Executive Chef - Luxury Lodge Culinary Leader

Zohorecruit; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 296,000 - 354,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head Chef for a prestigious luxury lodge in Hoedspruit. This senior leadership position requires hands-on kitchen management across multiple dining environments, mentoring junior staff and maintaining the highest culinary standards.

Ideal candidates bring 4–5 years in luxury hospitality, strong leadership, menu development flair, and a calm, detail-focused approach under pressure. A valid driver’s license is required as part of responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4-5 years' experience in a similar Head Chef role within a luxury lodge or high-end hospitality environment
• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Creative approach to menu development and current food trends
• Calm, composed, and effective under pressure
• High level of attention to detail and refined presentation standards

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily running of the kitchen in collaboration with the Executive Chef
• Maintain exceptional levels of cleanliness and hygiene within the kitchen
• Manage full kitchen inventory, stock control, and procurement in line with health and safety standards
• Oversee food preparation and ensure consistent quality and presentation
• Approve and conduct final checks on dishes before service to guests
• Supervise and discipline kitchen staff, including chefs and scullery team
• Manage dietary requirements and special guest requests
• Ensure all set-up requirements for dining services and functions are completed on time
• Manage the kitchen pass, including expediting hot, cold, and pastry sections
• Handle guest feedback and resolve any kitchen-related complaints professionally
• Manage rosters and staffing requirements
• Oversee scullery operations and kitchen cleaning programmes
• Ensure recipe consistency, product knowledge, and prep-list execution
• Conduct purchasing, invoice capturing, stock takes, and daily and month-end reporting
• Manage kitchen equipment maintenance and preventative repair programmes

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Menu development

Food trends

Attention to detail

Mentoring

Driver's license

Job description

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head Chef for a prestigious luxury lodge in Hoedspruit. This senior leadership position requires hands-on kitchen management across multiple dining environments, mentoring junior staff and maintaining the highest culinary standards.

Ideal candidates bring 4–5 years in luxury hospitality, strong leadership, menu development flair, and a calm, detail-focused approach under pressure. A valid driver’s license is required as part of responsibilities.