Executive Chef

Ziyana Business Consulting and Training; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury lodge group is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to oversee culinary operations in South Africa. You will manage a multicultural kitchen team, ensuring exceptional dining experiences while maintaining high standards of hygiene and presentation. The ideal candidate has a diploma in culinary arts, 5–7 years of kitchen experience, and strong leadership skills. Responsibilities include cost control, staff management, and compliance with health regulations. A passion for sustainability and local sourcing is valued, along with knowledge of special dietary requirements.

Benefits

Live-in accommodation

Uniform and meals included

Compulsory provident fund contribution

21 consecutive days annual leave

7 consecutive days off per month

Qualifications

• 5–7 years’ professional kitchen experience, with 3+ years in a senior or executive chef role.
• Strong knowledge of health & safety regulations, kitchen audits, and compliance with local food legislation.
• Experience with special dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, celiac, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Oversee culinary operations across both lodges for exceptional dining experiences.
• Manage procurement, cost control, and stock management.
• Lead a multicultural team of chefs and kitchen staff, implementing training programs.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary arts

Budget management

Health & safety regulations

Team management

Education

Diploma/Degree in Professional Cookery

City & Guilds or equivalent certification

Tools

Excel

PlusPoint

Job description

Ziyana Business Consulting and Training | Full time

Executive Chef

kruger national, South Africa | Posted on 24/11/2025

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Executive Chef to oversee culinary operations across both lodges, ensuring exceptional dining experiences aligned with luxury lodge standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma/Degree in Professional Cookery, Culinary Arts, or related field.
• City & Guilds or equivalent certification advantageous.
• 5–7 years’ professional kitchen experience, with 3+ years in a senior or executive chef role.
• Strong knowledge of health & safety regulations, kitchen audits, and compliance with local food legislation.

Culinary & Operational Responsibilities

• Cost control, waste reduction, procurement, and stock management with limited delivery cycles.
• Ensure proper stock rotation and complete month‑end stock takes with the stock controller.
• Maintain departmental budgets, providing motivation for any variances.
• Oversee kitchen equipment maintenance and log any faults with the maintenance manager.
• Ensure high standards of hygiene, presentation, and compliance at all times.

Leadership & Management

• Lead a multicultural team of chefs, trainees, and kitchen staff.
• Develop and implement training and mentorship programs.
• Schedule staff, delegate tasks, and manage performance.
• Handle disciplinary matters in collaboration with the Resident Manager.
• Prepare leave rosters and manage staff performance and development.
• Conduct regular lodge visits (minimum twice weekly) to ensure consistent standards.
• Be present on the floor to ensure buffets and meal presentations remain fresh and well‑maintained.
• Calm, organized, and solution‑driven under pressure.
• Able to adapt to remote bush environments (limited connectivity, wildlife proximity, etc.).
• Passion for sustainability and local sourcing is highly valued.
• Experience with special dietary requirements (vegan, gluten‑free, celiac, etc.).
• Computer literate: Excel (stock control & costings) and PlusPoint.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive between camps at night when required.
• Live‑in accommodation.
• Full package to be discussed during the interview.
• Compulsory provident fund contribution: 5% (CTC).
• Uniform and meals included.
• 7 consecutive days off per month.
• 21 consecutive days annual leave.
• Minimum of 3 contactable managerial references (photo verification required).