Waiter

African Parks

Job Title: Waiter

Location: Majete Wildlife Reserve

Company: African Parks

Job Type: Full-Time

Status: One-year contract subject to renewal based on performance

African Parks (AP), is a not-for-profit organization that secures a mandate to conserve through Public Private Partnerships with Governments and communities for the rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas in Africa, and here in Malawi, AP has secured this mandate for the management of Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.

An opportunity has arisen for the post of Waiter tenable at Thawale Lodge inside Majete Wildlife Reserve in Chikwawa

Thawale lodge is a safari lodge nestled in the heart of Majete Wildlife Reserve. We offer our guests an unforgettable experience of Africa’s stunning wildlife and landscapes, combined with rustic accommodation and exceptional service.

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Waiter to join our team and contribute to our guests’ memorable stay.

The Waiter will directly report to the Head of Front of house department (Head waiter), but also work closely with the Kitchen, Grounds and housekeeping departments. The Waiter will be responsible for providing the best front of house service within the tourism facilities of Majete Wildlife Reserve. The focus will be serving food to guests and being responsible for all waiter’s day-to-day tasks at Thawale Lodge and Mwembezi Restaurant.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but not limited to):

  1. Excellent customer service to guests, ensuring a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience.
  2. Take orders accurately and efficiently, offering recommendations as needed.
  3. Serve food and beverages in a professional manner.
  4. Ensure tables are set up correctly and maintain cleanliness and order in the dining ared.
  5. Respond promptly to guest inquiries and requests, resolving any issues effectively.
  6. Collaborate with kitchen and bar staff to ensure timely and accurate delivery of orders.
  7. Assist with inventory management and restocking supplies as needed.
  8. Cleaning front of house and all front storage facilities.
  9. Arranging restaurant furniture.
  10. Preparing and serving welcome drinks with towels (cold or warm towels depending on weather)
  11. Cleaning the roof of the lodge for spiders at least once every month when there are no guests around.
  12. Ensuring the food order is made correctly by kitchen staff and looks presentable for guests
  13. Following health code standards with regards to the handling of food
  14. Performing shift duties like delivering racks of cups to the service station, rolling silverware, pre-bussing tables, wiping tables and removing debris.
  15. Making menu recommendations, answering questions and sharing additional information with restaurant patrons
  16. Greet and escort customers to their tables and to their tents when required
  17. Present menu and provide detailed information when asked (e.g. about portions, ingredients or potential food allergies)
  18. Up-sell additional products when appropriate
  19. Communicate order details to the Kitchen Staff accurately and timely
  20. Meet with Reception staff to review daily specials, changes on the menu and service specifications for reservations (e.g. parties)
  21. Doing a stock count to know what every chef is starting with and checking again when ending the shift to make sure sales and balances are tarrying.
  22. Follow all relevant health department regulations
  23. Daily restocking on beverage and making sure that the fridge is stocked with different beverage
  24. Get very familiar with toll order
  25. Making sure that uniforms are cleaned and has a name badge visible to guests
  26. And any other duties assigned from time to time

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum 5 years’ experience as a waiter in a similar environment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks.
  • A friendly and approachable demeanour.
  • Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Knowledge of food and beverage service standards.
  • Fluency in Chichewa and English a must; additional languages are a plus.
  • Malawi School Certificate of Education Strong interest in wildlife conservation
  • Good English skills (written and spoken)
  • Ability to follow instructions accurately.
  • Good attention to detail and ability to identify problems.
  • Ability to prioritized activities.
  • Dependable and strong work ethic

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunities for career growth and development.
  • A supportive and dynamic work environment.
  • Single Room Accommodation provided.
  • A chance to work in one of Africa’s most beautiful and exciting locations.

Special Condition;

• Aged between 24 to 35.

African Parks is an equal opportunity Employer.

Applicants should submit their CVs with a covering letter clearly stating how their skills and experience meet the requirements of the position. At least two traceable referees should be included, copies of certificates are required at this stage. Applications should be emailed to recruitMalawi@africanparks.org by close of business on 30th August, 2024.

Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.