Camp Manager- \"Chef Experience\"

Bushwise; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 167,000 - 279,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Discount on Meals

Job summary

Bushwise, a luxury four-star lodge near Musina, Limpopo, seeks a versatile Camp Manager with Chef Experience to oversee daily operations and elevate our guest culinary journey. This live-in role blends high-level guest relations with hands-on menu design and cooking.

You will lead a small local team, supervise front-of-house and housekeeping, and ensure five-star standards with eco-friendly practices while delivering memorable, locally inspired meals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years hospitality experience in a dual-role setting (Assistant Camp Manager / Head Chef) in a safari lodge.
• Formal culinary arts degree or diploma; hospitality management qualification is a plus.
• Strong cooking skills across diverse cuisines and ability to manage stock and budgets.
• Driver's license valid in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily lodge operations, front-of-house, housekeeping and guest hosting.
• Personally design and plate high-quality meals reflecting local South African flavours.
• Lead and train the kitchen and housekeeping team; maintain eco-friendly lodge practices.
• Handle guest billing, daily admin, and coordination with management and reservations.

Skills

Culinary excellence

Guest hosting

Staff leadership

Budgeting & stock control

Problem-solving

Education

Culinary arts degree or diploma

Hospitality management qualification a plus

Job description

a luxury four-star lodge located near Musina, Limpopo, is seeking a versatile, high-energy, and hands-on Camp Manager with Chef Experience to oversee daily lodge operations and elevate our guest culinary journey. This live-in role is ideal for a hospitality professional who excels at both high-level guest relations and intimate, top-tier culinary preparation.

Position Overview

The Camp Manager / Chef Experience is responsible for creating a seamless, warm, and unforgettable stay for our international and local guests. You will split your expertise between managing the daily front-of-house, housekeeping, and hosting duties, and personally designing, prepping, and plating exceptional, high-quality meals. You will lead a small, dedicated local team, ensuring the lodge maintains its four-star standards, high ratings, and eco-friendly practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Culinary & Kitchen Management ("Chef Experience")

• Menu Design: Plan and execute creative, high-quality menus that showcase local South African flavours with a modern, international twist (boma dinners, bush breakfasts, and plated dinners).
• Food Preparation: Personally handle the cooking and plating of meals, ensuring exceptional presentation, taste, and dietary accommodation (vegan, gluten-free, etc.). If and when Required.

2. Camp Management & Guest Hosting

• Guest Relations: Act as the primary host, welcoming guests upon arrival, conducting lodge orientations, managing check-ins/check-outs, and looking after guest comfort throughout their stay.
• Daily Operations: Oversee the daily upkeep of the lodge, including front-of-house, bar management, house-keeping standards, and basic maintenance coordination.
• Staff Leadership: Supervise, train, and motivate the kitchen and housekeeping staff, fostering a positive and efficient working environment.
• Administration: Handle basic daily administration, guest billing, cash ups, and clear communication with the reserve management and reservations team.

Requirements

• Requirements & Qualifications
  • Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of hospitality experience in a similar dual role (Assistant Camp Manager, Hosting Chef, or Head Chef with strong front-of-house experience) within a 4 or 5-star safari lodge environment.
  • Qualifications: Formal culinary arts degree or diploma from a recognised institution is highly advantageous. A hospitality management qualification is a plus.
  • Skills: Exceptional cooking skills across diverse cuisines, strong financial literacy (stock control/budgeting), and natural, charismatic guest hosting abilities.
  • Licences: Valid South African driver's licence is essential.
  • Attributes: Resilient, flexible, and fully adapted to the remote bush lifestyle. Strong problem-solving skills with a hands‑on "lead by example" work ethic.

Benefits

Job Title: Camp Manager / Chef Experience

Salary Range: R15,000 – R25,000 per month (Negotiable based on experience)

Benefits:

• Live-in accommodation, Discount on Meals- Meals not included