About Company
Nestled deep within the breathtaking Tsehlanyane National Park, Maliba Mountain Lodge stands as Lesotho’s premier 5-star lodge, a beacon of luxury and authentic Basotho hospitality. We are celebrated for our stunning natural surroundings, world-class accommodation, and an unparalleled culinary experience that draws guests from across the globe. Our acclaimed restaurant is a cornerstone of our offerings, where we craft exquisite dishes that blend local traditions with international flair, always prioritising fresh, high-quality ingredients. Joining Maliba Mountain Lodge means becoming part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team that is passionate about creating unforgettable memories for our guests while preserving the pristine beauty of our mountain home. We cultivate a supportive and dynamic work environment where every team member is valued and plays a crucial role in maintaining our reputation for excellence. If you aspire to grow your career in a vibrant, high-standard hospitality setting, surrounded by the majestic Maluti Mountains, Maliba offers a truly unique and rewarding opportunity.
Job Description
Are you a highly motivated and reliable individual with a passion for the culinary arts, ready to embark on an immediate start in a bustling kitchen? Maliba Mountain Lodge is actively seeking a diligent and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to bolster our esteemed culinary team. This pivotal role offers a fantastic gateway for an individual eager to hone their skills and contribute to a professional kitchen known for its exceptional standards. As a Kitchen Assistant, you will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our kitchen, providing essential support to our talented chefs. Your daily tasks will be diverse, encompassing everything from meticulous ingredient preparation and maintaining stringent hygiene protocols to assisting with basic cooking procedures and managing kitchen stock. We are searching for a candidate who is detail-oriented, a proactive team player, and thrives under the energetic demands of a fast-paced environment. While some prior experience in a kitchen setting is advantageous, we place a strong emphasis on a positive attitude, a robust work ethic, and an unwavering eagerness to learn and grow within our team. This is an unparalleled chance to work at one of Lesotho’s most iconic luxury lodges, immersed in spectacular natural beauty, and alongside a team deeply committed to culinary innovation and excellence. If you are prepared to bring your energy and dedication to a leading hospitality destination, we warmly invite you to submit your application without delay.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute comprehensive food preparation tasks, including washing, peeling, chopping, and dicing a variety of ingredients as per chef instructions.
- Uphold and maintain the highest standards of kitchen cleanliness and hygiene at all times, encompassing dishwashing, sanitising workstations, and thorough cleaning of all kitchen equipment and utensils.
- Provide essential support to the culinary team during peak service hours, ensuring all necessary mis en place and items are readily stocked and accessible.
- Efficiently receive and meticulously store all incoming food deliveries, strictly adhering to proper stock rotation (FIFO) and waste reduction protocols.
- Perform foundational cooking tasks under direct supervision, such as preparing simple salads, accompanying sauces, or basic side dishes.
- Monitor and manage inventory levels of dry goods, fresh produce, and other essential kitchen supplies, reporting shortages promptly.
- Ensure strict adherence to all food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and internal lodge standards consistently.
- Actively assist with waste segregation and recycling initiatives within the kitchen area.
- Foster a collaborative and cooperative spirit with all kitchen and front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Strictly follow all health and safety guidelines to maintain a secure and incident-free working environment for the entire team.
Required Skills
- Fundamental understanding of kitchen operations and basic food preparation techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to perform effectively and calmly within a demanding and fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Exceptional attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to maintaining pristine cleanliness.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively within a team.
- Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and safely lift moderate weights.
- High degree of reliability, punctuality, and a strong sense of responsibility.
- A positive attitude and a proactive willingness to learn new skills and follow instructions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience (6 months to 1 year) in a similar role such as Kitchen Assistant or BOH support staff.
- Basic knowledge of food hygiene and safety best practices and regulations.
- Relevant certificate or diploma in culinary arts, hospitality, or a related field.
- Proficiency in both Sesotho and English to effectively communicate with diverse staff and suppliers.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive monthly salary commensurate with experience and local standards.
- Delicious staff meals provided during all shifts.
- A unique opportunity to work in an inspiring and magnificent natural setting within a National Park.
- Ongoing training and development programs to enhance culinary expertise and professional growth.
- A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.
- Potential pathways for career advancement within a prestigious luxury hospitality brand.
- Access to comfortable staff accommodation (subject to availability and specific terms).
How to Apply
To seize this exciting opportunity and become a vital part of the Maliba Mountain Lodge family, please click on the application link below. We kindly request that you submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your relevant experience, alongside a compelling cover letter explaining your suitability and enthusiasm for the Kitchen Assistant role. We eagerly anticipate reviewing your application and discovering how you can contribute to our team’s success. Please be advised that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.