Executive Chef — Lead Fine Dining & Culinary Innovation

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development

Employee discounts on accommodation &d

Relocation assistance

Provident fund

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prestigious hospitality venue in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal to recruit an Executive Chef with a proven track record in fine dining and high-volume operations. You will lead a diverse kitchen team, shape culinary direction, and ensure exceptional guest experiences.

In this hands-on role, you will develop menus, manage food costs, uphold HACCP standards, and mentor staff while maintaining the highest levels of quality, creativity, and presentation across all

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years as Executive Chef or Head Chef in a high-volume, reputable establishment.
• Formal culinary education from a recognised institution is essential.
• Extensive knowledge of various cuisines, cooking techniques, and presentation methods.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse workforce.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and budget control.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and HACCP principles.
• Proficiency in menu engineering and development.
• Creative flair and a passion for culinary excellence.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Experience working within Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal or a similar South African context preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative menus for all outlets, reflecting seasonal availability and current culinary trends.
• Oversee all day-to-day culinary operations, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Manage and mentor the kitchen brigade, fostering a positive and productive work environment, and providing ongoing training and development.
• Control food costs and inventory, implement effective purchasing strategies, and minimize waste to achieve budget targets.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and sanitation regulations and standards.
• Collaborate with the management team on menu planning, pricing, and special events.
• Maintain an impeccable standard of cleanliness and organization within the kitchen and storage areas.
• Source high-quality ingredients, building strong relationships with local suppliers.
• Continuously explore new culinary techniques and presentation styles to keep the menu fresh and exciting.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to kitchen staff.

Skills

Leadership

Food cost control

HACCP

Menu engineering

Time management

Communication

Education

Formal culinary education

Job description

Placements24 is assisting a prestigious hospitality venue in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal to recruit an Executive Chef with a proven track record in fine dining and high-volume operations. You will lead a diverse kitchen team, shape culinary direction, and ensure exceptional guest experiences.

In this hands-on role, you will develop menus, manage food costs, uphold HACCP standards, and mentor staff while maintaining the highest levels of quality, creativity, and presentation across all