Director of Culinary Operations - Luxury Resort

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Accommodation assistance

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Director of Culinary Operations for a prestigious five-star luxury resort in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This executive role oversees all culinary activities across fine-dining, banqueting, room service and staff canteens, shaping the culinary vision and maintaining top-tier quality.

The ideal candidate has 8–10 years in high-end culinary leadership, strong cost controls, and proven ability to manage large-scale operations in a luxury hospitality setting.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma from a recognized culinary institute is essential.
• 8–10 years progressive culinary experience, with 5+ years in a Director/Executive Chef role in luxury hospitality.
• Proven track record managing multiple food outlets and large-scale banqueting.
• Ability to control food and labour costs while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Strong leadership, team-building and motivational skills.
• Deep knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Excellent financial acumen and analytical skills.
• Creative flair with passion for innovative cuisine.
• Proactive organisational and time-management abilities.
• Willingness to relocate to Mossel Bay and work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a culinary vision aligned with luxury positioning.
• Oversee daily operations of all resort kitchens, ensuring quality and hygiene.
• Mentor diverse team of chefs and kitchen staff to foster excellence.
• Develop menus for outlets, seasons, and event catering with profitability in mind.
• Control food and labour costs and manage inventory to hit budget targets.
• Implement HACCP and local sanitation standards across kitchens.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate favorable terms.
• Collaborate with F&B Director and other heads for seamless guest experiences.
• Oversee training and development to promote growth within the team.
• Contribute to strategic planning and financial success of the F&B division.

Skills

Leadership

Cost control

Food safety knowledge

Financial acumen

Staff development

Education

Degree or Diploma in Culinary Arts

Tools

MS Office

F&B management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious five-star luxury resort located in the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape, is seeking an accomplished and innovative Director of Culinary Operations. This executive position is responsible for overseeing all culinary aspects of the resort, including multiple fine-dining restaurants, banqueting, room service, and staff canteens. The Director will set the culinary vision, manage kitchen teams, control costs, and ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and service. This is an exceptional opportunity for a culinary leader to shape the gastronomic experience of a world-class resort and make a significant impact on its reputation and success. The ideal candidate will possess a refined palate, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage large-scale culinary operations within the luxury hospitality sector. We are looking for a creative force with a passion for exceptional food and guest satisfaction. The resort is known for its commitment to excellence and unique dining experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a compelling culinary vision that aligns with the resort's luxury positioning and target market.
• Oversee the daily operations of all resort kitchens, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to hygiene standards.
• Manage and mentor a diverse team of chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Develop menus for all outlets, seasonal specials, and event catering, ensuring creativity, profitability, and guest appeal.
• Control food costs, labor costs, and inventory management to achieve budget targets without compromising quality.
• Implement and maintain rigorous food safety and sanitation standards (HACCP, local regulations).
• Manage relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring the sourcing of high‑quality ingredients.
• Collaborate with the Food & Beverage Director and other department heads to ensure seamless guest experiences.
• Oversee the training and development of kitchen staff, promoting skill enhancement and career growth.
• Contribute to the overall strategic planning and financial success of the resort's F&B division.
• Ensure efficient and cost‑effective kitchen operations, including equipment maintenance and waste management.
• Stay abreast of current culinary trends and innovations to maintain the resort's competitive edge.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma from a recognized culinary institute is essential.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in high‑end culinary roles, with at least 5 years in a Director or Executive Chef capacity within a luxury hotel or resort environment.
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple food outlets and large‑scale banqueting operations.
• Proven ability to control food and labour costs effectively while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Strong leadership, team‑building, and motivational skills.
• In‑depth knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Excellent financial acumen and analytical skills.
• Creative flair and a passion for innovative cuisine.
• Exceptional organisational and time‑management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and experience with F&B management software.
• Must be willing to relocate to Mossel Bay, Western Cape, and work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive executive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, for this key role in Mossel Bay. In addition to a competitive salary, benefits include comprehensive medical aid, accommodation assistance, performance bonuses, and substantial opportunities for professional development within a renowned international hospitality group. This position provides the chance to lead culinary innovation in a breathtaking location and shape memorable dining experiences for discerning guests. We offer a dynamic and rewarding work environment, fostering creativity and professional growth. Join a team dedicated to delivering unparalleled luxury and service. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a culinary visionary.