Food Experience Manager (Kenya)

About the role

Wilderness is seeking a Food Experience Manager to lead and enhance the culinary offering across its Kenyan camps. The role focuses on developing food strategies, ensuring high‑quality guest experiences, and driving sustainability initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Create and implement an annual Food Strategy for Kenyan camps with the Group Food Experience Manager.
• Develop product improvement plans to keep offerings unique and aligned with industry trends.
• Manage and guide the Food Experience team, ensuring KPIs are met.
• Monitor guest feedback and trends, initiating training or changes as needed.
• Keep training content up‑to‑date with policy, procedure, and standard changes.
• Ensure each camp provides special dietary menus (vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, etc.) and train teams on substitutions and cross‑contamination prevention.
• Define and oversee structured food budgets, monitor purchasing, stock, and provide financial reviews.
• Implement food waste reduction systems, train teams, and promote a sustainability culture.
• Lead staff retention through career development, mentorship, feedback, and recognition.
• Launch an internship program in partnership with schools and institutes.
• Secure a dedicated training budget by demonstrating its long‑term value.
• Mentor staff, participate in external trainer trips, and conduct employee assessments.
• Support staff onboarding and maintain communication with trainers and operations departments.
• Oversee menu maintenance, recipe documentation, and par‑stock management.

Required profile

• Proven experience in managing food operations within the hospitality sector.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to guide and develop a culinary team.
• Knowledge of special dietary requirements and cross‑contamination prevention.
• Experience in budgeting, purchasing, and financial reporting for food services.
• Commitment to sustainability and food waste reduction practices.
• Ability to analyze guest feedback and implement continuous improvements.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with cross‑functional teams.

Required skills