Executive Chef

Bright Placements; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading culinary recruitment agency is seeking an Executive Chef in Polokwane, South Africa. The role involves leading all culinary operations, ensuring high food quality, and managing staff and budget. Applicants should have a Culinary Arts Diploma and extensive experience in a senior kitchen role. The ideal candidate will showcase exceptional culinary skills and creativity, along with strong leadership abilities. This position offers an opportunity to innovate and drive excellence in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years professional kitchen experience.
• At least 3–5 years in a senior role (Sous Chef or Executive Chef).
• Experience in fine dining, luxury lodges, hotels, or high-volume establishments is highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Create, plan, and update seasonal menus for all meal periods and outlets.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, workflow, and station performance.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and motivate the kitchen team.
• Ensure full compliance with HACCP, hygiene, and food safety regulations.
• Manage food cost, portion control, and minimise wastage.
• Build relationships with suppliers and negotiate pricing.
• Plan menus for events, functions, and special dietary requirements.

Skills

Exceptional culinary skills and creativity

Strong leadership and team management ability

Excellent understanding of kitchen operations and workflow

Knowledge of costing, budgeting, and stock control

Strong communication and organisational skills

Ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards

Knowledge of dietary needs, allergies, and modern culinary trends

Education

Culinary Arts Diploma or Degree

Professional chef certification

HACCP or Health and Safety certification

Job description

Job Description

The Executive Chef is responsible for leading all culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, creativity, and consistency across all outlets. This role oversees menu design, kitchen management, food cost control, staff training, and compliance with health and safety standards. The Executive Chef provides strong leadership to the entire kitchen brigade, drives culinary innovation, manages procurement and stock levels, and ensures that every dish delivered meets the organisation’s standards of excellence. The role requires strategic planning, hands‑on cooking expertise, and effective operational management.

Key Responsibilities

1. Culinary Leadership & Menu Development
   • Create, plan, and update seasonal menus for all meal periods and outlets.
   • Ensure consistent quality, presentation, and portion control of all dishes.
   • Develop new recipes, concepts, and signature dishes.
2. Kitchen Operations Management
   • Oversee daily kitchen operations, workflow, and station performance.
   • Manage food preparation, cooking, plating, and service standards.
   • Ensure equipment is maintained and report any issues for repair.
3. Staff Management & Training
   • Recruit, train, supervise, and motivate the kitchen team.
   • Set performance standards and conduct evaluations.
   • Maintain a positive, productive, and disciplined working environment.
4. Food Safety, Hygiene & Compliance
   • Ensure full compliance with HACCP, hygiene, sanitation, and food safety regulations.
   • Conduct regular kitchen inspections and maintain safety documentation.
   • Train staff on safe food handling and kitchen safety protocols.
5. Stock, Cost & Budget Control
   • Oversee purchasing of food, ingredients, and kitchen supplies.
   • Manage food cost, portion control, and minimise wastage.
   • Conduct stock counts and ensure proper storage and inventory management.
6. Supplier & Vendor Management
   • Build relationships with suppliers and negotiate pricing.
   • Ensure timely and consistent quality of stock from vendors.
7. Event & Menu Coordination
   • Plan menus for events, functions, and special dietary requirements.
   • Coordinate with Food & Beverage, Banqueting, and Front-of-House teams for seamless service.

Qualifications

• Culinary Arts Diploma or Degree (City & Guilds or equivalent preferred).
• Professional chef certification (advantageous).
• HACCP or Health and Safety certification recommended.

Experience

• 5–10+ years professional kitchen experience.
• At least 3–5 years in a senior role (Sous Chef or Executive Chef).
• Experience in fine dining, luxury lodges, hotels, or high‑volume establishments is highly beneficial.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional culinary skills and creativity.
• Strong leadership and team management ability.
• Excellent understanding of kitchen operations and workflow.
• Knowledge of costing, budgeting, and stock control.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards.
• Knowledge of dietary needs, allergies, and modern culinary trends.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate and innovative with a high attention to detail.
• Calm, disciplined, and composed under pressure.
• Results‑driven and committed to excellence.
• Strong work ethic and reliability.
• Ability to mentor and uplift the culinary team.