VACANCY: HEAD OF FOOD & BEVERAGE Mountain Lakes Resort & Spa is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Food & Beverage to oversee the resort’s food and beverage operations and ensure exceptional quality, service and guest satisfaction.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Hospitality
- Closing Date: 2026-09-02
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all Food & Beverage operations across the resort.
- Lead and manage restaurant, bar, events and other F&B teams.
- Ensure consistently high standards of food quality and service.
- Monitor F&B costs, stock levels and wastage.
- Develop and implement effective F&B procedures and controls.
- Manage menus, pricing and service standards in consultation with management.
- Train, coach and motivate F&B staff.
- Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements.
- Coordinate functions, events and special guest requirements.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety and hygiene requirements.
- Work closely with the Executive Chef and other departmental heads.
- Monitor departmental performance and prepare relevant reports.
Requirements
- Diploma/Degree in Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage Management or a related field.
- Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in Food & Beverage management, preferably within a hotel, lodge or resort.
- Strong knowledge of restaurant, bar and events operations.
- Excellent leadership and people-management skills.
- Strong financial and stock-control knowledge.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
How to Apply
Apply by email: [email protected]
About the Company
Mountain Lakes Resort & Spa is a hospitality destination located in Juliasdale, a scenic highland town in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands. It offers cozy, self-contained villas, an indoor pool, and a full-service spa focused on relaxation and wellness. The resort serves locally sourced meals, highlighting regional produce and Zimbabwean culinary traditions. As a verified operational business in Zimbabwe, it caters to both domestic and international guests seeking a tranquil getaway amid the country’s natural beauty.
Relax at Mountain Lakes Resort & Spa in Juliasdale, Zimbabwe
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for the Head of Food and Beverage role in Zimbabwean hospitality?
A minimum of a National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Tourism, or a related field is standard; many employers also expect certification from institutions like ZIMSEC, NTA, or international bodies such as City & Guilds or CTH. Prior completion of food safety courses (e.g., HACCP or Zimbabwe Food Safety Authority–endorsed training) and membership with the Zimbabwe Hotel and Tourism Association (ZHTA) strengthens applications.
What does a typical day look like for a Head of Food and Beverage at a resort like Mountain Lakes Resort & Spa in Zimbabwe?
The role involves daily operational oversight of restaurants, bars, banquets, and room service — including staff briefings, stock reconciliation, quality checks, and guest feedback review. You’ll also coordinate with procurement to manage local supplier relationships (e.g., Harare-based farms or Bulawayo distributors) and ensure compliance with Zimbabwe’s VAT and health regulations.
How does Zimbabwe’s local work culture influence expectations for leadership in this role?
Respect for hierarchy and relationship-based communication are central — senior staff often expect formal address and consensus-building before decisions. Punctuality, reliability, and visible presence on the floor are highly valued, especially given frequent power outages or fuel shortages that require adaptive, hands-on problem-solving and team motivation.
What realistic career progression paths exist after serving as Head of Food and Beverage in Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector?
Common next steps include General Manager of a mid-sized resort, Regional F&B Manager for a hotel group (e.g., African Sun or Rainbow Tourism Group), or entrepreneurship — such as launching a boutique catering service or F&B consultancy registered with ZIMRA. Further study via UNIVEN or UZ distance learning programmes in management or tourism development supports advancement.
What benefits can I realistically expect in this role, and how do they align with Zimbabwean labour standards?
Employers typically provide 30 days’ annual leave, medical aid through providers like NSSA-affiliated schemes or private plans (e.g., Medshield Zimbabwe), and pension contributions under the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) framework. Some resorts offer housing allowances, transport support, or meal allowances — though these vary by employer size and location, and are rarely fully comprehensive.
How should I apply, and what do Zimbabwean hospitality employers specifically look for in candidates?
Submit a tailored CV and cover letter via email or LinkedIn, clearly highlighting local experience (e.g., working with Zimbabwean suppliers, managing ZWL payroll, or navigating RBZ forex regulations for imports). Employers prioritise proven leadership in high-volume settings, fluency in English and at least one local language (e.g., Shona or Ndebele), and evidence of crisis management — such as maintaining service during load-shedding or cash-flow constraints.