General Assistant (TSE250707-5) – Tsebo Group
A Vital Role in Delivering Exceptional Service
Tsebo Solutions Group, a preeminent African Integrated Workplace Management Solutions Provider, is seeking a dedicated and skilled General Assistant to join their Tsebo Catering team. This permanent position, located in Musina, Limpopo, South Africa, offers an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about food service, hygiene, and customer satisfaction to become an integral part of a leading organization. The closing date for applications is November, 2025.
About Tsebo Solutions Group
Tsebo Solutions Group stands at the forefront of integrated workplace management, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to optimize clients’ operations. Their expertise spans across Catering, Facilities Management, Cleaning and Hygiene, Pest Control, Protection, Energy, Procurement, Workspace Design, Engineering, Remote Camps, and more. At the heart of Tsebo’s success lies its commitment to developing its people, recognizing that a knowledgeable and empowered workforce is fundamental to understanding and meeting the nuanced needs of their diverse clientele. By fostering a culture of growth and continuous improvement, Tsebo ensures the delivery of reduced costs, mitigated risks, and enhanced efficiency, all while upholding the highest standards of quality and productivity.
The Role of a General Assistant: More Than Just Support
The General Assistant role within Tsebo Catering is multifaceted and crucial to the smooth operation and success of the canteen and kitchen facilities. This position goes beyond mere assistance, encompassing a range of responsibilities that directly impact food production, service delivery, cleanliness, and customer experience. The General Assistant acts as a key support system for cooks and chefs, ensuring that all culinary operations run efficiently while also engaging directly with customers and maintaining stringent hygiene standards.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
The General Assistant’s daily tasks are diverse, demanding a blend of practical skills, attention to detail, and a customer-centric approach.
Food Production Support:
- Assisting Cooks and Chefs: The General Assistant will work closely with the culinary team, assisting with various aspects of food preparation. This could include washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients, preparing basic dishes, setting up workstations, and ensuring all necessary components are ready for cooking.
- Adhering to Recipes and Standards: While primarily assisting, a fundamental understanding of recipes and portion control is beneficial to support the culinary team effectively.
- Maintaining Food Safety: A critical aspect of food handling is ensuring safety. This includes proper storage of ingredients, preventing cross-contamination, and understanding temperature control guidelines.
Service Delivery and Customer Interaction:
- Operating the Cash Register: The General Assistant will be responsible for accurately processing customer orders and payments, handling cash and card transactions, and providing correct change. This requires basic mathematical skills and attention to detail.
- Serving Food: Direct interaction with customers is a significant part of this role. The General Assistant will serve food with a friendly and efficient demeanor, ensuring plates are well-presented and served at the correct temperature. Excellent customer relations skills are paramount to create a positive dining experience.
- Maintaining Service Areas: Ensuring serving counters and dining areas are clean, tidy, and well-stocked with cutlery, napkins, and condiments is essential for a pleasant customer experience.
- Tea Service/Food Assistance: Where applicable, the General Assistant will be involved in providing tea service or specific food assistance, potentially in dedicated areas or for events.
Cleaning and Hygiene Excellence:
- Kitchen and Canteen Cleanliness: A core responsibility is to maintain impeccable hygiene standards throughout the canteen and kitchen. This includes washing dishes, sanitizing countertops, cleaning cooking equipment, sweeping and mopping floors, and ensuring waste is properly managed and disposed of.
- Adherence to Hygiene Protocols: Strict adherence to Tsebo’s established hygiene and cleaning standards is non-negotiable. This involves understanding and implementing protocols for food handling, equipment sanitation, and personal hygiene.
- Implementation of Controls: Assisting in the implementation and enhancement of all controls within the unit, particularly those related to hygiene, quality, and operational efficiency.
Operational Support and Compliance:
- Knowledge of Fedics Controls: Proven knowledge of Fedics controls (or similar catering management systems/protocols) is a specific requirement, indicating an understanding of established operational procedures and quality benchmarks within the catering industry.
- Health and Safety Compliance: A thorough understanding and application of Health and Safety policies and processes relevant to the catering industry are crucial for ensuring a safe working environment for both staff and customers.
- Inventory and Stock Management Support: While not a primary duty, the General Assistant may be required to assist with receiving deliveries, organizing stock, and reporting low inventory levels to ensure continuous operations.
Essential Skills and Competencies
To excel in this role, candidates must possess a blend of practical abilities and interpersonal strengths:
- Previous Experience with Food Handling: Demonstrated experience in handling food in a professional setting, understanding basic food preparation techniques and safety.
- Strong Hygiene and Quality Standards: A meticulous approach to cleanliness and an unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards of food quality and hygiene.
- Excellent Customer Relations Skills: The ability to interact positively and professionally with customers, addressing their needs and ensuring a pleasant experience.
- Ability to Work as Part of a Team in a Pressurized Environment: Catering environments can be fast-paced. The candidate must be able to collaborate effectively with colleagues and remain calm and efficient under pressure.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in all tasks, from food preparation to cash handling and cleaning.
- Proven Knowledge of Fedics Controls: As mentioned, familiarity with established catering operational controls.
- Flexibility with Working Hours: The nature of the catering industry often requires working shifts, weekends, and public holidays. A flexible approach to working hours is essential.
- Reliable and Dedicated: A strong work ethic, punctuality, and commitment to fulfilling responsibilities.
- Well-Organized and Motivated Self-Starter: The ability to manage tasks efficiently, prioritize, and take initiative without constant supervision.
- Well-Presented and Well-Spoken: A professional appearance and clear communication skills are important for customer-facing roles.
- Good Team Worker: The capacity to contribute positively to a team environment and support colleagues.
- Creative Flair (Advantageous): While not mandatory, a touch of creativity in food presentation or problem-solving can be a valuable asset.
- Excellent People Skills: The ability to build rapport and interact effectively with a diverse range of individuals.
- Strong Interpersonal and Communicative Skills (Verbal and Written): Clear and concise communication is vital for effective teamwork and customer service.
- Client Service Orientated: A proactive approach to understanding and meeting client and customer needs.
- Excellent Knowledge of the Catering Environment: A good understanding of the dynamics, challenges, and best practices within a catering operation.
- Experience in the Food Industry: Practical experience within any segment of the food industry will be highly beneficial.
Qualifications
- Matric (Grade 12/National Senior Certificate): A matriculation certificate is the minimum educational requirement for this position.
Why Join Tsebo Solutions Group?
Joining Tsebo Solutions Group means becoming part of an organization that values its employees and invests in their development. Tsebo offers:
- A stable and permanent employment opportunity within a leading industry player.
- Exposure to diverse aspects of the catering industry, providing valuable experience.
- A supportive team environment where collaboration is encouraged.
- Opportunities for professional growth within a large and diversified group.
This General Assistant role at Tsebo Catering is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is passionate about delivering high-quality food service, committed to maintaining impeccable hygiene, and thrives in a dynamic team environment. If you meet the qualifications and possess the required skills, Tsebo Solutions Group encourages you to apply and contribute to their mission of providing exceptional integrated workplace management solutions.