Executive Chef

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Staff meals

Accommodation provided

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Executive Chef for a boutique hotel in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will lead all culinary operations across the hotel–signature restaurant, casual dining, and banquets—driving culinary vision, quality, and profitability.

You will mentor a diverse kitchen team, implement innovative menus, and maintain stringent food safety standards while managing budgets and supplier relationships in a fast-paced, high-end setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years in professional kitchens, with 4–5 years in Exec Chef/Senior Sous Chef roles.

Responsibilities

• Oversee culinary operations across hotel outlets and banqueting facilities.
• Develop innovative, seasonal menus reflecting local produce and global trends.
• Lead, train, and manage kitchen staff; recruit and schedule as needed.
• Control food costs, inventory, and resource utilization; ensure safety and hygiene.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary Arts

Menu Engineering

Cost Control

Education

Culinary Degree

Tools

Inventory management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly acclaimed boutique hotel nestled in the scenic landscape of Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , is seeking an exceptionally talented and creative Executive Chef . This is an on-site leadership role where you will be responsible for the culinary vision and operational excellence of the hotel's dining establishments, including its signature restaurant, casual dining area, and banqueting facilities. The ideal candidate possesses a refined palate, extensive knowledge of global cuisines, and a passion for innovation in the kitchen. You will lead and inspire a team of skilled chefs and kitchen staff, maintain the highest standards of food quality, safety, and presentation, and manage all kitchen operations efficiently. This is a prestigious opportunity to make a mark on the culinary scene in the Lowveld region.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and presentation across all hotel outlets.
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus that reflect local produce and global trends, ensuring high quality and consistency.
• Manage kitchen staff, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and ensure efficient utilization of resources.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, sanitation, and safety in the kitchen, adhering to all regulations.
• Collaborate with the Food and Beverage Director to enhance the overall dining experience and profitability.
• Source high-quality ingredients and build strong relationships with suppliers.
• Conduct regular taste panels and quality checks to ensure culinary excellence.
• Manage kitchen budgets and ensure profitability of all food-related operations.
• Stay abreast of the latest culinary techniques, trends, and technologies.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in professional kitchens, with at least 4-5 years in an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef role, preferably in a luxury hotel or fine-dining establishment.
• Culinary degree from a reputable institution or equivalent extensive experience.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse kitchen brigade.
• Exceptional culinary artistry and a passion for creating unique and memorable dishes.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards (HACCP), and cost control measures.
• Proficiency in menu engineering, recipe costing, and inventory management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Creativity and a commitment to innovation in cuisine.
• Experience in the Nelspruit or Mpumalanga region is a distinct advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive salary package, with potential earnings up to R per annum , commensurate with experience and proven culinary expertise.
• This role includes comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and subsidized staff meals.
• Accommodation may be provided or subsidized for exceptional candidates.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and creative expression in a beautiful setting are guaranteed.
• This is a unique opportunity to lead the culinary direction of a premier establishment in Nelspruit .