen systems, prep planning, stock control, and food cost awareness

• Calm, reliable, and solutions-focused under pressure

• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays

• Salary based on experience and operational capability

• Opportunity to work within a diverse, high-volume, multi-outlet food operation

• Long-term growth potential within an established restaurant group

Only applicants with relevant experience and contactable references will be considered.
Preference will be given to candidates residing in the Hillcrest and Upper Highway area.

Please email your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your multi-outlet kitchen and leadership experience to:

mike@grimaldis.co.za

Subject line:
“Assistant Kitchen Manager Application, [Your Name]”