Nkhotakota Pottery Lodge is looking for professional, experienced, hardworking, and reliable individuals to join our team in the following positions
We are therefore looking for passionate, experienced, hardworking, and professional individuals who can contribute to maintaining and improving our standards.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Nkhotakota
- Category: Hospitality
- Closing Date: 2026-08-30
Key Responsibilities
- The ideal candidate should have:
- The ideal candidate should have:
Requirements
- Minimum of 4 years’ proven experience working as a Chef/Cook in a hotel, lodge, restaurant, or similar hospitality establishment.
- A certificate in Hotel Management, Food Production, Culinary Arts, or a related field is an added advantage.
- Ability to prepare a variety of local Malawian and international dishes to a high standard.
- Good knowledge of breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, salads, sauces, soups, and other menu items.
- Experience in baking, including cakes, bread, pastries, and other baked products.
- Ability to prepare a variety of desserts and present them professionally.
- Ability to prepare attractive, tasty, and well-presented meals.
- Knowledge of different dietary requirements and ability to prepare meals according to guests’ special requests.
- Experience preparing food for conferences, functions, weddings, groups, and large numbers of guests is an added advantage.
- Good knowledge of food hygiene, food safety, sanitation, and proper food storage.
- Ability to manage kitchen stock, control portions, reduce food wastage, and use ingredients efficiently.
- Ability to plan menus and prepare food according to required standards.
- Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
- Ability to maintain a clean, organised, and professional kitchen.
- Good time management and ability to work under pressure.
- Creativity and willingness to introduce new dishes and improve menus.
- Honest, disciplined, reliable, hardworking, and committed to maintaining high standards.
- Minimum of 4 years’ proven experience working as a Chef/Cook in a hotel, lodge, restaurant, or similar hospitality establishment
- Certificate or training in Hotel Management, Hospitality, Food & Beverage Service, or a related field is an added advantage.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Professional, polite, friendly, confident, and welcoming personality.
- Good knowledge of food and beverage service procedures.
- Ability to take guest orders accurately and serve food and beverages professionally.
- Excellent knowledge of table setting and table presentation.
- Ability to properly arrange and decorate tables for breakfast, lunch, dinner, conferences, weddings, and special functions.
- Good knowledge of cutlery, crockery, glassware, napkin folding, and professional table presentation.
- Ability to explain menu items and assist guests with their food and beverage choices.
- Good knowledge of beverages including tea, coffee, juices, soft drinks, and other refreshments.
- Ability to provide professional table service while maintaining a high standard of guest care.
- Ability to handle guest requests, complaints, and special requirements professionally.
- Good understanding of restaurant and service-area cleanliness and hygiene.
- Experience serving conferences, corporate groups, tourists, weddings, and large functions is an added advantage.
- Well-groomed, smartly dressed, punctual, honest, and disciplined.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays when required.
How to Apply
An updated CV
Copies of relevant certificates
Contact details of two referees
A brief application letter explaining why they are suitable for the position
Applications should clearly indicate the position being applied for: CHEF/COOK or WAITER.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30 AUGUST 2026
Send applications by email to:
careers@musandi.de
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
About the Company
Nkhotakota Pottery Lodge is a unique hospitality establishment located on the tranquil shores of Lake Malawi, near the town of Nkhotakota. It offers comfortable accommodation to tourists and visitors, providing a serene lakeside retreat in this picturesque region. Beyond lodging, the lodge is renowned for its vibrant pottery workshop, where skilled artisans craft traditional Malawian ceramics. Guests can observe the intricate pottery-making process and purchase distinctive, locally produced items from its shop, contributing directly to the local economy. This long-standing lodge stands as a significant employer and a cultural hub within the Nkhotakota district of Malawi.
Experience authentic Malawian hospitality and handcrafted pottery by Lake Malawi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Chef & Professional Waiter role at a lodge like Nkhotakota Pottery Lodge in Malawi?
A recognised hospitality qualification from institutions such as Mzuzu University’s School of Hospitality, Malawi College of Tourism, or a certified vocational training certificate from TEVETA-accredited centres is preferred. For chefs, food safety certification (e.g., WHO/FAO-aligned hygiene training) and practical kitchen experience are essential; for waiters, formal service training and English communication skills are highly valued.
What does a typical day look like for someone in this dual-role position at a rural lodge in Malawi?
You’ll prepare and serve meals using local ingredients—often including nsima, fish from Lake Malawi, and seasonal vegetables—while also managing front-of-house duties like guest greeting, table service, and basic concierge support. Shifts often start early (6–7am) and extend into the evening, with flexibility expected during peak seasons or special events, reflecting the hands-on, multi-tasking nature of small-lodge operations.
How does workplace culture and expectations differ for hospitality staff in Malawi compared to other countries?
Respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and strong interpersonal warmth—such as greeting guests and colleagues with a smile and proper title (e.g., 'Madam' or 'Sir')—are deeply embedded expectations. Teamwork is prioritised over individual recognition, and staff are often expected to assist across departments, especially in smaller lodges where roles overlap and community-oriented values shape daily interactions.
What realistic career progression opportunities exist for someone starting in this role within Malawi’s hospitality sector?
With consistent performance and additional short courses (e.g., supervisory training or food safety refresher), you may progress to Senior Waiter, Sous Chef, or Front Office Supervisor roles at larger lodges or hotels. Some advance into lodge management traineeships or partner with NGOs and tourism boards on community-based tourism initiatives, particularly in lakeshore areas like Nkhotakota.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, or pension—are commonly offered to hospitality staff in Malawian lodges?
Formal employment typically includes 21 days of annual leave and statutory sick leave under the Malawi Employment Act, though medical aid is rare outside larger corporate-owned properties and usually limited to basic clinic referrals. Pension contributions are uncommon for entry-level roles unless employed by a government-linked or donor-funded tourism project; most rely on informal savings or NASFUND registration if self-enrolled.
How should I apply, and what do employers in Malawi specifically look for in candidates for this type of dual-role position?
Submit a concise CV and cover letter in person or via WhatsApp/email (if contact is listed), highlighting local experience, language fluency (Chichewa and English), and reliability—references from previous Malawian employers carry significant weight. Employers value demonstrated adaptability, knowledge of regional cuisine and customs, and evidence of integrity, often verified through informal background checks with local community leaders or former supervisors.