Executive Chef - Boutique Hotel

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses based on performance

Medical aid

Provident fund

Staff meals

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an innovative Executive Chef for a prestigious boutique hotel in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will lead culinary operations, create exceptional dining experiences, and drive menu development while maintaining top standards of quality and presentation.

You will manage a fast-paced kitchen, train staff, control costs, and ensure HACCP-compliant practices. A culinary degree and luxury-hotel experience are preferred to elevate the hotel’s culinary direction.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive culinary experience, with 3+ years in Executive/Head Chef roles in luxury settings.
• Culinary degree or recognized apprenticeship/qualification.
• Expertise in menu development, food costing, and inventory management.
• Strong leadership, staff development, and team motivation abilities.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations and sanitation practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations for restaurant, banquets, and room service.
• Develop creative, seasonal menus aligned with brand and guest expectations.
• Train and mentor the kitchen team to foster a positive work environment.
• Control costs through inventory management, waste reduction, and supplier negotiations.
• Ensure HACCP compliance and safe, hygienic kitchen practices.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Cost control

Food safety

Team management

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

Kitchen management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly acclaimed boutique hotel in **Tembisa, Gauteng**, is looking for an innovative and experienced Executive Chef to lead its culinary operations. This role is perfect for a culinary artist passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences, managing a vibrant kitchen team, and maintaining the highest standards of food quality and presentation. The Executive Chef will be responsible for menu development, sourcing premium ingredients, controlling costs, and ensuring a safe and hygienic kitchen environment. This is a hands-on position requiring creativity, leadership, and a dedication to culinary excellence in a demanding, fast-paced setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and presentation for the hotel's restaurant, banquets, and room service.
• Develop creative, seasonal menus that reflect current culinary trends and local influences, while aligning with the hotel's brand and guest expectations.
• Manage, train, and mentor the kitchen brigade, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Control food costs through effective inventory management, waste reduction, and supplier negotiations.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards (HACCP principles).
• Collaborate with the Food & Beverage Manager to ensure profitability and operational efficiency.
• Source high-quality ingredients from reputable suppliers, building strong relationships.
• Conduct regular quality control checks on all dishes leaving the kitchen.
• Manage kitchen budgets, labor costs, and operational expenses effectively.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and innovations in culinary arts.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3 years in an Executive Chef or Head Chef role, preferably within a luxury hotel or fine dining establishment.
• Culinary degree or recognized apprenticeship/qualification.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu development, food costing, and inventory management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations and sanitation practices.
• Proficiency in kitchen management software and standard office applications.
• Creative flair and a passion for delivering outstanding culinary creations.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing demands in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• performance-based bonuses
• comprehensive medical aid
• a provident fund
• subsidized staff meals
• creative freedom to shape the hotel's culinary direction and benefit from professional development opportunities
• Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering unforgettable dining experiences in **Tembisa, Gauteng**.