Executive Chef

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Life insurance

Pension fund

Performance-based incentives

Accommodation allowances

Staff discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead the culinary operation of a luxury boutique hotel in Polokwane. The role oversees multiple dining venues, banqueting, and room service, with a focus on menu creation, kitchen management, and staff development.

Ideal candidates will have 10+ years of progressive culinary experience, including 5+ years as Executive Chef in luxury settings, and a formal culinary degree.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive culinary experience, including at least 5 years in an Executive Chef role in luxury settings.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities in high-pressure environments.
• Expertise in international cuisines, modern techniques, and creative menu engineering.
• Proven ability in budgeting, cost control, and menu costing.
• Impeccable knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations across hotel outlets, including banqueting and room service.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the culinary team to foster excellence and teamwork.
• Develop seasonal menus reflecting local influences and global trends.
• Manage kitchen budgets, control food and labor costs, and maximize profitability.
• Ensure strict health and sanitation standards and supplier relations.
• Collaborate with hotel management to align culinary offerings with guest experience.

Skills

Leadership

Menu engineering

Budget management

Culinary excellence

Food safety & HACCP

Education

Formal culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious boutique hotel in Polokwane, Limpopo, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Executive Chef to lead its entire culinary operation. This is a premier opportunity for a seasoned culinary professional to shape the dining experience of a luxury establishment, overseeing multiple dining venues, banqueting, and room service. The Executive Chef will be responsible for menu creation, kitchen management, staff training, cost control, and upholding the highest standards of quality and innovation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in fine dining, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for creating memorable culinary journeys for discerning guests.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee all culinary operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and presentation across all hotel outlets. Lead, mentor, and develop the culinary team, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and teamwork. Develop innovative and seasonal menus that reflect local influences and international trends, catering to diverse palates. Manage kitchen budgets, control food and labor costs, and maximize profitability while maintaining quality standards. Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation regulations and standards. Source high-quality ingredients, manage inventory, and establish strong relationships with suppliers. Collaborate with hotel management and department heads to align culinary offerings with the overall guest experience strategy. Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene and organization within all kitchen areas. Conduct regular training sessions for kitchen staff to enhance skills and knowledge. Stay current with culinary trends and innovations, continuously striving for improvement.

Requirements

A minimum of 10 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 5 years in an Executive Chef role, preferably within a luxury hotel or high-end restaurant. Proven leadership and team management capabilities in a high-pressure environment. Exceptional culinary skills with a strong understanding of international cuisines and modern techniques. Demonstrated ability in menu engineering, costing, and budget management. Impeccable knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. A formal culinary degree or recognized apprenticeship is highly preferred. Creative vision and passion for delivering outstanding food experiences. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as dictated by hotel operations in Polokwane. A strong commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, executive-level benefits including comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and a pension fund, along with performance-based incentives. This role provides an unparalleled opportunity to lead culinary innovation at a premier boutique hotel in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will have the creative freedom to shape the hotel's gastronomic identity and work with a dedicated and professional team. Continuous professional development and opportunities for international exposure are available. Enjoy a challenging and rewarding work environment committed to luxury hospitality. Benefits may also include accommodation allowances and staff discounts. Be at the pinnacle of your culinary career.