Executive Chef - Coastal Resort

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary and benefits

Accommodation assistance may be provid

Growth opportunities and recognition

Full access to resort facilities

Generous leave allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Executive Chef for a luxurious coastal resort in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. Lead all culinary operations across multiple outlets, set the direction, ensure quality and creativity, manage kitchen staff, and uphold hygiene standards.

The role requires 7+ years of leadership in a high-end resort or hotel, a formal culinary degree, strong cost control and HACCP knowledge, and proven ability to inspire a team and deliver memorable dining experiences.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive culinary leadership, ideally in luxury resorts or hotels.
• Formal culinary degree or equivalent professional certification.
• Extensive knowledge of cuisines, techniques and presentation.
• Proven experience managing large kitchen teams and budgets.
• Strong HACCP and food safety expertise.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to innovate under pressure and adapt to dynamic guest demands.
• Financial acumen with cost-control experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations, including menu development, food preparation and service for all resort outlets.
• Lead, mentor and manage the kitchen brigade, fostering excellence and teamwork.
• Develop and implement creative, seasonal menus aligned with the resort’s brand and guest expectations.
• Manage food costs, inventory procurement, and profitability while minimizing waste.
• Maintain impeccable standards of food safety, sanitation and hygiene.
• Collaborate with management on budgeting and financial performance of the culinary department.
• Ensure consistent quality and presentation of all dishes.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing training for kitchen staff.
• Stay updated on culinary trends to keep offerings fresh and exciting.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food safety (HACCP)

Budget management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a luxurious coastal resort situated in the scenic town of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a visionary and highly accomplished Executive Chef. This is a premier opportunity to lead all culinary operations, including multiple restaurants, bars, and banqueting facilities, within a stunning resort environment. The Executive Chef will be responsible for setting the culinary direction, ensuring exceptional quality and creativity across all dining experiences, managing kitchen staff, controlling food costs, and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety. We are looking for a passionate culinary leader with a proven ability to innovate, inspire a team, and deliver memorable gastronomic experiences to a discerning clientele. The role demands creativity, strong leadership, financial acumen, and a deep understanding of resort and fine dining operations in Richards Bay .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations, including menu development, food preparation, and service delivery for all resort outlets.


• Lead, mentor, and manage the entire kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.


• Develop and implement creative and seasonal menus that align with the resort's brand and guest expectations.


• Manage food costs, inventory control, and procurement, ensuring profitability and minimizing waste.


• Maintain impeccable standards of food safety, sanitation, and hygiene throughout the kitchens.


• Collaborate with management on strategic planning, budgeting, and financial performance of the culinary department.


• Ensure consistent quality and presentation of all dishes served.


• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing training and development for kitchen staff.


• Stay updated on culinary trends and innovations to keep the resort's offerings fresh and exciting.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, preferably in a high-end resort or hotel environment.


• Formal culinary degree or equivalent professional certification.


• Extensive knowledge of various cuisines, cooking techniques, and food presentation.


• Proven experience in managing large kitchen teams and budgets.


• Strong understanding of HACCP and other food safety regulations.


• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.


• Demonstrated creativity and passion for exceptional food.


• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing demands in a dynamic environment.


• Financial acumen and experience with cost control measures.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package.


• Opportunity to lead culinary operations at a premier KwaZulu-Natal resort.


• Accommodation assistance may be provided.


• Significant opportunities for professional growth and recognition.


• Full access to resort facilities.


• Generous leave allowance.