Executive Chef

Wild Dreams Hospitality; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Wild Dreams Hospitality is looking for a passionate Chef to lead their kitchen operations in South Africa. This live-in role involves designing creative menus, maintaining high standards of food quality and hygiene, and managing a kitchen team at a remote lodge. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership experience, a professional chef qualification, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment. An advantage is given to candidates with relevant training in culinary management and sustainability practices.

Qualifications

• Proven senior kitchen leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently in a remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement creative menus for remote lodge operations.
• Oversee the daily operation of the kitchen and culinary team.
• Manage food costs, stock control, ordering, and waste management.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen Management

Food Safety

Cost Control

Education

Recognised Professional Chef Qualification

Food Safety & Hygiene Certification

Culinary Management or Hospitality Management qualification

Job description

This role is ideally suited to a passionate hospitality professional with strong leadership ability, excellent kitchen management skills, and experience working within remote lodge environments. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering exceptional dining experiences while maintaining high standards of kitchen operations, food quality, hygiene, and cost control.

Candidate Responsibilities

• Design and implement creative menus suited to remote lodge operations and seasonal ingredient availability
• Oversee the full daily operation of the kitchen and culinary team
• Lead, train, mentor, and manage the kitchen brigade to maintain high culinary standards
• Ensure consistency in food preparation, presentation, and guest dining experiences
• Manage food costs, stock control, ordering, and waste management effectively
• Maintain strict food safety, hygiene, and kitchen compliance standards
• Coordinate and execute unique dining experiences including boma dinners, bush meals, and private dining events
• Work closely with lodge management to ensure seamless guest service delivery
• Ensure efficient kitchen administration and operational planning
• Maintain a professional, positive, and team-focused kitchen environment
• Adapt menus and kitchen operations according to occupancy levels, guest preferences, and operational requirements

Core Criteria

• Qualified Chef with proven senior kitchen leadership experience
• Previous safari lodge or remote hospitality experience essential
• Strong leadership, organisational, and staff management skills
• Excellent planning, stock management, and food cost control abilities
• Ability to work independently and efficiently in a remote environment
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene standards
• Recognised Professional Chef Qualification (City & Guilds, CATHSSETA, SA Chefs Association, or equivalent international qualification)
• Food Safety & Hygiene Certification (HACCP or equivalent)
• Passion for quality cuisine, creativity, and guest satisfaction
• Ability to work weekends, public holidays, and peak operational periods
• Culinary Management or Hospitality Management qualification (advantageous)
• Advanced training in cost control or kitchen management (advantageous)
• Sustainability or farm-to-table culinary training relevant to safari lodge environments (advantageous)

This is a live-in role and is aimed at Namibian residents and citizens.