AirChefs (South African Airways): Cleaners Needed

Reference Number: SAA251020-2
Closing Date: 24 October 2025
Division: AirChefs
Business Unit: Operations Support
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Location: Dube Trade Port, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

About AirChefs

AirChefs SOC Ltd, a proud subsidiary of South African Airways (SAA), is South Africa’s leading premium food solutions provider. With over four decades of operational excellence, AirChefs specializes in airline catering, corporate dining, and event hospitality. The company operates from three major facilities located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, collectively producing more than 50,000 meals daily.

AirChefs’ vision is built around quality, safety, and efficiency — delivering outstanding culinary and service experiences for both domestic and international airlines, as well as for corporate clients and airport lounges. As part of its commitment to maintaining world-class hygiene and operational standards, AirChefs is currently seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Cleaner to join its Operations Support division at Dube Trade Port, KwaZulu-Natal.

Job Purpose

The Cleaner plays a crucial role in upholding the highest standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and sanitation across the facility. This position directly contributes to operational efficiency, product safety, and compliance with all health and food safety regulations.

The successful candidate will be responsible for performing routine and specialized cleaning tasks in assigned areas, ensuring that workspaces, kitchen areas, and equipment remain spotless, well-organized, and safe. The role also supports AirChefs’ broader objectives of food safety compliance (HACCP), halal ethics, and adherence to occupational health and safety standards.

This is a hands-on position suited for someone with strong attention to detail, a proactive work ethic, and a commitment to maintaining hygiene excellence in a dynamic, fast-paced catering environment.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

As a Cleaner at AirChefs, you will be expected to:

• Perform pre-cleaning preparations in line with the company’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Clean and sanitize kitchen utensils and equipment, including pots, pans, trays, and surfaces, ensuring proper hygiene at all times.

• Maintain the neat appearance of working areas, dishwashing stations, and equipment storage areas.

• Vacuum, sweep, mop, and scrub floors efficiently using the specified cleaning equipment and materials.

• Clean toilets, change rooms, windows, mirrors, and glass partitions to maintain overall facility hygiene.

• Dispose of waste in compliance with HACCP and environmental standards — ensuring trash is removed safely to appropriate disposal areas.

• Safely operate, maintain, and clean power-operated dishwashing equipment, following all manufacturer and safety guidelines.

• Comply with HACCP and health code regulations, ensuring full adherence to food safety and contamination prevention practices.

• Conduct deep cleaning of equipment and work areas according to the master cleaning schedule and company specifications.

• Assist with heavy-duty cleaning tasks and participate in special cleaning projects as assigned by supervisors.

• Report maintenance needs or equipment defects to management promptly to avoid operational disruptions.

• Collaborate with colleagues and maintain a spirit of teamwork to achieve common hygiene goals.

• Maintain strict compliance with Halaal ethics and conduct codes, ensuring no unauthorized personnel enter Halaal zones without approval.

• Follow all security, SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality), and food safety management procedures.

• Identify, report, and eliminate any unsafe working conditions or practices to promote a safe working environment.

• Ensure deep cleaning routines are followed precisely and recorded where required for auditing and quality control purposes.

• Be flexible with shifts according to operational demands, including weekends and public holidays.

Qualifications and Experience Required

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Grade 10 or equivalent qualification – Essential

• At least 1 year of experience in the catering or food service industry (advantageous)

• Food Safety Training certificate (preferred)

• Good command of the English language and effective communication skills

• Ability to work independently and follow instructions with minimal supervision

• A solid understanding of hygiene, safety, and food handling protocols

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of cleaning methods, hygiene standards, and safety practices.

• Ability to prioritize cleaning tasks and manage time efficiently in a high-paced environment.

• Capability to operate cleaning equipment safely and maintain it in good working order.

• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team-oriented environment.

• Commitment to quality, reliability, and consistency in daily work routines.

• Awareness of occupational health and safety regulations in the food production environment.

Personal Attributes

• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn and adapt to changing requirements.

• Strong sense of discipline, punctuality, and responsibility.

• Attention to detail with a commitment to maintaining the highest cleaning standards.

• Team player who supports colleagues and contributes to a collaborative work environment.

• Flexibility to work in different departments or workstations when operationally required.

• Reliable and self-motivated, with an ability to perform repetitive tasks efficiently and accurately.

• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays as per operational needs.

Why Join AirChefs?

Working at AirChefs offers the opportunity to be part of a respected organization with a long-standing reputation for excellence. As the culinary division of South African Airways, AirChefs combines aviation catering expertise with the highest food safety standards. Employees benefit from a supportive, inclusive, and professional environment where quality, teamwork, and growth are valued.

Joining the AirChefs team means contributing to a company that not only prepares thousands of meals each day but also ensures that cleanliness and hygiene remain at the heart of every process. For anyone passionate about cleanliness, safety, and service excellence, this position provides a stable and rewarding opportunity.

Application Information

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to apply before the closing date of 24 October 2025. Applications can be submitted through the official South African Airways (SAA) careers portal.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews or further assessments.

AirChefs SOC Ltd – a division of South African Airways – continues to set benchmarks in food production, hospitality, and hygiene excellence. If you’re ready to be part of a dynamic team that values quality, safety, and precision, this Cleaner position at Dube Trade Port is your chance to shine.

SUBMIT YOUR CV HERE