Empact Group is inviting applications for a Cook vacancy within its Food Solutions Division in Pretoria, Gauteng. This permanent opportunity is ideal for experienced cooks who have a passion for preparing quality meals and working in a professional catering environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing food for daily kitchen production, ensuring high standards of food quality, hygiene, and customer service while supporting the efficient operation of the kitchen.
If you have catering experience and are looking to join one of South Africa’s leading contract catering companies, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Empact Group is one of South Africa’s leading integrated facilities management companies, providing food services, cleaning, hygiene, and support solutions across healthcare facilities, schools, universities, corporate offices, industrial sites, and other sectors.
The company’s Food Solutions Division delivers professional catering services to hospitals, businesses, and institutions while maintaining high standards of food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Vacancy Overview
Position: Cook
Company: Empact Group
Division: Empact Group Food Solutions
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Employment Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 08 July 2026
Employment Equity: This position is open to Employment Equity (EE) candidates only.
About the Cook Position
The Cook will prepare meals for daily production in a contract catering environment while ensuring food is prepared according to company recipes, quality standards, and food safety regulations.
The role requires the ability to prepare meals in large quantities, particularly in a hospital environment where consistency, hygiene, and nutritional standards are essential.
Main Responsibilities
Food Preparation
The successful candidate will:
Prepare meals for daily production
Cook food according to recipes
Ensure food is served on time
Maintain food quality standards
Follow portion control guidelines
Kitchen Operations
Responsibilities include:
Supporting daily kitchen activities
Preparing ingredients
Assisting with meal production
Maintaining organised workstations
Supporting the kitchen team
Batch Cooking
The Cook will:
Prepare meals in large quantities
Manage batch cooking processes
Ensure consistency in food preparation
Meet production schedules
Food Safety
Employees must:
Follow food hygiene regulations
Maintain clean workstations
Store food correctly
Prevent food contamination
Comply with health and safety procedures
Kitchen Housekeeping
The successful candidate will:
Clean kitchen equipment
Wash utensils
Maintain hygiene standards
Dispose of waste correctly
Assist with general kitchen duties
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
Grade 12 (Matric)
Food and Beverage or Culinary Arts qualification
Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Cook in a contract catering environment
Ability to perform batch cooking in a hospital environment
Experience in a hospital catering environment will be an added advantage.
Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should possess:
Culinary Skills
Food preparation
Batch cooking
Menu execution
Portion control
Food presentation
Workplace Skills
Teamwork
Communication
Time management
Organisation
Ability to work under pressure
Personal Qualities
Reliable
Hardworking
Professional
Detail-oriented
Customer-focused
Working Environment
The successful candidate will work in a busy kitchen environment and should be willing to:
Stand for extended periods
Work under production deadlines
Handle hot kitchen equipment
Follow strict hygiene procedures
Work as part of a catering team
Why Work for Empact Group?
Working at Empact Group offers several benefits, including:
Permanent employment
Professional working environment
Career growth opportunities
Experience with one of South Africa’s leading catering companies
Ongoing skills development
Employees gain valuable experience serving clients across the healthcare, education, and corporate sectors.
Career Growth Opportunities
Experience gained in this role may lead to positions such as:
Senior Cook
Chef de Partie
Sous Chef
Kitchen Supervisor
Catering Supervisor
Kitchen Manager
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official Empact Group Careers portal before the closing date.
Documents Commonly Required
Applicants should prepare:
Updated CV
Certified South African ID
Certified Matric Certificate
Culinary qualification
Contactable references
Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date.
10 Cook Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell us about yourself.
Answer: I am an experienced cook who enjoys preparing quality meals while maintaining high hygiene standards.
2. Why do you want to work for Empact Group?
Answer: Empact Group is a respected catering company that offers professional growth and opportunities to work in a structured environment.
3. What is batch cooking?
Answer: Batch cooking is preparing large quantities of food while maintaining consistent quality, taste, and presentation.
4. Why is food safety important?
Answer: Food safety protects customers from foodborne illnesses and ensures compliance with health regulations.
5. Can you work under pressure?
Answer: Yes. I remain organised and focused while preparing meals within strict deadlines.
6. Why should Empact Group hire you?
Answer: I have relevant catering experience, enjoy working in a team, and am committed to producing quality food.
7. Can you work in a hospital kitchen?
Answer: Yes. I understand the importance of hygiene, nutrition, and consistency in hospital catering.
8. What are your strengths?
Answer: Food preparation, teamwork, time management, hygiene awareness, and attention to detail.
9. How do you maintain kitchen cleanliness?
Answer: I clean my workstation regularly, follow food safety procedures, and ensure equipment is sanitised.
10. How do you ensure food quality?
Answer: I follow recipes carefully, monitor cooking times, and check presentation before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
Yes. This is a permanent Cook position.
Where is the job located?
The position is based in Pretoria, Gauteng.
What qualification is required?
Applicants need Matric and a Food and Beverage or Culinary Arts qualification.
Is experience required?
Yes. Applicants need at least two years’ experience as a Cook in a contract catering environment.
Is hospital experience compulsory?
No. Hospital catering experience is advantageous but not compulsory.
When is the closing date?
Applications close on 08 July 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Empact Group Cook Vacancy 2026 is an excellent opportunity for qualified cooks looking to build a long-term career in professional catering. With permanent employment, career development opportunities, and the chance to work for one of South Africa’s leading food service providers, this role offers excellent career potential.
If you meet the minimum requirements, submit your application before 08 July 2026 and take the next step toward joining the Empact Group team.
Nonhlanhla Ndlovu is the founder and publisher of EduFeeds, a South Africa–focused platform that shares verified learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job opportunities for young people and job seekers.
With a strong focus on helping South African youth access real career opportunities, Nonhlanhla researches and verifies programmes from official company sources and public announcements before publication. EduFeeds aims to simplify the application process by providing clear guidance, requirements, and practical tips to help applicants apply with confidence.
Nonhlanhla continues to monitor updates from SETAs, companies, and training providers to ensure information on Edu Feeds remains current and useful. She focuses on publishing timely and accurate opportunity updates for the South African youth employment market.
