Executive Chef: Luxury Lodge Kitchen Leader & Menu Innovator

Bright Placements; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Bright Placements in Polokwane is seeking an Executive Chef to lead all kitchen operations in a luxury lodge setting. You will drive menu development, ensure exceptional food quality, manage budgeting and food costs, and guarantee compliance with HACCP and health regulations.

You will mentor and schedule a diverse culinary team, work with Front of House to deliver outstanding guest experiences across breakfast, lunch, dinner and events, and stay ahead of culinary trends.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Culinary Arts, Professional Cookery, or Hospitality Management.
• HACCP certification preferred; additional culinary qualifications are advantageous.
• Experience in luxury lodges, five-star hotels, or fine dining is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and presentation of all dishes.
• Design, develop, and regularly update seasonal and signature menus.
• Ensure all food is prepared and presented in accordance with company standards.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, and consistency across all meal services.
• Manage kitchen budgets, food costs, and labour costs to achieve financial targets.
• Source high-quality ingredients while maintaining supplier relationships.
• Oversee stock ordering, inventory management, and stock rotation procedures.
• Minimise food waste through effective planning and cost control measures.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health regulations.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Budgeting

Food safety HACCP

Staff training

Staff scheduling

Quality control

Supplier negotiations

Education

Diploma or Degree in Culinary Arts / Hospitality Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Hospitality management systems

Job description

Bright Placements in Polokwane is seeking an Executive Chef to lead all kitchen operations in a luxury lodge setting. You will drive menu development, ensure exceptional food quality, manage budgeting and food costs, and guarantee compliance with HACCP and health regulations.

You will mentor and schedule a diverse culinary team, work with Front of House to deliver outstanding guest experiences across breakfast, lunch, dinner and events, and stay ahead of culinary trends.