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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 and certifications are typically required for a Head of Food & Beverage role in Zimbabwe?
A bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Tourism, or a related field is commonly expected, often supplemented by professional certifications such as those from City & Guilds, CTH, or the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) accreditation. Experience in progressive F&B leadership roles within Zimbabwean resorts or high-end hotels is essential, and familiarity with local health and safety regulations (e.g., Ministry of Health and Child Care food handling guidelines) is highly valued.
What does a typical day look like for a Head of Food & Beverage at a resort like Mountain Lakes Resort & Spa in Zimbabwe?
The role involves daily operational oversight of all F&B outlets—including restaurants, bars, banquets, and room service—coordinating with kitchen, service, and procurement teams while ensuring compliance with Zimbabwean food hygiene standards and liquor licensing requirements. You’ll also manage staff scheduling, handle guest feedback (often face-to-face given Zimbabwe’s relationship-driven service culture), and prepare reports for senior management using locally relevant metrics like cover counts and stock wastage rates.
How does Zimbabwe’s local work culture influence expectations for leadership in hospitality roles?
Respect for hierarchy, strong interpersonal communication, and visible presence on the floor are highly valued—leaders are expected to mentor junior staff directly and maintain harmonious team dynamics aligned with Zimbabwean communal values. Punctuality, professionalism in dress and language, and sensitivity to local customs (e.g., appropriate greetings, observance of public holidays like Independence Day) are non-negotiable expectations for senior roles.
What realistic career progression paths exist after serving as Head of Food & Beverage in Zimbabwe?
Successful performance may lead to roles such as Resort General Manager, Regional F&B Director for a Zimbabwean hospitality group, or consultancy opportunities with ZTA-accredited training institutions. Some professionals also transition into entrepreneurship—launching catering businesses or boutique lodges—with support from local initiatives like the Zimbabwe Investment & Development Agency (ZIDA) or SME financing schemes.
What benefits are typically offered to senior F&B leaders in Zimbabwean resorts?
Standard benefits include 30 days’ annual leave, medical aid through providers like NSSA-affiliated schemes or private insurers (e.g., Kingdom Health), and pension contributions under the NSSA Pension Scheme or a registered private fund. Some resorts offer additional perks such as staff accommodation, meal allowances, or discounted stays—though these vary significantly by employer size and ownership structure.
How should I apply for this role, and what do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are usually submitted via email or LinkedIn with a tailored CV highlighting quantifiable achievements (e.g., cost savings, guest satisfaction improvements) and local experience; references from Zimbabwean hospitality employers carry significant weight. Employers prioritise candidates with proven crisis management skills (e.g., navigating forex challenges in procurement), fluency in English plus at least one local language (e.g., Shona or Ndebele), and evidence of staff development initiatives aligned with national skills development goals.