Chef (JB5651)

Kontak Recruitment; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A boutique hospitality establishment in the scenic KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is seeking a skilled Chef to lead its culinary offerings. The ideal candidate will have experience in fine dining and luxury environments, showcasing creativity and precision. Responsibilities include menu design, team leadership, and compliance with food safety standards. A Culinary diploma, driver’s license, and a background in high-pressure settings are essential.

Benefits

Accommodation included

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in high-end, fine dining environments.
• Strong understanding of food costing, portion control, and supplier negotiations.
• Excellent kitchen leadership skills with a track record in team performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations ensuring high culinary standards.
• Develop innovative menus reflecting local produce and guest expectations.
• Oversee food purchasing and cost management.

Skills

Culinary skills

Menu design

Team leadership

Food safety knowledge

Cost management

Communication skills

Education

Culinary diploma or equivalent professional qualification

Job description

Chef (JB5651) – Midlands, KwaZulu Natal

R22 000 to R25 000 a month + Accommodation
Permanen | Contract | Fixed Term Contract | Freelancer | Independent Contractor

A boutique hospitality establishment in the scenic KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is seeking a skilled and dynamic Chef to lead its culinary offering. The role requires someone who can deliver exceptional dining experiences to a discerning, well-travelled, and high-net-worth clientele. The successful candidate must demonstrate resilience, creativity, and precision from working in demanding fine dining, luxury boutique, or five-star hotel environments. The position requires balancing artistry and consistency with practical skills in menu design, food safety, team leadership, and cost management. International or five-star exposure will be regarded as a strong advantage.

Minimum Requirements

• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transport
• Culinary diploma or equivalent professional qualification
• Minimum 2–3 years of progressive kitchen experience in high-end, fine dining, boutique, or five-star environments
• Proven ability to craft and manage diverse menus (à la carte, banquets, buffets, and dietary requirements)
• Strong understanding of food costing, portion control, supplier negotiations, and budget adherence
• Excellent kitchen leadership skills with a track record of managing team performance
• Full knowledge of HACCP and relevant health & safety standards
• Ability to perform in high-pressure, high-volume environments
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• International or five-star hospitality exposure (advantageous)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistently high culinary standards
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus reflecting local produce and guest expectations
• Oversee food purchasing, cost management, ordering, stock rotation, and waste reduction
• Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff; build rosters and support professional development
• Ensure full compliance with hygiene, food safety, and health standards, including audits and inspections
• Collaborate with front-of-house teams to coordinate service flow, menu launches, and guest requirements
• Maintain kitchen equipment and liaise with suppliers/maintenance teams for repairs and servicing
• Manage kitchen P&L, monitor food cost percentages, and implement cost-saving improvements without compromising quality
• Build and maintain relationships with local producers to source fresh, sustainable ingredients
• Deliver creative yet practical staff meals (as part of kitchen leadership and planning where required)

Please do not apply using Scanned CVs, no supporting documentation is required at this point, this will be requested later.

Kontak Recruitment Disclaimer

• Equal opportunity: All backgrounds are welcomed, with no bias. All are considered based on requirements.
• Job specifics: Requirements mirror advertisement, duties may adjust for client needs.
• Fair process: Fair assessment, only shortlisted candidates contacted due to volume.
• Privacy: Data processed as per Privacy Policy. By applying, you agree to data handling. We safeguard applicant info.
• Candidate verification: Candidates selected by the client are verified. False info may disqualify or end employment via the client.
• Offer clarity: Advert is not a binding offer. Written offers based on pre-employment conditions.
• No direct link: Advert is not tied to Kontak Recruitment. We assist in the employment process ONLY.
• Applicant Responsibility: Upon applying, confirmation of receipt for a specific advert is given. If no confirmation is received, you must verify with Kontak Recruitment.